Honda Civic Service Manual: A/C System Charging

Honda Civic Service Manual / HVAC / Cooling / A/C System Charging

Removal

1.	Glove Box - Move

Lower the glove box (A).

Procedure

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.

Do not operate the leak detector near flammable vapors. Its sensor operates at high temperatures, and could ignite the vapors, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the equipment.

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.

Check the system for leaks using an R-134a refrigerant leak detector with an accuracy of 14 g (0.5 oz) per year or better.

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

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.	A/C Refrigerant - Recovery

Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system.

Measure the amount of refrigerant oil removed from the A/C system after the recovery process is completed. Be sure to put the same amount of new refrigerant oil back into the A/C system before charging.

3.	A/C System Evacuation

Evacuate the system. The vacuum pump should run for a minimum of 30 minutes to eliminate all moisture from the system. When the suction gauge reads -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) for at least 30 minutes, close all valves, and turn off the vacuum pump.

If the suction gauge dose not reach approximately -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) in 15 minutes, there is probably a large leak in the system. Partially charge the system, and check for leaks.

4.	A/C Refrigerant - Charging

Charge the system with the specified amount of R-134a refrigerant. Do not overcharge the system; the A/C compressor will be damaged.

Select the appropriate units of measure for your refrigerant charging station.

Refrigerant Capacity:

375 to 425 g

13.2 to 15.0 oz

0.375 to 0.425 kg

0.827 to 0.937 lbs

5.	A/C Refrigerant - Leak Check

Leak Detector Usage Tips (Refer to the Operator's Manual for complete operating instructions)

Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area. This will aid in detecting small leaks.

When using the leak detector for the first time, allow it to warm up for 2 minutes with the probe in a clean atmosphere. This lets the temperature sensor in the detector stabilize.

The calibration check should be done in the ‘‘Search 2’’ mode. Once that is done, the other check modes do not need calibrating.

When leak checking through the HVAC module drain hose, avoid drawing water into the probe. Water can damage the internal pump and sensor.

Avoid creasing the flexible probe extension. Creases can restrict air flow and give false readings.

Because the detector recalibrates itself for ambient gases, it may be necessary to move the detector away from the leak to clear the sensor. Once the sensor has cleared, recheck the suspected leak.

When removing the clear probe tip, be careful not to lose the flow ball.

R-134a is heavier than air; always check below and to the sides of all potential leak sources.

Halogen leak detectors are sensitive to chemicals: windshield washing solutions, solvents/cleaners, and some vehicle adhesives. Keep these chemicals out of the area when doing leak detection.

Fluorescent Dye Usage Tips

Use only Tracer-Stick single dose fluorescent dye capsules from Tracerline®. Other dyes contain solvents that may contaminate the refrigerant oil, leading to component failure.

Adding excessive amounts of dye can damage the A/C compressor.

PAG oil is water soluble, so condensation on the evaporator core or the refrigerant lines may wash the PAG oil and fluorescent dye away from the actual leak. Condensation may also carry dye through the HVAC module drain.

After checking and repairing leaks, thoroughly clean any residual dye from the areas where leaks were found. Use GLO-AWAY dye cleaner, from Tracerline®, and hot water to remove the dye (follow the instructions on the bottle). Residual dye stains can cause misdiagnosis of any future A/C system leaks.

If any refrigerant dye contacts an exterior paint surface, remove it by doing this:

－

Carefully wash the affected surfaces to remove any dirt, and to prevent paint scratching.

－

Mix water and isopropyl alcohol in a 50/50 mixture. Soak a soft 100 % cotton towel with the water/alcohol mixture, and place the cloth on the affected areas to remove the dye.

－

After removing the dye with the water/alcohol-soaked cloth, carefully wash the affected areas, and check that there is no remaining dye.

With the engine OFF, use a halogen leak detector first to detect the leak source. Follow a continuous path in order to ensure that you will not miss any possible leaks. Test the following areas of the system for leaks:

Possible Leak Area

Diagnostic Procedure with the Leak Detector

Notes

Service ports

Check the service ports with caps installed

If the detector ‘‘sniffs’’ a leak, use fluorescent dye to confirm it

When capping the service ports, ensure that the seals on the port caps are in place, and that the caps are tight. The caps are used as the final seals in the system

A/C condenser

If the detector ‘‘sniffs’’ a leak, use fluorescent dye to confirm it

Check for joints or connections coated with oily dust

Check for damaged and corroded areas

Check all fittings, couplings, brazed/welded areas and areas around attachment points

Move the probe slowly (1 in/second or less), and keep it within 1/4 in of the component being checked. This maximizes the chance of detecting a leak

