Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Home >> Honda >> 2012 >> Civic Si L4-2.4L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Heating and Air Conditioning >> Testing and Inspection >> Component Tests and General Diagnostics >> A/C System Test

A/C System Test






A/C System Test





Test

CAUTION:
* Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
* Be careful when connecting service equipment.
* Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.

The A/C system test will help determine if the A/C system is operating within specifications.

NOTE:
* If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
* Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

1. A/C System Inspection




NOTE: For A/C system noise, go to the A/C System Noise Check.

Before troubleshooting any problem with the A/C system, other than noise, do the following:

1. Check that the HVAC air intake plenum at the base of the windshield is not blocked by leaves or debris. Remove any blockage.

2. Check for kinks or sharp bends in the A/C lines and hoses (which can greatly reduce system performance). If any of the A/C lines and hoses are kinked or bent, replace them.

3. Inspect the A/C components, the pressure lines, and the hoses for stains that may indicate a refrigerant or an A/C compressor oil leak. If there is any indication of leaks, do the Refrigerant Leak Check to confirm the leak(s).

4. Inspect the drive belt for physical damage or signs of slippage. If the drive belt is damaged or shows signs of slippage, replace it and recheck.





5. Check the A/C condenser (A) for material clogging the fins (dirt, insects, etc.). If the A/C condenser is clogged or restricted, carefully clean any material from the A/C condenser fins with water and detergent. If deeper cleaning is required, clean the fins with HondaBrite cleaner. Be sure to dry the A/C condenser completely.

6. Check the A/C condenser for fin damage (bent fins). If any of the A/C condenser fins are bent, try to comb them straight. Do the Refrigerant Leak Check to check for leaks if there is visible damage to the A/C condenser. If the A/C condenser is leaking or the fins cannot be straightened, replace the A/C condenser.

7. Check the dust and pollen filter. If the dust and pollen filter is clogged or restricted, replace it.

8. Check for HVAC DTCs using the Self-Diagnostic Function. If there are any DTCs, go to the appropriate troubleshooting.

9. Start the engine, turn the A/C system on, and allow it to run for a few minutes and reach stable operation.

10. Check that the A/C operates at each position of the fan control dial or fan control button (except OFF). If the A/C does not operate at all fan control dial or fan control button positions, refer to the symptom troubleshooting.





11. Check that the A/C compressor clutch armature plate (A) is rotating at the same speed as the pulley and is engaging. If the A/C compressor clutch is not engaging properly, go to the A/C Compressor Clutch Circuit Troubleshooting.

12. Check that the A/C condenser fan (B) and the radiator fan (C) operate when the A/C compressor clutch is engaged and blow air toward the engine compartment. If one or both of the fans is not working properly, refer to the symptom troubleshooting.

13. Check that the engine idle speed is correctly maintained when the A/C is switched on and off, (A/C compressor clutch is engaged and disengaged). If the idle speed increases more than 100 rpm when the A/C compressor engages, confirm that the A/C compressor is the cause of the idle speed increase. Replace the A/C compressor, if necessary.

Removal

CAUTION:
* Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
* Be careful when connecting service equipment.
* Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.

NOTE:
* If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
* Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

1. R-134a Refrigerant Recovery/Recycling/Charging Station - Connection





1. Connect an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station (A) to the high-pressure service port (B) and the low-pressure service port (C), as shown, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

2. Glove Box - Move





1. Lower the glove box (A).

Test

1. A/C System - Test





1. Insert a thermometer (A) in the center vent.

2. Place a hygro-thermometer (B) near the blower unit's recirculation inlet duct.

3. Test conditions:

* Move the vehicle out of direct sunlight and let it cool down to the surrounding (ambient) temperature. If necessary, wash the vehicle to cool it down more quickly.
* The blower intake temperature must be at least 68°F (20°C).
* Open the hood.
* Open the front doors.
* Start the engine.
* Set the temperature control dial or temperature control button to Max Cool, the mode control button to Vent, and the recirculation control button to Recirculate.
* Turn the A/C button on and the fan control dial or fan control button to Max.
* Run the engine at 1,500 rpm.
* No driver or passengers in vehicle.

4. Inspect the A/C components for the following conditions:

* A/C compressor clutch not engaged.
* Abnormal frost areas.
* Unusual noises.

If you observe any of these conditions, refer to the Symptom Troubleshooting Index.

5. After running the air conditioning for 10 minutes under the above test conditions, read the delivery temperature from the thermometer in the center vent, the intake temperature near the blower unit, and the discharge (high) and suction (low) pressures on the A/C gauges.

6. To complete the vent (delivery)/intake temperature chart:

* Mark the vent (delivery) temperature on the vertical line.
* Mark the intake temperature on the bottom line.
* Draw a vertical line from the intake temperature mark.
* Draw a horizontal line from the vent (delivery) temperature mark until it intersects the vertical line.

NOTE: The vent (delivery) temperature and intake temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.





7. To complete the high side (discharge) pressure/intake temperature chart:

* Mark the high side (discharge) pressure on the vertical line.
* Mark the intake temperature on the bottom line.
* Draw a vertical line from the intake temperature mark.
* Draw a horizontal line from the high side (discharge) pressure mark until it intersects the vertical line.

NOTE: The high side (discharge) pressure and intake temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.





8. To complete the low side (suction) pressure/intake temperature chart:

* Mark the low side (suction) pressure along the vertical line.
* Mark the intake temperature along the bottom line.
* Draw a vertical line from the intake temperature mark.
* Draw a horizontal line from the low side (suction) pressure mark until it intersects the vertical line.

NOTE: The low side (suction) pressure and intake temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.





Installation

1. Glove Box - Move





1. Install the glove box (A).
pro multis · About Operation CHARM