Climate Control System: Other Honda Crosstour I

A/C Service Tips and Precautions

The air conditioning system uses HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and polyalkyleneglycol (PAG) refrigerant oil, which are not compatible with CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant or mineral oil. Do not use R-12 refrigerant or mineral oil in this system, and do not attempt to use R-12 servicing equipment; damage to the air conditioning system or your servicing equipment will result.

Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 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

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).

The second method is to run the self-diagnostic function built into the climate control unit.

The third method is to use the B-CAN system diagnosis test mode A (see TROUBLESHOOTING - B-CAN SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TEST MODE A )

Scheme 124

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-360057-S07895027512010042600000) ).
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. If no DTCs are indicated, refer to «SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING»(ref-360068-S17327443902010042600000) . 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 no DTCs are present, the indicator remains blank.

Note. If indicator segments A, C, D, E, G, J, and the AUTO indicator or the A/C ON indicator are on at the same time, there may be an open in the climate control unit ground circuit.

Scheme 125

DTC CHART

Displaying Sensor Inputs at the Climate Control Unit

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.

Check these items 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 driver's climate control switch to the desired test temperature: Press AUTO button on, the LED turns on. Press SYNC button off, the LED turns off. 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).

To run the sensor input display mode, follow these steps

1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
2. Press and hold both the AUTO and RECIRCULATION CONTROL buttons, then start the engine.
3. After the engine starts, release both buttons. The audio-HVAC display 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/MIRROR DEFOGGER button. NOTE: The sensor values will be displayed in degrees Celsius (CC) 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 use the climate control self-diagnostic function. If necessary, compare the sensor input display to a known-good vehicle under the same test conditions. If the sensor is out of the normal range, refer to the sensor test or substitute a known-good sensor, and recheck. SENSOR VALUES CHART Sensor Item Displayed Value 1 Mode Positioning % 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 Outlet Air 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 Control Opening % of opening 9 Vehicle Speed (Vehicle must be driven to display speed) 10km/h A Engine Coolant Temperature °C b Vent Temperature Air Out (TAO) °C C Humidity Sensor Value %rh CELSIUS TO FAHRENHEIT CONVERSION CHART °C °F °C °F °C °F °C °F °C °F 0 32 10 50 20 68 30 86 40 104 1 34 11 52 21 70 31 88 41 106 2 36 12 54 22 72 32 90 42 108 3 37 13 55 23 73 33 91 43 109 4 39 14 57 24 75 34 93 44 111 5 41 15 59 25 77 35 95 45 113 6 43 16 61 26 79 36 97 46 115 7 45 17 63 21 81 37 99 47 117 8 46 18 64 28 82 38 100 48 118 9 48 19 66 29 84 39 102 49 120 CELSIUS TO FAHRENHEIT CONVERSION CHART °C °F °C °F °C °F °C °F °C °F 50 122 60 140 70 158 80 176 90 194 51 124 61 142 71 160 81 178 91 196 52 126 62 144 72 162 82 180 92 198 53 127 63 145 73 163 83 181 93 199 54 128 64 147 74 165 84 183 94 201 55 131 65 149 75 167 85 185 95 203 56 133 66 151 76 169 86 187 96 205 57 135 67 152 77 170 87 188 97 207 58 136 68 154 78 172 88 190 98 208 59 139 69 158 79 174 89 192 99 210 ALPHANUMERIC CONVERSION CHART 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 -20 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 -50 thru -59 -58 thru -74 + 100 thru+109 ALPHANUMERIC CONVERSION CHART (MODE POSITIONING) Display Reading (Alphanumeric) Mode Position 0 VENT 18 HEAT/VENT-1 33 HEAT/VENT-2 50 HEAT 66 HEAT/DEF-1 80 HEAT/DEF-2 F0 DEF
5. To cancel the sensor input display mode, press the AUTO button or turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).

Humidity/In-Car Temperature Sensor

The humidity sensor consists of two sensors. One sensor is for humidity detection, and the other is for in-car temperature detection. When the climate control unit receives signals about the in-car condition from the humidity sensor, and judges that the humidity in the vehicle is very low, the climate control unit reduces the compressor runtime. Engine power loss is kept to a minimum, and fuel economy is increased.

Scheme 126

Humidity/In-Car Temperature Sensor Quality

The capacitance of the humidity sensor changes by the adsorption and the evaporation of moisture. The resistance change of the humidity sensor changes the output voltage.