If you detect a leak, blow compressed air over the area, then recheck for leaks. For large leaks, clearing the area with compressed air may help you pinpoint the leak source

Evaporator

Check at the evaporator drain hose

Check at the passenger's side vent and turn the blower on low speed

A/C lines

Wiggle the rubber hoses when checking crimped metal ends

If the detector ‘‘sniffs’’ a leak, use fluorescent dye to confirm it

Check all fittings, couplings, pressure switches, brazed/welded areas, and areas around attachment points on A/C lines and components

Check for damaged and corroded areas

Move the probe slowly (1 in/second or less), and keep it within 1/4 in of the component being checked. This maximizes the chance of detecting a leak

Close the quick coupler valves, then disconnect the quick couplers from the vehicle service ports.

Attach the universal connect set, from the Optimax Jr. Leak Detection Kit, to the service valve fitting. Close the control valve (the black knob on the connect set).

Attach the charging station low pressure hose quick coupler to the service valve fitting, and open the quick coupler valve. Evacuate the connect set using the charging station vacuum pump, then close the quick coupler valve.

Detach the universal connect set, and install a Tracer-Stick® dye capsule between the connect set and the service valve fitting (see the manufacturer's instructions for more detail).

Attach the quick coupler on the universal connect set to the low pressure service port on the vehicle. Open the charging station low pressure hose quick coupler valve, but do not open the control valve.

Start the engine, and set the A/C system to maximum cooling. Open the control valve to let refrigerant and the dye enter the A/C system through the low pressure service port. Close the control valve when the Tracer-Stick® dye capsule is empty.

Run the engine and A/C system for 15 minutes to thoroughly circulate the dye. Then shut the engine off, and inspect the following areas of the system for leaks:

NOTE:

Check for leaks in a dark work area, and use the UV light and the special glasses from the leak check kit. Other UV lights may not work well with the Tracer-Stick® dye.

Small leaks may take up to 1 week of vehicle operation (with normal A/C use) to become visible.

Possible Leak Area

Diagnostic Procedure with Fluorescent Dye

Service ports

If a leak is found, replace the cap/O-ring seal or A/C line as needed

A/C lines

Use a permanent marker pen to circle the leak area

If a leak is found, remove and replace the A/C line

A/C condenser

If a leak is found, remove the A/C condenser

Determine whether leak is in the A/C condenser or the receiver/dryer

Use a permanent marker pen to circle the leak area

Replace either the receiver/dryer, or the A/C condenser, depending upon which is leaking

A/C compressor

Check for leaks at all of the A/C compressor joints, the clutch center, the A/C compressor front housing bolts, and the scroll bolts on the back of the A/C compressor

If a leak is found, use a permanent marker pen to circle the leak area

If the A/C compressor relief valve appears to be leaking, determine whether the leak is coming from the relief valve, or the joint between the A/C compressor casing and the valve. If the leak is from the relief valve, check the A/C system pressures, and refer to the pressure test table in the A/C system test. If the leak is from the casing/valve joint, replace the A/C compressor relief valve

If the leak is coming from the suction hose and/or discharge hose fittings on the A/C compressor, clean the A/C fittings and replace the suction/discharge fitting O-rings

For all other A/C compressor leaks, remove and replace the A/C compressor

Evaporator

Start checking for evaporator leaks by illuminating the evaporator drain tube area

If a leak is found, remove the evaporator core

Determine whether leak is from evaporator or expansion valve

Use a permanent marker pen to circle leak area

Replace the expansion valve, or the evaporator core, depending upon which is leaking

6.	A/C System - Test

Insert a thermometer (A) in the center vent.

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

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.

Set 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.

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.

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 blower intake temperature near the blower unit, and the discharge (high) and suction (low) pressures on the A/C gauges.

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

Mark the vent (delivery) temperature on the vertical line.

Mark the blower intake temperature on the bottom line.

Draw a vertical line from the blower 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 blower intake temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.

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

Mark the high side (discharge) pressure on the vertical line.

Mark the blower intake temperature on the bottom line.

Draw a vertical line from the blower 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 blower intake temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.

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

Mark the low side (suction) pressure along the vertical line.

Mark the blower intake temperature along the bottom line.

Draw a vertical line from the blower 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 blower intake temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.

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Installation

1.	Glove Box - Move

Install the glove box (A).

A/C Refrigerant Recovery

Procedure Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat. ...

A/C System Contamination Inspection (Except K24Z7)

Inspection 1. A/C System - Contamination Inspection 1. If A/C compressor failure is diagnosed, always use this inspection to check the extent of conta ...

Honda Civic Service Manual: A/C System Charging

A/C Refrigerant Recovery

A/C System Contamination Inspection (Except K24Z7)

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