# 2008 Honda Civic AC/Defroster Problems **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** civic, honda\ **Created:** [March 3, 2018, 11:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-honda-civic-ac-defroster-problems/113144 "2018-03-03T23:38:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![larybm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/df788c/32.png) [@larybm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/larybm)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2018, 11:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-honda-civic-ac-defroster-problems/113144/1 "2018-03-03T23:38:23Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![COROLLAGUY1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/corollaguy1/32/7575_2.png) [@COROLLAGUY1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/COROLLAGUY1)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2018, 12:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-honda-civic-ac-defroster-problems/113144/2 "2018-03-04T00:15:51Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2018, 12:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-honda-civic-ac-defroster-problems/113144/3 "2018-03-04T00:37:34Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2018, 2:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-honda-civic-ac-defroster-problems/113144/4 "2018-03-04T02:19:00Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![larybm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/df788c/32.png) [@larybm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/larybm)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2018, 8:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-honda-civic-ac-defroster-problems/113144/5 "2018-03-05T08:00:23Z")
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