A/C Prob - Honda Prelude Forum

jsmooney · 05-28-2003, 11:57 PM

My AC is almost like the compressor doesn't "work", the green AC light is on and everything, but the air is the same with the ac on as it is without it on. then sometimes it just "works" but more of the time it doesnt? is this covered under the recall? any ideas?

G_Loc · 05-29-2003, 11:38 AM

does it cool perfectly fine at night but not so much during the day or when its hot out?

jsmooney · 05-29-2003, 11:41 AM

it's works pretty much whenever it wants to. last night it was as hot as it was during the day, then it just started working for about 5 mins then stopped again. I ahve to ride around with my windows down....

G_Loc · 05-29-2003, 11:44 AM

hmmm

see if the clutch is engaging. with the A/C on, look at the compressor, if the middle part of the pulley is spinning (the clutch), then its engaged. if not... well its time for some more troubleshooting.

Scalifludesi · 05-29-2003, 02:27 PM

so the clutch engages and disengages frequently? Like it won't engage that long eventhough it's hot outside? If so, the thermal sensor on the clutch is about go. Just get your compressor rebuilt. Mine cost about $150 to rebuild and it's blowing super cold air now

Before you consider about rebuilding it though, make sure the AC clutch relay is in perfect condition. Also try shorting the wires that goes through the thermostat and see if it disangages. If the clutch disengages with the thermostat wires shorted, then it's time for a compressor rebuild.

jsmooney · 05-29-2003, 02:45 PM

holy crap....i am taking mine to the local shop that i trust to let them make sure what the problem is...

brendon2k · 05-29-2003, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UBetterBelieveIt
holy crap....i am taking mine to the local shop that i trust to let them make sure what the problem is...

why what did you expect? if you the compressor rebuilt you will also have to recharge the freon.

94LOOD · 05-29-2003, 03:58 PM

what was the specifications of the recall for compressors that im hearing about?

quickprelude · 05-30-2003, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LilImportkid
what was the specifications of the recall for compressors that im hearing about?

im interested in this too.....mines making grinding/whirly noises right now. if there was a recall, i wanna hav these ****ers fix it for free before it breaks this summer

94LOOD · 05-30-2003, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by quickprelude

im interested in this too.....mines making grinding/whirly noises right now. if there was a recall, i wanna hav these ****ers fix it for free before it breaks this summer

exactley what i was thinking, now does anyone know anything about it?

Phamine · 07-11-2003, 12:36 PM

Are you sure that the clutch engages when the middle part of the pulley(rotor pulley) is rotating? That's always rotating when the engine is on. There is an outter part of the pulley(armature pulley) is supposed to spin when the AC clutch is on.

To check:

1. Remove winshield fluid waterneck (10mm)
2. Remove the AC relay, it has a white/green wire and Solid Red
3. Check Relay by powering the switched part of the relay(Silver connectors)
4. Use Multimeter to check gold connectors for contiinuity.
5. Check the relay connector for voltage(12V) from white/green and solid red.
6. Jump white/green and red wire from the relay connector - turn on car and see if the compressor clutch engages
7. Disconnect compressor connector by the fan
8. Check for continuity from connector(not connector on compressor) and red wire on relay connector.
9. Check for armanture rotor clearance from the rotor pulley
10. Check thermal protector(it's the Insulated Female side of the connector located on the compressor) for continuity with the compressor side of the connector.
11. Check field coil resistance(male side of the connector you just disconnected) Should be around 3.2 ohms

Seems like my armanture rotor does not have proper clearance - but why would it matter if I can turn it with my hand easily?

Quote:

Originally posted by G_Loc
hmmm

see if the clutch is engaging. with the A/C on, look at the compressor, if the middle part of the pulley is spinning (the clutch), then its engaged. if not... well its time for some more troubleshooting.

jsmooney · 07-11-2003, 12:47 PM

Thanks!!

G_Loc · 07-11-2003, 01:10 PM

i should have worded that differently... i meant like if you could look at it dead on from the pulley side, the middle would be spinning when the clutch is engaged, sorry

Fast&furiuslude · 07-11-2003, 04:15 PM

This happens to almost ALL 4th gens. If you take out the piece under your A/C vents there is 2 connectors that go up into the control board. Turn on your car and play with the wires a lil and the compressor is bound to come on for you but im not promising itll stay on. I have to play with mine for it to come on but now it wont even engage. Im takin it to a shop monday. Its either a loose wire in the connector or the wires in the main A/C board have become unsoldered kinda like the Main Relay switch that goes bad in 4th gens.