Mikeandike

So I just bought my 96 VTEC and the heating and air conditioner doesn't work. This is my first car, and I don't really know what to do. Air still comes out of the vents all right, but the temperature doesn't change. Any advice?

95PreludeNAed

There can be a few things wrong.

For the heat, possibilities are:
1. Stuck Open Thermostat (check to see if the water temp guage goes up halfway - if it does then this is not your issue) If the water temp doesn't go up, then the thermostat is stuck open, and you do have to replace the thermostat.

2. Doors on the hot/cold lever is disconnected or stuck somehow or got loose.

And I'm not sure what else for the heat.

For the A/C, possibilities are:
1. Little to no refrigerant in the a/c system.

2. Internal Failure of Compressor (happened to me) - hondas especially Preludes are notorious for this. If this is the case then you'll have to get a new compressor - you need a compressor that has a 6-groove pulley.

3. Electrical connection to a/c clutch engagement/actuator is bad.

4. Hole in a/c lines allowing refrigerant to escape.

Let me know if you need help diagnosing some of this stuff.

jsmooney

hmm...

Check to make sure there is enough coolant in the system first.

If there is, does the temperature selector move easily or is there a little bit of friction?

If you press the a/c button, can you hear your engine speed change as a result of the compressor kicking on?

Chances are it's the coolant level

jsmooney

dangit - I should have waited a minute.

I think it's coolant level or thermostat. since the heat doesnt work

95PreludeNAed

If you were low on coolant you would've probably experienced some overheating. But thats something to check too.

Sonik_Fury

Could the heater core possibly be bypassed?

__________________
*SONIK*
-95 VTEC

*Short Ram Intake*Greddy SS Header*"Hi-Flo Cat"*Thermal R&D Classic catback*AEM Tru Power Pullies*Front & Rear strut bars*H&R Sport Springs*KYB AGX Shocks*Exedy Racing Clutch*Fidanza Flywheel*ES MM Inserts*..working on it.

95PreludeNAed

what do you mean? so that there's no coolant running through the core? I don't believe so but I do know that there's some type of valve between a couple of heater hoses. What have you figured out?

Mikeandike

Well, I printed off the posts, and went and checked, and I'm pretty sure I'm leaking coolant. Is there anythign I can do to fix it myself?

jsmooney

check to see where it's leaking from. It's probably a leaky/cracked radiator if it's the original. Look for cracks in the top plastic near the radiator hose.

+10pts for mooney

Mikeandike

Well, I took it to Big O tires to see if they could fix the leak, because when I looked at where the drops where coming from, it looked like it was coming from behind the engine. Well, Big O employee Doug looks and pressurizes and tops off and can't find any leak. But even though it's full of coolant, my heat and air still don't work.

mr. brass

Have you found out anything more? I just ripped my whole car apart last night fixing this issue. I may be able to help.

jsmooney

it may also be the two hoses that connect to the firewall or the slider valve

mr. brass

^ yup
Hes right. There are so many questions about this on these forums about weak heat, and I had the same issue. I just got my car 2 days ago and already fixed it. Simple things, most people just expect worse. Check the valve by the heater core, if it doesnt open all the way, push it open. Mine works great now. Also, while you down there, flush the heater core. Take off the upper and lower heater hoses from the motor and flush them backwards (put a garden hose in the heater hose on the right side and BLAST IT. Mine had tons of stuff in it. Try that first. Then check the thermostat. Good luck