Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: Erratic Air Conditioning Problem, r134 conversion, problem customer

Question
QUESTION: My folks have a 1991 Honda Accord in great condition.  They do have a problem with the air conditioner though.  The air conditioner seems to work when the ambient temperature outside is below 75 degrees.  On hotter days, it will start to work and then it cuts outs (blows warm air only).  What could cause this?

ANSWER: Hey David,

First thing that comes to mind is a low charge in the a/c system. My questions to you are how long does it take before the a/c starts blowing warm air? and When was the a/c system last serviced? Also listen for the click from the a/c compressor that will tell if the system is working. Let me know those two things and I will be able to give you more clear answer.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: With the temperature outside above 75 degrees the air conditioner will come on for a few minutes and then it will just blow warm air.  My father brought the car into the local Honda delaership 2 years ago and this is what the work order says: "Complaint:  The A/C is working, but at times the A/C fades out when in use. Then customer will turn off the A/C and back on again, then it will work again no problem. Customer was driving for about 15 minutes and it would fade.

Cause:  We suspect that the Freon is just a little low on charge but we cannot test in current state

Corrections:      A/C is working at this time.  Recommend to evacuate the R12 and perform R134a conversion.  The we can perform pressure test and recharge the system".

Is this inforamtion helpful at all?  Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
I don't understand why they couldn't test the system in the current state because at my shop I tested and repaired R12 systems all the time, granted it is a little more expensive for the freon but none the less still repairable. I recommend you take it to a shop and have them test the a/c system for proper charge and possible leaks. A R134 conversion would be a good idea if you are planing to keep the car for a while because R12 is becoming more expensive because they don't make it anymore. I hope that was of some help to you.