Climate Control: Other Acura RDX I facelift

A/C Service Tips and Precautions

The air conditioning system uses HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and polyalkyleneglycol (PAG) refrigerant oil.

Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2788 to remove R-134a from the air conditioning system.

If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.

R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioning systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air.

Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

1. Always disconnect the negative cable from the battery whenever replacing air conditioning parts.
2. Keep moisture and dirt out of the system. When disconnecting any lines, plug or cap the fittings immediately; do not remove the caps or plugs until just before you reconnect each line.
3. Before connecting any hose or line, apply a few drops of refrigerant oil to the O-ring.
4. When tightening or loosening a fitting, use a second wrench to support the matching fitting.
5. When discharging the system, use an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station; do not release refrigerant into the atmosphere.

How to Check for DTCs with the HDS

1. There are three methods used to check for DTCs. The recommended method is to use the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) with the appropriate software, plugged into the data link connector (DLC).
2. The second method is to run the self-diagnostic function built into the climate control unit.
3. The third method is to use B-CAN system diagnosis test mode A (see «TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A»(ref-513878-S27009606942012111600000) ).

Scheme 116

1. Make sure the ignition switch is in LOCK (0).
2. Connect the HDS to the DLC (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
3. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the climate control unit. If it does not, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting (see «DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING»(ref-513833-S41457160082012111600000) ).
5. Select HVAC/CLIMATE CONTROL in the BODY ELECTRICAL menu.
6. Select DTCs in the HVAC/CLIMATE CONTROL menu.
7. Check for DTCs. If any DTCs are indicated, write down the DTCs, then go to the indicated «DTC TROUBLESHOOTING»(ref-513846-S25765008842012111600000) . If no DTCs are indicated, refer to «SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING»(ref-513846-S00688324952012111600000) . NOTE: After troubleshooting, clear the DTCs with the HDS. For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the HDS.

Checking for DTCs

The temperature display indicates single or multiple DTCs. If indicator segments A, C, E and G are on at the same time, there may be an open in the common ground wire. If no DTCs are present, the indicator remains blank.

Scheme 117

The climate control unit has a mode that displays sensor inputs it receives. This mode shows you what the climate control unit is receiving from each of the sensors, one at a time, and it can help you determine if a sensor is faulty.

Checks before using the sensor input display mode

1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and check the recirculation door function; press the recirculation button to switch from FRESH to RECIRC. The air volume and sound should change slightly.
2. Set the temperature control knob to the desired test temperature. When selecting the test temperature, note these items: "Lo" temperature setting will default to MAX COOL, VENT, and RECIRC. "Hi" temperature setting will default to MAX HOT, HEAT, and FRESH. 58 through 86°F settings will use the automatic climate control logic.
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).