Scheme 127

A/C Pressure Sensor

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

A/C PRESSURE SENSOR REFERENCE CHART

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

Note. When the refrigerant is below 196 kPa (2.00 kgf/cm 2 ,28.4 psi) or above 3,138 kPa (32 00 kgf/cm 2 ,455.1 psi), the PCM turns the A/C compressor relay off to protect the A/C compressor. When the refrigerant pressure is above 1,470 kPa (14 99 kgf/cm 2 , 213.2 psi), the PCM switches the radiator and A/C condenser fans to high speed.

Scheme 128

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Scheme 131

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 132

In the event that the navigation system malfunctions, or when driving in areas where the navigation 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 133

TERMINALS DESCRIPTION CHART

Scheme 134

TERMINALS DESCRIPTION CHART

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Scheme 140

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; call 888-424-6857

Note. If an 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 (0.49 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 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 percent 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 141

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. Recover refrigerant from the A/C system (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-360068-S36795137242010042600000) ), and evacuate the system (see «SYSTEM EVACUATION»(ref-360068-S08379003342010042600000) ). 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: 400 to 450 g 0.40 to 0.45 kg 0.88 to 0.99 lbs 14.1 to 15.9 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: DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE CHART Possible Leak Area Diagnostic Procedure with the Leak Detector Notes Service Ports Check the service ports with the detector. 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 inch/second or less), and keep it within 1/4 inch 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. 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 inch/second or less), and keep it within 1/4 inch 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. DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE CHART Possible Leak Area Diagnostic Procedure with Fluorescent Dye Service Ports If a leak is found, replace the schrader valve on the service port. 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-360068-S03014166382010042600000) ). A/C Condenser If a leak is found, remove the A/C condenser (see «A/C CONDENSER REPLACEMENT»(ref-360068-S08882814602010042600000) ). 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-360068-S09444551292010042600000) ), or the A/C condenser (see «A/C CONDENSER REPLACEMENT»(ref-360068-S08882814602010042600000) ), 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 (see «A/C SYSTEM TEST»(ref-360068-S32115705382010042600000) ). If the leak is from the casing/valve joint, replace the A/C compressor relief valve (see «A/C COMPRESSOR RELIEF VALVE REPLACEMENT»(ref-360068-S15236058882010042600000) ). 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-360068-S08636312302010042600000) ). Evaporator Start checking for evaporator leaks by illuminating the evaporator drain tube area. If a leak is found, remove the evaporator core (see «EVAPORATOR CORE REPLACEMENT»(ref-360068-S28707449412010042600000) ). Determine whether leak is from evaporator or expansion valve. Use permanent marker pen to circle leak area. Replace the expansion valve (see «EXPANSION VALVE REPLACEMENT»(ref-360068-S40733334792010042600000) ), or the evaporator core (see «EVAPORATOR CORE REPLACEMENT»(ref-360068-S28707449412010042600000) ), 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 142

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. 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

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.

Scheme 143

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, the receiver/dryer should be replaced, refrigerant oil should be drained and replaced with new oil, and the system should be evacuated for several hours.
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, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Recover the refrigerant, if any, from the A/C system (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-360068-S36795137242010042600000) ).
3. Evacuate the system. The vacuum pump should run for a minimum of 45 minutes to eliminate all moisture from the system. When the suction gauge reads -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, -27.55 inHg) for at least 45 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 leak in the system. Partially charge the system, and check for leaks (see «REFRIGERANT LEAK CHECK»(ref-360068-S41300245612010042600000) ).

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 144

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. Recover the refrigerant in the A/C system (see «REFRIGERANT RECOVERY»(ref-360068-S36795137242010042600000) ).
3. Evacuate the system until the suction gauge reads approximately -93.3 kPa (-700 mmHg, - 27.55 inHg). Check that the system holds a vacuum for 15 minutes. If the A/C system hold vacuum for 15 minutes, the system does not have a leak. Finish the system evacuation (see «SYSTEM EVACUATION»(ref-360068-S08379003342010042600000) ), then go to step 4. If the A/C system does not hold vacuum for 15 minutes, the A/C system has a leak. Find and repair the leak (see «REFRIGERANT LEAK CHECK»(ref-360068-S41300245612010042600000) ).
4. Add the same amount of new refrigerant oil to the system that was removed during recovery. Use only DENSO ND-OIL 8 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: 400 to 450 g 0.40 to 0.45 kg 0.88 to 0.99 lbs 14.1 to 15.9 oz
6. Check for refrigerant leaks (see «REFRIGERANT LEAK CHECK»(ref-360068-S41300245612010042600000) ).
7. Check the system performance (see «A/C SYSTEM TEST»(ref-360068-S32115705382010042600000) ).