So you noticed that your Honda AC is not working? Probably you’ve turned it off and on again and checked the button controls to see if they’re damaged or faulty and still, the AC fails to come up. Well, there are many reasons for Honda Accord AC failure, and you will find some of the most common causes here and the fixes to apply.
Fortunately, AC system faults are quite easy to diagnose so regardless of the year of your Honda Accord, you should be able to pinpoint the problem on your own. However, that doesn’t mean you should try to fix everything by yourself. There are some issues that would require a professional to look at but you should be able to settle the most common problems without any extra help.
Honda Accord AC Not Working: Most Likely Causes
- Faulty Compressor
- Faulty Valve
- Insufficient Pressure
- Low Level of Refrigerant
Honda Accord AC Not Working: How to Fix
Inspect the AC compressor
The compressor is the heart of the Honda Accord A/C system. If it fails to come on, then the AC system won’t work and you won’t get a cold cabin. You can inspect the compressor to see if it working as it should.
If it doesn’t come on, then you can check if there is power going to the compressor and if the compressor belt is in good condition. If there is no power going to the compressor, then you’re probably dealing with a blown fuse, faulty wiring, or several other faults. It would be easier to have your mechanic take a look at the system to isolate the cause.
Also, inspect the AC compressor for leaks. It is usually painted silver and attached to the right side of the engine. If you notice any leaks or there is power going to the compressor and yet it fails to come on, then you would have to shop for a replacement.
The AC hoses may also have to be replaced. Check for leakage and replace if you find any. You might be able to replace the compressor on your own as it is not welded to the car. It is attached by screws and bolts though taking it off might pose a challenge to the average car owner.
To get it off the vehicle, you would have to remove the mounts, disconnect the coolant attachments, and then remove the faulty compressor. Mount the new compressor and reattach everything. Ensure you bleed any coolant in the system before disconnecting the coolant fittings.
In some cases, the compressor would come on but will cycle and off frequently. This is likely due to low levels of refrigerant and topping up the refrigerant would easily fix the problem.
Check if the valve control is operating correctly
The valve control is another component to check. If it is faulty, then the AC won’t be able to function efficiently. This fix might require a mechanic to handle.
To check the valve, you would have to start the car engine and inspect the AC/heater hoses on the left side of the firewall under the hood.
The hoses are made of aluminum and are just as thick as a regular garden hose. With the engine running, both hoses should be warm but not at the same level. One of the hoses should be cooler when the car is operating normally. However, if both hoses are at the same temperature, then it is likely that the valve control is faulty.
To confirm this further, you would need your mechanic to investigate the hoses and the valve control.
Check if the AC system has sufficient pressure
The AC system requires sufficient pressure to work properly such that, if the pressure is too low or too high, the system won’t come on and it would probably damage other car parts.
To check for sufficient pressure, turn off the engine and attach the AC pressure test gauge.
Take off the black caps from the car’s high and low service ports.
Attach the blue hose to the low service (pressure) port and the red hose to the high (pressure) port.
This will give you a pressure reading which should be between 50 and 80. The actual reading would depend on the year of your car but it should be close.
If you get a reading out of this range, then you will need to get your mechanic to check the vehicle.
There are chances that there could be a leak in the system.
You can confirm this yourself by inspecting the ports.
If you can’t find any leaks on your own, you should have your mechanic check and confirm.
Check the refrigerant level
You can easily tell that the AC system is low on refrigerant by monitoring the compressor clutch.
To check this,
Start the engine and have the AC running at its max level.
Then check under the hood to see if the AC compressor clutch engages. You will not only be able to see it engage but hear it turn over. If the clutch does not turn on, then the system might be low on refrigerant.
You should the system refilled with refrigerant. This is actually a simple process that would require purchasing a can of refrigerant. There are chances that the system has the right amount of refrigerant and you could be dealing with a defective clutch.
While monitoring the clutch, you should ensure that the drive belt is tightly connected to the compressor. Check if the clutch is receiving adequate voltage. If you confirm this, yet the compressor does not engage, then the clutch might be defective and may need to be replaced.
You may also notice a leak around the compressor’s shaft seal. In this case, you would have to get the seal replaced.
You should start by checking if the clutch is defective before concluding that the system is low on refrigerant. If the system is indeed low on refrigerant, then you should look out for leaks and make the necessary fixes before refilling the system with refrigerant.