Run the sensor input display mode

1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
2. Press and hold both the AUTO and REC buttons, then start the engine.
3. After the engine starts, release the buttons. The audio-HVAC display panel will flash the sensor number, and then the value for that sensor. Record the value displayed.
4. To advance to the next sensor, press the REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER button. NOTE: The sensor values will be displayed in degrees Celsius (°C) or an alphanumeric code. Use the chart to convert the value to degrees Fahrenheit (°F). If the sensor value displays "Er", this indicates there is an open or short in the circuit or sensor. Check for DTCs using the HDS, or refer to checking DTCs by DTC indication to check for DTCs. If necessary, compare the sensor input display to a known-good vehicle under the same test conditions. If the sensor displayed value is out of the normal range, refer to the sensor test or substitute with a known-good sensor, and recheck. Sensor Item Displayed Value 1 Mode positioning BIT 2 In-car temperature °C 3 Outside air temperature °C 4 Solar radiation sensor value: dark = 00, flashlight = 04, cloudy = 10, sunny = 65 10 kcal/m 2 -h 5 Evaporator temperature °C 6 Driver's air mix opening (low value indicates cooler air distribution, higher value indicates warmer air distribution) % of opening 7 Passenger's air mix opening (low value indicates cooler air distribution, higher value indicates warmer air distribution) % of opening 8 Recirculation opening % of opening 9 Vehicle speed (vehicle must be driven to display speed) 10 km/h A Engine coolant temperature °C b Vent temperature air out (TAO) °C CELSIUS TO FAHRENHEIT CONVERSION TABLE °C °F 0 32 1 34 2 36 3 37 4 39 5 41 6 43 7 45 8 46 9 48 10 50 11 52 12 54 13 55 14 57 15 59 16 61 17 63 18 64 19 66 20 68 21 70 22 72 23 73 24 75 25 77 26 79 27 81 28 82 29 84 30 86 31 88 32 90 33 91 34 93 35 95 36 97 37 99 38 100 39 102 40 104 41 106 42 108 43 109 44 111 45 113 46 115 47 117 48 118 49 120 50 122 51 124 52 126 53 127 54 128 55 131 56 133 57 135 58 136 59 139 60 140 61 142 62 144 63 145 64 147 65 149 66 151 67 152 68 154 69 158 70 158 71 160 72 162 73 163 74 165 75 167 76 169 77 170 78 172 79 174 80 176 81 178 82 180 83 181 84 183 85 185 86 187 87 188 88 190 89 192 90 194 91 196 92 198 93 199 94 201 95 203 96 205 97 207 98 208 99 210 ALPHANUMERIC CONVERSION TABLE Display Reading (Alphanumeric) °C ° F % A1 thru A9 -1 thru -9 30 thru 16 -1 thru -9 B0 thru B9 -10 thru -19 14 thru-2 -10 thru -19 C0 thru C9 -20 thru -29 -4 thru -20 -120 thru -29 D0 thru D9 -30 thru -39 -22 thru -38 -30 thru -39 E0 thru E9 -40 thru -49 -40 thru -56 -40 thru -49 F0 thru F9 -- -- + 100 thru +109 ALPHANUMERIC CONVERSION TABLE (MODE POSITIONING) Display Reading (Alphanumeric) Mode Position 01 OVER VENT 02 VENT 03 VENT-HEAT/VENT 04 HEAT/VENT 05 HEAT/VENT-HEAT 06 HEAT 07 HEAT-HEAT/DEF 08 HEAT/DEF 09 HEAT/DEF-DEF 10 DEF 11 OVER DEF
5. To cancel the sensor input display mode, press the AUTO button or turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).

Oil Separator

Oil emission from the A/C compressor to the A/C line is reduced by placing the oil separator in the A/C compressor. This results in a thinner oil film inside of the heat exchanger (A/C condenser and evaporator). Air conditioning efficiency is increased without sacrificing engine performance.

Scheme 118

A/C Pressure Sensor

The A/C pressure sensor converts A/C pressure into electrical signals to the PCM.

The response of the A/C pressure sensor is shown in the graph.

Note. When the refrigerant is below 196 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm 2 , 28 psi) or above 3, 138 kPa (32 kgf/cm 2 , 455 psi), the PCM turns the A/C compressor clutch relay off to protect the A/C compressor. When the refrigerant pressure is above 1, 470 kPa (15.0 kgf/cm 2 , 213 psi), the PCM switches the radiator and A/C condenser fans to high speed.

Scheme 119

Scheme 120

Scheme 121

This system automatically controls the temperature and the vent mode of the air direction to the driver and passenger's side, depending on the angle of the sun and the direction of the vehicle. It calculates information such as date, time, longitude, and latitude from the navigation system, as well as the radiant strength of the sun from the sunlight sensor, to determine the appropriate mode position and temperature to be directed to each side.

Scheme 122

In the event that the navigation system malfunctions, or when driving in areas where the navigation system cannot determine the vehicle position (non-coverage areas, tunnels, etc.), the climate control system will operate the same as a vehicle without navigation system.

Scheme 123

CONNECTOR A

CONNECTOR B

Scheme 124

Scheme 125

1. Check the battery condition (see «BATTERY TEST»(ref-513852-S37711115492012111600000) ) and the charging system (see «CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING»(ref-513847-S25145006052012111600000) ).
2. If you are troubleshooting multiple DTCs, be sure to follow the instructions in B-CAN system diagnosis test mode A (see «TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A»(ref-513878-S27009606942012111600000) ).

1. Check the sensor input display mode, and select "evaporator temperature sensor" according to the table (see «CHECKS BEFORE USING THE SENSOR INPUT DISPLAY MODE»(ref-513846-S06346007532012111600000) ). NOTE: This indication by segment lit on digital segments is assigned for 2 failure causes that it is necessary to decide which one is a true cause. If there is a failure in the sensor or motor, a value corresponded to the sensor or motor in the Sensor Input Display Mode is displayed as "Er", which serves to specify which is a true cause. Is sensor value indicated "Er"? YES -Go to troubleshooting DTC B1231 or DTC indicator G (see «DTC B1231 OR DTC INDICATOR G: AN OPEN IN THE EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT»(ref-513846-S01346049832012111600000) ) NO -Go to step 2
2. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and then back to ON (II).
3. Do the self-diagnostic with the climate control unit (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITHOUT THE HDS»(ref-513846-S34523065772012111600000) ).
4. Check for DTCs. Is DTC indicator G indicated? YES -The climate control unit is faulty, replace the climate control unit (see «CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-513846-S14735229062012111600000) ). NO -Intermittent failure, the climate control unit is OK at this time. Check for poor connections at the climate control unit.

