94-97 Accord -- cold air - hot air a/c problem

My 96 Accord (110,000) blows out cold air and then hot air when in
recirc mode. I had a small leak repaired at the Honda dealer last
month. We just moved from the Midwest where we use the a\c once every
six months, now we live in the Phoenix area and run it everyday. I
also noticed that when the temp gauge shows high, the a\c runs warm.
Could this be related, what could be the problem? Thanks!

 

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It should never get warmer than the outside air when it's 'relaxing' the
compressor. The linkages in the heater control box aren't adjusted
correctly (somebody didn't set them right) because the water valve isn't
closing under the hood. The valve (under the hood) is probably hard to
see / reach.

The heater control box is similar on first generation Odyssey (and they
have LOTS of hot air trouble), and yours is on the underside of the
heater. see www.slhondaparts.com for diagrams

If they fixed the (unknown) leak to stop the heat problem, take it back.
This stuff is in their manual.

'Curly'

 

....oh sorry, the dealer that did the service is back in the Midwest and
they repaired a small leak. Are the issues related?

 

Check the fans, should be running flat out when things are getting too hot.
Does the same happen when you have a good road speed, as when you are stuck
in traffic, etc?

 

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I took a small leak before I came downstairs.

What KIND of SMALL LEAK do we keep talking about ? ? ? ?

'Curly'

 

Yes, it happens on both freeway and in stop & go traffic. The a/c &
radiator fan run fine. Thanks!

 

The leak was from the "High Side Valve", which was replaced. Thanks!

 

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If it was #1 in this diagram,

http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=ACCORD&Year=1996&TrimLevel=4DR+LX&TransLevel=4ATKA&Section=E&Category=B++1730%7CWATER+VALVE&PartCatalogId=13SV40&ViewParts=true
Yes, it's related. The water valve is supposed to shut off tight when
the heat controls are set to BLUE. The fact that you get heat when the
compressor cuts out proves there's hot water circulating thru the heater
core. It hasn't been adjusted correctly and you are running your AC to
FIGHT the effects of your heat being ON. (just like the Gen 1 Odyssey I
mentioned)

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32864&highlight=heater+and+on
http://www.odyclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30691&highlight=heater+and+on

'Curly'

 

Is this a DIY project or a dealer visit. Thanks for all you help!

 

I also have a 96 accord that USED to have that problem...I was told that
in that gen. of accord, that when the thermo is turned all the way into
the blue area, it is not closing the heater core off completely( I
think thats what you call it). Therefore heat is bleeding into the
vents while you have the a/c on. Solution: I took the dash apart, took
a pair of needle nose pliers, went behind the temp adjust gauge and
while the dial was all the way in the blue area, I pulled the cable a
little to completely close off the heat. Now my a/c is blowing ICE
cold. Down here in South Carolina a/c is a must. GOOD LUCK.

 

Thanks for the help. How do i remove the dash?

 

Make sure the knob for the hot-cold (red-blue) doesn't have a crack in
the part that slides onto the heater control shaft. I had that problem
with my 95 once and it wasn't closing the valve completely. I bought
some plastic glue from Wal Mart and repaired it.

If you need to remove the dash panel to check the cable, there are 2
screws above the speedometer, remove those, remove the 2 heater/AC
knobs and then the panel just pops loose. You may need to CAFEFULLY use
a screwdriver to pry the edge of the panel up to get it started.