Why does the Accord's air conditioning sometimes blow cold air and sometimes not?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why the Accord's air conditioning sometimes blows cold air and sometimes not: 1. Refrigerant leakage: The internal and external units are working, and the compressor is also working, but there is no effect. 2. Compressor capacitor damage or malfunction: This causes the compressor not to work. The phenomenon is similar to the above, but the compressor does not rotate and overheats. 3. Room temperature sensor resistance value change: This causes the external unit of the air conditioner not to work. The phenomenon is the same as when the air conditioner stops after reaching the set temperature. 4. Remote control malfunction or air conditioner receiver malfunction: This manifests as the air conditioner not responding when turned on, or sometimes working and sometimes not.
I've been driving an Accord for several years, and during summer, the AC cold air often comes and goes, which is particularly frustrating. It might be due to refrigerant leakage causing insufficient pressure, making the system work intermittently; or the compressor clutch has poor contact, leading to sporadic cooling; or the evaporator is too dirty and clogged, preventing cold air from coming out and causing it to freeze and stop. I tried cleaning the AC filter myself first, but it didn't help much. Later, I found that the AC button on the dashboard might also have poor contact. As an ordinary car owner, I suggest you test before driving: turn on the AC and listen for the compressor startup sound. If it doesn't work, go to the 4S shop immediately for a check-up—don't delay. Driving in high temperatures is too dangerous and could damage more parts. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues, saving you from costly part replacements.
Having experienced similar air conditioning issues, I believe there are several common reasons for unstable cooling in the Accord. Insufficient refrigerant is the most frequent cause - if there's a leak, it can't be replenished. Aging compressor relays leading to poor contact can result in intermittent cooling. Or it could be system blockage, such as dust accumulation on the condenser, affecting heat exchange efficiency. I recommend doing some simple checks yourself: after starting the car, open the hood and listen for abnormal compressor sounds like clicking noises. Also feel the AC pipes - if they're excessively hot, that might indicate a problem. Don't ignore these small signs, as they can make driving uncomfortably hot and even cause distraction leading to accidents. It's best to have a professional technician diagnose with proper tools. After fixing, remember to clean components annually to prolong your AC's lifespan.