Note. If DTC B1205 is detected with HDS, it is not necessary to do step 1.

Scheme 126

1. Check the sensor input display mode, and select "evaporator temperature" according to the table (see «CHECKS BEFORE USING THE SENSOR INPUT DISPLAY MODE»(ref-513846-S06346007532012111600000) ). NOTE: This indication by segment lit on digital segments is assigned for 2 failure causes that it is necessary to decide which one is a true cause. If there is a failure in the sensor or motor, a value corresponded to the sensor or motor in the Sensor Input Display Mode is displayed as "Er", which serves to specify which is a true cause. Is sensor value indicated "Er"? YES -Go to troubleshooting DTC B1232 or DTC indicator H (see «DTC B1232 OR DTC INDICATOR H: A SHORT IN THE EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT»(ref-513846-S00872276022012111600000) ) NO -Go to step 2
2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and then back to ON (II).
4. Do the self-diagnostic with the HDS (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITH THE HDS»(ref-513846-S24301328072012111600000) ) or the climate control unit (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITHOUT THE HDS»(ref-513846-S34523065772012111600000) ).
5. Check for DTCs. Is DTC B1205 or H indicated? YES -Go to step 6 NO -The system is OK at this time, check for loose wires or poor connections on the gauge control module and climate control unit circuit.
6. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Are DTC B1008, B1011, B1032, B1205, and B1906 also indicated? YES -Go to step 7. NO -The system is OK at this time, check for loose wires or poor connections on the gauge control module and climate control unit circuit.
7. Select UNIT INFORMATION in the BODY ELECTRICAL menu.
8. Select CONNECTED UNIT in the UNIT INFORMATION menu. Is gauge control module detected? YES -Substitute a known-good gauge control module, and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the gauge control module (see «GAUGE CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513857-S10657424772012111600000) ). NO -Go to step 9.
9. Disconnect under-dash fuse/relay box connector Q (16P).
10. Disconnect the gauge control module 36P connector.
11. Check for continuity between under-dash fuse/relay box connector Q (16P) terminal No. 6 and gauge control module 36P connector terminal No. 30. Is there continuity? YES -Go to the gauge control module input test (see «GAUGE CONTROL MODULE INPUT TEST»(ref-513857-S26173344952012111600000) ) NO -Repair an open in the wire between the MICU and the gauge control module.

Note. If DTC B1206 is detected with HDS, it is not necessary to do step 1.

Scheme 127

1. Check the sensor input display mode, and select "driver's air mix control motor" according to the table (see «CHECKS BEFORE USING THE SENSOR INPUT DISPLAY MODE»(ref-513846-S06346007532012111600000) ). NOTE: This indication by segment lit on digital segments is assigned for 2 failure causes that it is necessary to decide which one is a true cause. If there is a failure in the sensor or motor, a value corresponded to the sensor or motor in the Sensor Input Display Mode is displayed as "Er", which serves to specify which is a true cause. Is sensor value indicated "Er"? YES -Go to troubleshooting DTC B1234 or DTC indicator K (see «DTC B1234 OR DTC INDICATOR K: A SHORT IN THE AIR MIX CONTROL MOTOR CIRCUIT (DRIVER'S)»(ref-513846-S11764036672012111600000) ) NO -Go to step 2
2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and then back to ON (II).
4. Do the self-diagnostic with the HDS (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITH THE HDS»(ref-513846-S24301328072012111600000) ) or the climate control unit (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITHOUT THE HDS»(ref-513846-S34523065772012111600000) ).
5. Check for DTCs. Is DTC B1206 or K indicated? YES -Go to step 6. NO -The system is OK at this time, check for loose wires or poor connections on the gauge control module and climate control unit circuit.
6. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Are DTC B1008, B1011, B1032, B1206, and B1906 also indicated? YES -Go to step 7. NO -The system is OK at this time, check for loose wires or poor connections on the gauge control module and climate control unit circuit.
7. Select UNIT INFORMATION in the BODY ELECTRICAL menu.
8. Select CONNECTED UNIT in the UNIT INFORMATION menu. Is gauge control module detected? YES -Substitute a known-good gauge control module, and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the gauge control module (see «GAUGE CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513857-S10657424772012111600000) ). NO -Go to step 9.
9. Disconnect under-dash fuse/relay box connector Q (16P).
10. Disconnect the gauge control module 36P connector.
11. Check for continuity between under-dash fuse/relay box connector Q (16P) terminal No. 6 and gauge control module 36P connector terminal No. 30. Is there continuity? YES -Go to the gauge control module input test (see «GAUGE CONTROL MODULE INPUT TEST»(ref-513857-S26173344952012111600000) ) NO -Repair an open in the wire between the MICU and the gauge control module.

