I have a Honda civic 06 coupe (130k miles) I have kept up on regular maintenance, but I have never heard of maintenance regarding the AC. It isnt blowing warm air, but it is not as effective as it used to be. I have never had the AC worked on since owning the vehicle in 2011, and was wondering if I should leave it be, try one of those recharge kits, or take it to a pro. There is a local dealer that charges 110 for AC servicing, not sure if that is the way tomgo or not. Anyone have a recommendation for what to do to make sure this AC lasts as long as the rest of this car? Thanks!
Civic 06 AC question
- Thread starter houdini1313
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For $110 I would let the dealer do it.
Recharge kit from Walmart worked great for my 2007 Civic, it got the A/C very cold.
You need to be able to check the pressures if you refill it. Go to a shop
The "right" way to do it is to use a machine which pulls out the (usually) R 134 and creates a vacuum within the system. Then if there are no leaks, a full fill of refrigerant is added by the weight listed for a particular car while the before and after the compressor pressures are observed on a gauge set. Often the receiver dryer is changed as well, especially if the system has been "open" for a long time, that is, due to a major leak which left zero refrigerant pressure and allowed outside air (with humidity) in.
Car systems must have flex hoses and use threaded fittings, the flex hoses are often lined with teflon to make it less likely for R 134 to migrate through. (There was less of a problem with R 12.) Auto compressors have a weak spot at the seal where the drive shaft enters. When it wears a very slow leak develops there. Appliance systems have an electric motor driven system which is entirely in a can INSIDE the pressurized loop. If the compressor leaks a bit it's just into the system, not out into the atmosphere. (Motor failures, however, can make a mess of the entire system.
As another post pointed out, appliance lines are metal and soldered.
If your system is just not cooling because of a small leak causing refrigerant level to be low (but not low enough to trigger the low refrigerant shutoff) you may notice uneven cooling with cold air from some vents and warmer air from others. That's when adding a small amount yourself can bring it back to full operation. I've seen as little as 6 oz from a 12 oz can do the trick. Follow the instructions (engine running, compressor on) and when you get cold air evenly from all the vents, stop adding. You can't fix a system that isn't cooling at all this way, it needs the attention of a shop with the right equipment. A full refill requires a specific amount of oil of the right type to be added along with the refrigerant. Leave that to the pros.
Car systems must have flex hoses and use threaded fittings, the flex hoses are often lined with teflon to make it less likely for R 134 to migrate through. (There was less of a problem with R 12.) Auto compressors have a weak spot at the seal where the drive shaft enters. When it wears a very slow leak develops there. Appliance systems have an electric motor driven system which is entirely in a can INSIDE the pressurized loop. If the compressor leaks a bit it's just into the system, not out into the atmosphere. (Motor failures, however, can make a mess of the entire system.
As another post pointed out, appliance lines are metal and soldered.
If your system is just not cooling because of a small leak causing refrigerant level to be low (but not low enough to trigger the low refrigerant shutoff) you may notice uneven cooling with cold air from some vents and warmer air from others. That's when adding a small amount yourself can bring it back to full operation. I've seen as little as 6 oz from a 12 oz can do the trick. Follow the instructions (engine running, compressor on) and when you get cold air evenly from all the vents, stop adding. You can't fix a system that isn't cooling at all this way, it needs the attention of a shop with the right equipment. A full refill requires a specific amount of oil of the right type to be added along with the refrigerant. Leave that to the pros.
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Forget about doing it yourself. You need to find an ASE certified tech do AC work. You can't get it right with the kits you get a Walmart. The difference on some AC systems between low and too full is about 3 ounces.
In 5 minutes and my A/C was very cold, I bought the big bottle for all my cars.
Originally Posted By: houdini1313
I have a Honda civic 06 coupe (130k miles) I have kept up on regular maintenance, but I have never heard of maintenance regarding the AC. It isnt blowing warm air, but it is not as effective as it used to be. I have never had the AC worked on since owning the vehicle in 2011, and was wondering if I should leave it be, try one of those recharge kits, or take it to a pro. There is a local dealer that charges 110 for AC servicing, not sure if that is the way tomgo or not. Anyone have a recommendation for what to do to make sure this AC lasts as long as the rest of this car? Thanks!
My dad was having issues last year so I bought a kit with a gauge and all for $30. I've used it on my dads Chevy and a family member's Honda. Both said the air is colder now. The gauge showed both a bit low. For $30 I'm 2/2 although I'd venture to guess, eventually, they'll both need a complete reworking of their entire AC system. It was pretty idiot proof, IMO. Directions were easy.
I have a Honda civic 06 coupe (130k miles) I have kept up on regular maintenance, but I have never heard of maintenance regarding the AC. It isnt blowing warm air, but it is not as effective as it used to be. I have never had the AC worked on since owning the vehicle in 2011, and was wondering if I should leave it be, try one of those recharge kits, or take it to a pro. There is a local dealer that charges 110 for AC servicing, not sure if that is the way tomgo or not. Anyone have a recommendation for what to do to make sure this AC lasts as long as the rest of this car? Thanks!
My dad was having issues last year so I bought a kit with a gauge and all for $30. I've used it on my dads Chevy and a family member's Honda. Both said the air is colder now. The gauge showed both a bit low. For $30 I'm 2/2 although I'd venture to guess, eventually, they'll both need a complete reworking of their entire AC system. It was pretty idiot proof, IMO. Directions were easy.
Also change the cabin filter, it's behind the glovebox if you don't know.
I will replace the cabin filter (I do that every year...and its about due) While I think Incould do the recharge, think I will do the 110 with a trained tech looking at it, might be cheaper in the long run.
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Originally Posted By: HosteenJorje
Forget about doing it yourself. You need to find an ASE certified tech do AC work. You can't get it right with the kits you get a Walmart. The difference on some AC systems between low and too full is about 3 ounces.
+1
Forget about doing it yourself. You need to find an ASE certified tech do AC work. You can't get it right with the kits you get a Walmart. The difference on some AC systems between low and too full is about 3 ounces.
+1
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