There are three major reasons why a Honda Accord AC may not be working: dirt buildup, faulty parts (compressor, motor, actuator) or electrical climate control, and refrigerant leaks. If something goes wrong with the AC, you will definitely notice it. Nothing can spoil the ride like stuffiness during a hot season.
In this article, we will briefly touch upon the most common reasons why Honda Accord AC can suddenly stop working, how to troubleshoot these issues, and finally, how to fix your car's AC.
Air conditioning problems can cost a few hundred dollars to fix, so it is always best to prevent issues than deal with them. Once you find out what can go wrong, you will have all the necessary information for routine maintenance and easy fixes.
Why is the AC in Honda Accord Not Working?
By troubleshooting air conditioning issues on your own, you can save precious time and money. AC problems are relatively common, and diagnosing them in a Honda Accord might be more manageable than you think.
Usually, air conditioning problems in cars are caused by dirt that clogs filters and other parts, refrigerant leaks, and failing equipment.
Here are the typical culprits behind your AC issues:
Dirty Cabin Filter
The cabin filter (or pollen filter) is an essential feature of your Honda Accord's ventilation system. However, dirty filters don't just impede the AC airflow but also affect cooling and heating efficiency, which leads to increased fuel consumption. Not to mention the health risks from the contaminated filter, where all kinds of bacteria breed and spread through the cabin every time you use the AC.
How to diagnose this AC problem:
When the filter gets dirty, you can notice an unpleasant moldy, dusty, or musky smell. It also decreases AC efficiency. The air does not cool or heat enough, and the rotors make noise.
How to avoid and fix this AC problem:
If you don't want your Honda Accord's AC to stop working because of a clogged filter, it is recommended to change it every 10,000-20,000 miles.
Depending on your environment (high air pollution, humidity and dust), you might have to do this more often. Alternatively, you could clean it with a vacuum cleaner. This method will not remove all the buildup, but it is a quick fix that will somewhat improve the airflow between filter replacements.
Сondenser Issues
If your Honda Accord's AC is not working as it should, the reason can be a faulty condenser. It can get damaged upon impact, on a bumpy road, or just get clogged. A worn-out compressor clutch is also worth checking, as this issue is common for some cars.
How to diagnose this AC problem:
You can inspect it behind the car's grille. If you notice dirt or signs of damage, that must be fixed ASAP. Sometimes it can be hard or impossible to see if the condenser is physically damaged without taking it out. In some cases, you can also notice leaks.
Another tell-tale sign is warm air from the AC system, even at a low temperature setting. So, if your cabin air filter is fine, this is step two of troubleshooting.
How to avoid and fix this AC problem:
The best way is to keep it clean from debris, branches, and leaves. Be careful with water stream pressure to avoid damaging the fragile condenser.
Small leaks can be patched with special products. But it is best to seek professional help to avoid bigger problems.
Dirty Evaporator
Dirt accumulating on the evaporator can also be a reason why a Honda Accord AC is not working. It clogs due to airborne particles that escape from the cabin air filter and accumulate on the evaporator's fins. This impedes airflow, leading to uneven ventilation and a musty scent throughout your vehicle.
Cleaning the evaporator is a time-consuming endeavor involving dashboard removal, while a refrigerant leak necessitates part replacement.
A dirty evaporator alone can cost you 30% of the entire AC system's energy consumption. And that means fuel efficiency in the long run.
How to diagnose this AC problem:
Poor cooling, obviously, and a weak airflow can indicate a clogged evaporator. Unusual musky, moldy or sweet scents can also hint at the problem.
If you have more serious issues with the evaporator, you can also notice that the compressor doesn't work either. This means you have a damaged evaporator, and cleaning will not help much.
How to avoid and fix this AC problem:
Cleaning the evaporator once a year will help you achieve maximum AC performance. If you have a leak in your evaporator core, it must be replaced right away. A skilled auto mechanic is necessary to pinpoint the source of the leak and make sure that another one does not occur again soon after.
Refrigerant Leak
Your Honda Accord's AC might not work if you have a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system. The most common cause of a cooling problem is a refrigerant leak. An insufficient amount of refrigerant is the main cause of a non-functioning AC system.
This leak can occur in the A/C compressor, condenser, and/or evaporator - all components that make up an air conditioning system. Refrigerant leaks are difficult to detect and should be immediately addressed by a qualified technician to keep your air conditioning system working optimally.
How to diagnose this AC problem:
Most car AC systems slowly leak small amounts of refrigerant over time due to minor imperfections and need recharging every few years. If a Accord's system isn't serviced for an extended period, the refrigerant level will drop so low that it loses cooling capacity. Refilling the system restores cooling power, however, if the refrigerant level drops quickly again, there is likely a leak present.
