QuestionQUESTION: Hello from a fellow allexpert. I'm hoping you can provide some feedback although I certainly understand you can't diagnose a problem you can't personally see.
We have been experiencing a problem with our 2005 Honda Odyssey with the air conditioning. we have noticed that when the car is idling/sitting still -- the A/C blows out essentially "room temperature air," neither cold like it should be, nor warm like a heater. Basically just "air." However, when the car gets warmed up and we are driving it for a while, the air does cool down and seems to be blowing at near or at the cooling temperature that we have it set at. Upon returning to an idle (traffic, etc) the air gets back to where it's no longer cold.
It almost seems like the cooling effect of the air is directly proportional to the RPM if that makes any sense.
Late last summer/early fall, we took the car to the dealership. They did a cursory look at it and claimed that there was a rock hole in the A/C condensor which was causing a leak and recommended replacing A/C Condensor at a cost of nearly $900.
That seemed like a strange diagnosis given that the A/C was working just fine when we drive highway speeds -- if there was a leak and coolant was exiting the condensor -- why would the A/C work at all at any time?
Life got hectic and the temperatures in Virginia dropped and we pretty much forgot about the A/C until a month or two ago -- and need to do something now that it's hot again. Is this something you've ever heard of happening and do you have any thoughts on what it might be?
Thanks,
Mike
ANSWER: Hi Mike
If you can get me some pressures I'll be able to give you and better idea. You could have one of two things. First check your condenser and radiator fans they must both be on when the compressor is running. Some Models may only have one fan but it has to be on when the compressor is engaged. The second thing it could be is a defective compressor. With the pressures I can tell you what is going on. As to the dealer telling you that the condenser is bad If you have not added any refrigerant then they were wrong. Let me know and I'll help.
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QUESTION: Thank you very much for your assistance. Unfortunately I am completely clueless when it comes to automobiles/mechanics -- I can tell you anything you want about finance/insurance, but I don't even have the first idea of how to determine the "pressures" and how to check the fans. How would I go about doing that?
Thanks,
Mike
AnswerThe fans are easy open the hood turn your engine on then the ac and look inside the engine compartment between the engine and the radiator. Look inside and see if the fans are turning. *****DO NOT STICK YOU HANDS INSIDE**** Just look and see if they are turning you may need a flash light even in the daytime. The pressures you will need to take it to a shop and ask them to give the pressures. If you are not sure just call me (Candy) 305-468-8387 I'm open Monday - Friday 7:30 to 5:00 PM
