Menu
What's new
By:
Advanced search...

A/C and engine power loss

C

Chris1.8SPort

Members
Messages
9
Reaction score
2
Location
Surrey
Car
Accord 1.8 Sport
Hi all,

It's ****** hot out there!!! ...and I have a problem with the manual A/C in my 1.8 Sport. It works really well, cools the cabin very effectively...however it really saps power from the engine, to the point where if I need to pull out from a junction quickly I have to turn the A/C off. Cabin filter has been replaced, and both fans (Radiator and condenser?) turn on when the A/C is engaged.

I have also noticed a very slight rumble/whine coming from the engine bay LH side with the A/C on and revving the engine up through the gears. I reckon I'm probably looking at a compressor problem...?

The service manual troubleshooting guide looks really complicated, so I thought I'd ask on here to see if anyone has any tips or hints as to what to look for before I start.

The car has 110k and had been left standing for long periods by the previous owner.

Thanks in advance :)
 
I guess that power loss with the AC on is normal in the 1.8.
Mine does the same...
 
The AC uses engine to run, so its normal, but it shouldnt be sapping so much power that its struggles to set off. Give it some more revs.
 
Hello. as they said its normal. I have digital and when i turn on A/C i dont feel loss in power (2.0) but slight loss in illumination and low beams (just little - u see it but others dont)
 
I would like to report that I have the same problem as the OP, but for me on the 2.0 liter. I'm trying to diagnose but I'm almost out of options. Here's the symptons:

- Starting the car with the A/C off, sometimes in wet weather a little whine from the Alternator / AC belt (not very often).
- Starting the car with the A/C on, screaming belt, have to rev over 2000 rpm before the screaming stops after 20-30 seconds.
- If I have drive a couple of KM's without the A/C on, and then turn it on, there's no screaming belt. Also after starting with the A/C on, and drving for about 5-10 mins the belt screaming stops.

What I've done to diagnose the problem:

- New Belts for Power Steering and Alternator/AC
- Rechecked belt deflection at local garage, deflection OK
- Turn off every other electrical component apart from the A/C (and fan speed to minimal)
- Checked and filled A/C system at Airco specialist workshop

The things I've done to resolve the problem all lead to nothing. Is there anyone encountering the same problem or could be leading me to the actual cause of the problem?
 
Hi Guys,

Little update on my screaming alternator belt. After watching a video of testing the Alternator, I did some measurements with a multimeter to confirm a good working alternator. Apparantely the mechanic who checked and adjusted the belt deflection (as he says), torqued the wrong bolt of the adjustment system and broke the head off.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3376zxpdxhwmbw2/2014-07-22%2009.58.47.jpg

I removed the alternator and carefully drilled it out. After installing a new bolt and reinstalling the alternator I set the deflection correct, and now my belt doesn't scream anymore :)

I hope the OP can solve his problem quickly...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top