Honda Accord LX, 4 Doors, AT, 188K. I used to add refrigant to make A/C cooler every summer and it used to work. This year I found it isn't working after adding two cans. I also noticed passenger side of cooling fan isn't turnning at all. In addition, the driver side of cooling fan turns only 1-2 seconds for every ~25 seconds interval. The low side where I add refrigant isn't cool at all (it is usually very cold and has some vapor). Does anyone know what the problem is? It looks to me the compressor isn't working and refrigant doesn't circulate. Please help! Thanks in advance!

 

Your compressor likely doesnt engage due to an electrical issue. Problem here is this...2 cans have been added and the system is likely overcharged, which can and likely will lock up your compressor when the "Engagement" issue is resolved..at best.......It can also vent the fumes from the "Blow-off " or even rupture a hose from excessive pressure.

Not to you personally, and just a general statement... But A/C "Charging " is not a DIY project. there are two many Variables, and Safety being a #1 priority, It takes the task into the realm of "Leave it to the pros".....

Electrical troubleshooting is well within the DIY scope, and "Kudos to Ya" if you are willing to undertake that aspect yourself. Simply put, How cold it gets in the car doesnt matter to you if you are Blinded and frostbitten. Just this year alone I have seen a "Home charge" refrigerant can rupture, and heard of two others. All 3 were seriously injured.

 

Thanks for your replied and warnings! I agree with you on the safty side. Regarding to my car problem, I had A/C checked by pros 3-4 years ago and found it has a little leak in A/C system. It is 1990 car and I think it wouldn't worth to pay ~$600 to fix A/C at that time. I decided to recharge freon with leak fix. It works for since then, but I just need to add a 12oz can freon every summer. I found my A/C isn't blowing cold enough air a month ago. Therefore, I add a 12oz can two weeks ago. During this two weeks, I didn't feel any change in terms of cold air blow out. I added an additional can just a couple hours ago. While adding freon, I found fan and compressor problem. It was like that before adding 2nd can of freon. All belts are working, but just didn't seems freon is cycling. Any idea?

 

Whats done is done, but lose that stuff.....It causes more harm than good. It can clog small orifices that were intentionally meant to restrict flow, or even Jam a compressor.


The wiring diagram is your best tool at this point. there will be a series of switches that measure pressures at various points in the system, possibly one that measures the Ambient air temp, a relay for the compressor and 1 or more fuses.

The cycling fan may be normal, since the control module doesnt see a change in pressure with the corresponding A/C request. since you are getting a response from the A/C request circuitry, I would guess your troubleshooting should begin at the secondary( ACCESORY DRIVE) side of the compressor relay.