2008 Honda Civic AC/Defroster Problems

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

First time poster - I apologize for the long post.

I wanted to ask around and get some feedback before taking the car into a shop.
I have a 2008 Honda Civic with 63K Miles.

I am having problems with the AC/Defroster. AC blows cool but not super cold air when driving.
However when stopped or in stop and go traffic, at best I get best cool air.

There is a noticeable higher pitched whooshing/blowing sound when the compressor engages - imagine a jet engine spooling up for takeoff.

The Defroster does work well enough to clear the windshield.

To date, it has not blown warm or hot air.

In addition:

  • I have checked the compressor/clutch and it does engage when the AC is turned on.
  • I have not seen any issues with the Belts locking up, fraying etc…
  • Both Radiator and Condenser Fans run. Have checked for debris etc…
  • Condenser does drain.
  • No water in the car from a plugged drain.
  • Noise is Not present when only the Fan/Vent is running.
  • No OBD2 Codes were generated.
  • Checked the AC Pressure late last summer. With an outdoor temp of about 90+ Degrees. The Low Port showed roughly 37 PSI. High port showed about 160 PSI. I believe but I am not sure that these numbers were low.
  • Recharged the System at when it was about 90+ degrees. System would not pressurize past 38-40 PSI on the low side even after using nearly an entire can (unfortunately I did not have access to a high port gauge when I recharged the system).

This did make any difference.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Larry

2

A dirty cabin air filter will prevent the a/c system to work at its peak…change it if your car has one.
If the A/C light is blinking like in my Corolla, the a/c needs a recharge or it indicates a system malfunction. You won’t get an OBD2 code with an A/C malfonction.

3

My impression OP is you’ve done all the common sense things already. Suggest to take it to an AC specialist shop. Don’t try to solve this problem by overcharging the system.

4

Check the coolant level before driving this vehicle again. The heater won’t blow hot if the coolant is low and operating with a low coolant level can result in engine damage.

The A/C would probably be colder if the refrigerant level was correct, adding a can is the wrong approach, plus or minus 2-3 ounces of refrigerant can cause performance problems. The preferred method would be to reclaim the refrigerant, evacuate the system, then charge to correct amount.

5

Hi All

Thank you for the replies and ideas. In regards to some of the posts:

  • The heater does blow hot air and appears to work correctly
  • I have not checked the coolant level however the temp gauge does not indicate any overheating
  • I did change the cabin air filter and checked for any obstructions, junk etc…
  • Civics do not have an AC specific warning light. There is the generic check engine light. But that has not come on

Thanks!

Larry