Note. If DTC B1207 is detected with HDS, it is not necessary to do step 1.

Scheme 128

1. Check the sensor input display mode, and select "driver's air mix control motor" according to the table (see «CHECKS BEFORE USING THE SENSOR INPUT DISPLAY MODE»(ref-513846-S06346007532012111600000) ). NOTE: This indication by segment lit on digital segments is assigned for 2 failure causes that it is necessary to decide which one is a true cause. If there is a failure in the sensor or motor, a value corresponded to the sensor or motor in the Sensor Input Display Mode is displayed as "Er", which serves to specify which is a true cause. Is sensor value indicated "Er"? YES -Go to troubleshooting DTC B1233 or DTC indicator J (see «DTC B1233 OR DTC INDICATOR J: AN OPEN IN THE AIR MIX CONTROL MOTOR CIRCUIT (DRIVER'S)»(ref-513846-S00950144462012111600000) ) NO -Go to step 2
2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
3. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and then back to ON (II).
4. Do the self-diagnostic with the HDS (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITH THE HDS»(ref-513846-S24301328072012111600000) ) or the climate control unit, (see «HOW TO USE THE SELF-DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION WITHOUT THE HDS»(ref-513846-S34523065772012111600000) )
5. Check for DTCs. Is DTC B1207 or J indicated? YES -Go to step 6. NO -The system is OK at this time, check for loose wires or poor connections on the gauge control module and climate control unit circuit.
6. Check for DTCs with the HDS. Are DTC B1008, B1011, B1032, B1207, and B1906 also indicated? YES -Go to step 7. NO -The system is OK at this time, check for loose wires or poor connections on the gauge control module and climate control unit circuit.
7. Select UNIT INFORMATION in the BODY ELECTRICAL menu.
8. Select CONNECTED UNIT in the UNIT INFORMATION menu. Is gauge control module detected? YES -Substitute a known-good gauge control module, and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the gauge control module. NO -Go to step 9.
9. Disconnect under-dash fuse/relay box connector Q (16P).
10. Disconnect the gauge control module 36P connector.
11. Check for continuity between under-dash fuse/relay box connector Q (16P) terminal No. 6 and gauge control module 36P connector terminal No. 30. Is there continuity? YES -Go to the gauge control module input test (see «GAUGE CONTROL MODULE INPUT TEST»(ref-513857-S26173344952012111600000) ) NO -Repair an open in the wire between the MICU and the gauge control module.

Refrigerant Leak Check

Special Tools Required

1. Leak Detector YGK-H-10PM*
2. Leak Detector HLD-100*
3. Leak Detector TIFZX-1 *
4. OPTIMAX Jr. A/C Leak Detection Kit TRP124893*

*These tools are available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program 888-424-6857

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.

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

1. Position the vehicle in a wind-free work area. This will aid in detecting small leaks.
2. 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.
3. The calibration check should be done in the "Search 2" mode. Once that is done, the other check modes do not need calibrating.
4. When leak checking through the HVAC module drain hose, avoid drawing water into the probe. Water can damage the internal pump and sensor.
5. Avoid creasing the flexible probe extension. Creases can restrict air flow and give false readings.
6. 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.
7. When removing the clear probe tip, be careful not to lose the flow ball.
8. R-134a is heavier than air; always check below and to the sides of all potential leak sources.
9. 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

1. 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.
2. Adding excessive amounts of dye can damage the A/C compressor.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Scheme 129

