93 Accord, warm air from vents

Hi

The heat is killing me!! I only get warm air from the vents no matter
what setting I use. When I put the air con on I get a little cool air
fron the 2 centre vents only but nowhere near as cool as it used to be
& the side vents are tossing out more warm air. Does anyone have any
possible pointers & is there anything I can check myself or does it
require an expensive garage visit?

Thanks for any replies
mac

 

There should be a slider or knob to select warmer air or cooler air. I
don't recall whether you have a mechanical slider for the warm/cool setting
or if it is an electronically operated slider. It is probably a simple
mechanical slider that slides a cable in/out to operate a flapper that
selects/deselects air going around your heater core. If it is mechanical,
then it is probably the cable that has come loose. You can probably fix it
by pulling the console apart to get at the cable and fixing what broke. If
it is electronic, it is more complicated.

 

I would like to add to that that the slider operates not only the little
flaps, it also operates a valve in the coolant line going to the heater
core. If this valve is stuck open (or the linkage is broken), you will
get somewhat warm air even if the flaps around the heater core are
operating normally.

 

My '95 Odyssey did this, but it would get cooler when the slider was moved
to cool, but always warm. So, I took things apart to get to get to the
mechanism. This was not too hard, for the end of the cable at the slider
end. However, that end is not adjustable. The design is such that you will
never be able to get the cable out of the big plastic panel that holds the
cable and a myriad of other parts. You have to pry to plastic fingers apart
that snap into a groove in the cable sheath and also pull the cable away
from the plastic housing. You need three hands in an area where hands the
size of mouse feet are needed. Clearly, never designed to come apart, but
since there is no adjustment, no matter. I moved to the other end of the
cable which was so buried in plastic duct work, I couldn't even find the end
of the cable. Surprisingly, after lubricating the slide lever mechanism,
and doing my best to get lubricant down the cable, the heat control worked
better and it pretty much stays cool now. But, I pity the person who has to
take that cable out.

- Phil

 

On the '93, the rotary knob on the dash sends a signal to the water
flow valve under the hood. The valve is easily reached from the
passenger side at the fire wall. You can release the cable end from the
lever, and make sure the valve closes fully. May need lubed with
silicone spray, or replaced.
Are you sure the A/C is working? Is the clutch engaging when you hit
the button and turn on the fan? May be time to have the refrigerant
pressure checked. bob

 

Here's the site where you can find info to fix this problem:
http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/AccordManual/index.html

 

If you live in an area where it gets really cold in winter, it's very
possible that you did not make use of the AC for several months. If so,
it's very possible that you need to add freon (spelling???). I advise you
to check the freon level or have a mechanic check it for you if you don't
know how to do it.

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The first generation Odyssey does that too. The 'water tap' under the
hood isn't shutting off all the way. Just pop the cable retainer apart
and change the adjustment so the water shuts off tighter.

If you choose to lube the cables under the dash, use graphite in a
liquid form. Lock Ease (aerosol) from a lock shop is perfect. Blue can.

'Curly'

 

A very common problem is the knob for the temperature setting breaks. It has
a plastic shaft that encompasses a medal collar that fits onto the actual
control. They have a habit of cracking and then cannot grasp the collaron
the controller. You get one temperature until you either replace the knob or
utilize needlenose pliers and turn the control back towards the cool or blue
area. I believe a new knob is less than $10 and definitely worth while. I
even keep extras on hand

 

Thanks everyone who replied but especially Adam. I pulled off the
temp knob & sure enough the plastic shaft had split. I was able to
turn down the temp with a pair of pliers & now I'm just hoping that
the warm weather comes back.