How to avoid and fix this AC problem:
Figuring out the root of a refrigerant leak in a Accord can be tricky, but you can employ fluorescent dye to help pinpoint it! Leaking seals, cracked hoses and leaking condensers or evaporators could all be potential culprits.
By injecting small amounts of fluorescent dye into the AC system and then using UV light, any components that are leaking will become apparent so that you can identify where exactly the problem is coming from.
Depending on the severity of the damage, a technician may need to either patch the cracked part with a material designed to withstand refrigerant liquid or else replace the faulty part altogether.
Compressor Failure
If the compressor is unable to convert the liquid coolant to gas for other parts of the system, your Honda Accord's AC will stop working. Due to its complex design, compressor failure can often be caused by contamination or other failed parts within the system. This makes troubleshooting difficult and requires expertise in order to accurately identify the source of the problem.
How to diagnose this AC problem:
You will notice that the air is not cooling well. Other signs include concerning noises from the engine compartment, signs of physical damage and a faulty clutch. If the compressor clutch is worn-off, it will not engage.
How to avoid and fix this AC problem:
Unfortunately, fixing the compressor is often impossible. You will save money in the long run by just replacing it. To prevent failure, make sure the valves do not get clogged causing overheating.
Faulty Blower Motor
If the vents in your Honda Accord are producing no airflow or reduced airflow, it could be due to a faulty blower motor. This can be caused by wear and tear, resulting in an abnormal sound when operating, and must be replaced if it fails suddenly. It is important to check for any blown fuses before replacing the blower motor, as this could be the source of the problem.
How to diagnose this AC problem:
If the AC in Honda Accord is not working like intended, and the airstream is weak and inconsistent, but the temperature seems right, the culprit is likely the blower motor. This issue is often accompanied by rattling noises and burnt smell or even smoke. Turn it off and pull aside if you notice the smoke.
How to avoid and fix this AC problem:
Sometimes the problem with a blower motor is dirt and dust buildup or bad wiring. In this case, the rotor can be cleaned and rewired without an issue. But if it actually breaks, it is best to replace it with a new one.
Bad Blend Door Actuator
In your Honda Accord, the blend door actuator has an integral part in regulating and managing air temperature within the vehicle. If you have issues with the climate control system, it could be an indicator of a damaged actuator. Usually accompanied by clicking noises when altering or controlling temperatures from under your dashboard. In extreme cases, there might even be tapping sounds produced upon turning on or off your AC system.
How to diagnose this AC problem:
The AC in Honda Accord will not stop working if your blend door actuator is malfunctioning, but it will work badly. You will notice inconsistency in the airflow and temperature and uncharacteristic noises. Knocking, clicking and other noises often indicate this issue.
How to avoid and fix this AC problem:
To fix a blend door actuator failure in an AC in a car, the part should be replaced with a new one. Depending on the make and model of the car, the procedure for replacing the actuator may vary, so it is advised to check your owner's manual or search online for specific instructions. Generally speaking, you will need to remove the glove box and dashboard trim panels to access and properly remove the faulty actuator before replacement.
Electrical Climate Control Issue
If your Honda Accord's AC is not working or malfunctions, but the parts we listed above are in good condition, the culprit is wiring. You may be facing a worn wire or a blown fuse.
To determine the root cause, examine the wiring and fuses in your vehicle. However, for an even more detailed and precise evaluation, visit a local shop.
How to diagnose this AC problem:
Checking for blown fuses and faulty connections is an important step in properly diagnosing and repairing an electrical issue with your car. If any of these items are causing your car to blow hot air, taking the time to inspect the fuse box and wiring can help you identify which component is at fault. With this information, you can take the necessary measures to get your car up and running again as soon as possible.
How to avoid and fix this AC problem:
It may be a relief to find out that electrical issues in your air conditioning system are often easy to repair; however, they must not go unscathed. If left unaddressed, the acid buildup can cause severe damage to the vehicle and even require replacing the entire air conditioner. To avoid such consequences, it is essential you stay vigilant and handle these problems when they arise.
Why is my Honda Accord AC Blowing Hot Air?
Your Honda Accord AC may be blowing hot air due to an electrical issue such as a frayed wire or a blown fuse. To identify and solve this problem, you should inspect the car's fuse box and wiring.
Other possible causes include leaky hoses, a faulty compressor, a bad blower motor, or a blend door actuator. Inspecting and replacing the damaged parts is necessary to ensure your car's AC works properly again.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix AC in Honda Accord?
Fixing the AC in a Honda Accord can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the severity of the problem. A simple recharge of the system with refrigerant may only cost around $150.
It all depends on how much work it takes and how much the replacement part costs. It is always best to prevent issues with due care and maintenance.
