AC issue?

My minivan will idol fine (honda odyssey). However, when the AC is turned on
the engines idles rough and seems to hessitate somewhat at an idle. Is there
an AC recharge coming my way? Thx for your help...


L

 

Without knowing how old it is and the approx mileage, the root cause is
anyone's guess. Needing an A/C recharge (low on freon) wouldn't
necessarily cause the compressor to lug the engine down at idle. However,
a compressor getting ready to seize up (major $$$) would. On an older
vehicle I wouldn't rule out engine problems. Could be a wrong idle
setting, needing carbeurator work, ignition timing, a fouled plug/needing
a tuneup/ignition wires, poor compression/needing a valve job or ring job,
or both, (I wouldn't do one without doing the other) etc. etc. In other
words, it's pretty hard to do an armchair diagnosis. About all we can say
with some degree of certainty is it's probably going to be expensive to
fix.

 

Bubba, thx for the info. The van is an Odyssey and has 185,000, and runs
really well (oh, 1995), no smoking or strange noises. I do notice that the
Ac is not as cold as it should be though. Also, there is an accasional CEL
(which does not stay on) , I guess I need to find a document to read
regarding checking the codes. Does anyone know of a way to check the CE
codes on a 1995 ODyssey?

thx, L

 

Short the SCS connector, then turn the ignition switch to "Run" (position II
- warning lights on, but do not start the car) and it should tap a code on
the CEL. SCS a 2 pin connector, located just above the bottom edge of the
dash to the right of the center console. It should be plugged into a small
receptacle that has no wires going out. Reset the computer (clear the
codes) by removing the "backup radio" fuse from the underhood fuse box
(passenger side, up near the firewall) for 10 seconds.

(this taken from a message by Caroline earlier this year) To decode the
code, take a look at www.autozone.com. Click on the "free repair guides"
link on the right. They don't explicitly list the Odyssey, but the 94-95
Accord 4 cylinder info should also be the same for the 95 Odyssey (same
engine). Keep clicking on links for the repair guides until you get to the
link that says, "Driveability and Emissions Controls." Click on it, then
click on "Trouble Codes." This page will tell you how to read the codes and
provide other troubleshooting info (again - use the charts for the 94-95
Accord 4 cylinder).

 

Your local Kragens, AutoZone, or Checkers usually can pull the code
for you for free.

 

Its a '95. Honda didn't switch to OBD-II until the '96 Odysseys. Unlikely
the parts stores will be able to pull it.