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 in illustration, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
2. Recover refrigerant from the A/C system (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-513846-S08104512972012111600000) ), and evacuate the system (see «SYSTEM EVACUATION»(ref-513846-S22174596062012111600000) ). If the system achieves a vacuum of approximately -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) in 15 minutes, and holds the vacuum for 15 minutes, then the system does not have a leak at this time. If the system cannot achieve or hold a vacuum, continue the refrigerant leak check.
3. Open the high pressure valve to charge the system to the specified capacity. Select the appropriate units of measure for your refrigerant charging station. Refrigerant Capacity: 450 to 500 g 0.45 to 0.50 kg 1.0 to 1.1 lbs 15.8 to 17.6 oz
4. 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 the detector with the cap installed and tight. 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, cleaning 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 at low speed. A/C lines (low pressure side) 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.
5. Close the quick coupler valves, then disconnect the quick couplers from the vehicle service ports.
6. 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).
7. 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.
8. 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).
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 (see «A/C LINE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S32535323842012111600000) ). A/C condenser If a leak is found, remove the A/C condenser (see «A/C CONDENSER REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S20170430942012111600000) ). 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 (see «RECEIVER/DRYER DESICCANT REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S35424642262012111600000) ), or the A/C condenser (see «A/C CONDENSER REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S20170430942012111600000) ), 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 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, diagnose and repair the cause of excessive A/C system pressure, then replace the A/C compressor relief valve (see «A/C COMPRESSOR RELIEF VALVE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S28163431912012111600000) ). If the leak is from the casing/valve joint, replace the A/C compressor relief valve (see «A/C COMPRESSOR RELIEF VALVE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S28163431912012111600000) ). 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 (see «A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S31310926062012111600000) ). Evaporator Start checking for evaporator leaks by illuminating the evaporator drain tube area. Let the vehicle sit for 30 minutes with the engine off, and the doors and windows closed. Then place the detector probe in the center vent, and turn the fan on to low speed. If a leak is found, remove the evaporator core (see «EVAPORATOR CORE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S36938503802012111600000) ). Determine whether leak is from the evaporator or the expansion valve. Uses a permanent marker pen to circle the leak area. Replace the expansion valve (see «EXPANSION VALVE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S13183759482012111600000) ), or the evaporator core (see «EVAPORATOR CORE REPLACEMENT»(ref-513846-S36938503802012111600000) ), depending upon which is leaking.

Refrigerant Recovery

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.

Scheme 130

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 in illustration, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
2. 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.

System Evacuation

Special Tools Required

Compact Electronic Vacuum Gauge Robinair ROB14777, commercially available

*This tool is available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

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. Do not allow moisture to contaminate the A/C system oil. Moisture in the oil is difficult to remove, and it can damage the A/C compressor. Using a thermistor vacuum gauge may decrease the required evacuation time because you can measure actual moisture level with this tool.

A more efficient way to measure moisture removal is with a special tool called a thermistor vacuum gauge, measuring vacuum levels in microns.

Connect the tool according to the manufacturers instructions, and allow the vacuum pump to run until the gauge reads 500 microns.

Shut off and isolate the vacuum pump, then observe the gauge reading

1. If the vacuum level remains stable for at least 3 minutes, all moisture in the system has been removed.
2. A slow increase in the micron reading means there is still moisture boiling out of the system. Restart the vacuum pump and continue evacuating.
3. A quick increase of micron levels indicates a leak is present in the system or your service equipment. Determine the cause and correct the leak before continuing.

Scheme 131

1. When an A/C System has been opened to the atmosphere, such as during installation or repair, it must be evacuated using an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station. If the system has been open for several days, replace the receiver/dryer, then evacuate the system for several hours before charging it.
2. 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 in illustration, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
3. 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.
4. If the suction gauge does 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 (see step 4 ).

System Charging

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.

Scheme 132

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 in illustration, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
2. Recover the refrigerant in the A/C system (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-513846-S08104512972012111600000) ).
3. Evacuate the system (see «SYSTEM EVACUATION»(ref-513846-S22174596062012111600000) ). If the system cannot reach a vacuum of -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) in 15 minutes, or cannot hold a vacuum for at least 15 minutes, there is probably a large leak. Do the refrigerant leak check (see «REFRIGERANT LEAK CHECK»(ref-513846-S11032219872012111600000) ), and repair any leaks before charging the system.
4. Add the same amount of new refrigerant oil to the system that was removed during recovery. Use only SP-10 refrigerant oil.
5. 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: 450 to 500 g 0.45 to 0.50 kg 1.0 to 1.1 lbs 15.8 to 17.6 oz
6. Check for refrigerant leaks (see «REFRIGERANT LEAK CHECK»(ref-513846-S11032219872012111600000) ).
7. Check the system performance (see «A/C SYSTEM TEST»(ref-513846-S37685659982012111600000) ).