1997 HONDA CIVIC Low oil

From page 21-14
Check tor an open in the wire{s}:
Check for continuity between the
following terminals of the mode
control motor 7P connector and
the heater control Panel 14P con-
nector-7P: 14P:No.2 - No.4No.3 - No. 1No.4 - No.7No.5 - No.9No.6- No.8
Repair any opsn in the wirels)
bctwoan the mode control motor
and the hoator conlrol Panolls there continuitY?
Check Io. loo3. wires or Poorconnoctions at lhe hoat€r control
Danel 14P connactor, and 3t the
mod6 conilol motot 7P connec-
tor. It tho connoctions ara good.
rsDlaco the heat€r coilttol panel.
HEATER CONTROL PANEL 14P CONNECTOR
Wire side of {emale terminals
MODE CONTROL MOTOR 7P CONNECTOR
Wire side of female terminals
21-15

Description
Outline
The air conditioner system removes heat from the passenger compartment by circulating refrigerant through the system
as shown below.
BLOWER FAN
EVAPORATOR(Absorption of heati
EOUALIZING TUBE(Meters pressure andimproves the expansionvalve reaction time)
into the evaporator)CAPILLATY TUBE SENSING BULB
lControls the temPerature of the
ref rigerant leaving the evaporator
by metering the expansion valve)
/\
THERMOSTAT
A/C PRESSURE SWITCH
When the refrigerant is below
200 kPa (2.0 kgtcm',28 Psi)or above 3,200 kPa 132 kgflcm',
455 psi), the Ay'C pressure
switch opens the circuit to
the A,/C switch and stops the
EXPANSION VALVE(Meters the requiredamount of refrigerant
airconditioning to Protect the
compressor.
RECEIVER/DRYER(Traps debris, andremoves morsturel
THERMAL PROTECTOR
{Opens the comPressorclutch circuit when the
compressor temPeraturebecomes too high)
RELIEF VALVE(Relieves pressure at the
compressor when thepressure is too high)
(Radiation of heat)
I
f-r--; I
(Suction and comPression,
HIGH PRESSURE VAPOR
HtGH PRESSUBE LIOUID
LOW PRESSURE LIOUID
This car uses HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant which does not contain chlorofluorocarbons Pay attention to the following
service items:
. Do not mix refrigerants CFC-12 (R-12) and HFC-134a (R-134a)' They are not compatible'
. Useonlythe recommended polyalkyieneglycol (PAG) refrigerant oil designedforthe R-134a compressor (SANDEN: SP-
10; DENSO: ND_OIL8). Intermixing ihe re-commended (pAG) refrigerant oil with any other refrigerant oil will result in
compressor failure.
. All A,,ic system parts {compressor, discharge line, suction line, evaporator, condenser, receiver/dryer, expansion valve'
O-rings for joints) have to be proper for refrigerant R- 134a Do not confuse with R-l2 parts'
. Use a halogen gas leak detector designed for refrigerant R-134a
. R-12 and R-134a refrigerant servacing equipment are not interchangeable. Use only a recovery/recycling/charging station
that is u,L.-listed and is certified to meet the requirements of sAE J2210 to service R-134a air conditioning systems'
. Always recover the refrigerant R-134a with an approved recovery/recycling/charging station before disconnecting any
A,/C fitting.
S]
22-5

A/C Service Tips and Precautions
The air conditioner system uses HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and polyalkyleneglycol (PAG) refrigerant oil*, which are not
compatible with CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and mineral oil. Do not use R-12 refrigerant or mineral oil in this system, and do
not attempt to use R-12 servicing equipmenU damage to the air conditioner system or your servicing equipment will result.*Sanden SP-10:
. P/N 38897 - P13 - A0lAH: 120 ml 14ll.oz, 4.2lmp.oz)
. P/N 38899 - P13 - A0l | 40 mf 11 1/3ll.oz,1.4 lmp'oz)
Use only service equipment that is U.L. listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove R 134a
from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner ref;ige;ant and lubricant vapol or mist can irritate syes, nose and throat, Avoid
breathing the air conditioner refrigerant and lubricant vapor or misl.
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
R-'134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed
ai.
!@@ some mixtures of air and R-t3ila have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures and can result
in tire or explosion causing iniury or property damage. Never use compressed air lo pressure tesl R-134a service equip-
ment or vehicle 8ir conditioner systoms.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and Iubricant manufacturers.
L Always disconnect the negative cable from the battery whenever replacing air conditioning pans.
2. Keep moisture and dust out of the system. When disconnecting any lines, plug or cap the fittings immediately; don't
remove the caps or plugs until just before you reconnect each line.
3. Before connecting any hose or line, apply a few drops of refrigerant oilto the O-ring.
4, When tightening o. loosening a fitting, use a second wrench to support the matching fitting.
5. When discharging the system, use a R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station; don't release refrigerant
into the atmosphere,
6. Add refrigerant oil after replacing the following parts:
NOTE:
. To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to the container once dispensed, and never mix it with other refriger-
ant oils.
. lmmediately after using the oil, replace the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash
it off immediately.
Condenser .......2o ml (2/3 fl.oz, 0.7 lmp.ozl
Evaporator .,.,.,. i[5 m{ 11 213 tl.oz,1,6lmp.ozl
Line or hose ..... 10 mf (1/3 fl.oz, 0.4 lmp.ozl
Receiver/Dryer 10 m{ (1/3 fl.oz,0.'l lmp.ozl
Leakage repair 25 m{ (5/6 fl.oz, 0.9 lmp.ozl
Comptessor ... For compressor replacement. subtract the volume of oil drained trom the
removed compressor from A, and drain the calculated volume of oilfrom the new
compressor: A - Volume of removed compressor: Volume to drain from new
comoressor.
A: SANDEN 130 mf l/t 113 ll.oz, 4.6 lmp'ozl; DENSO 140 mf {4 213 ll'oz, 1.9
lmp.oz),
NOTE: Even if no oil is drained from the removed compressor, don't drain more
than S0 m{ 112Ell.oz,1.8 lmp.oz) fromthe new compressor.
REMOVED NEW
COMPRESSORCOMPRESSOR
*DENSO ND-OlL 8l
. P/N 38897 - PR7 - A01AH: 120 ml (4 fl.oz)
. P/N 38899 PR7-A01:40mf (1 1/3fl'oz)
rereW W0000
22-22
-0_!- -0_a
Tol l00l
| | lffi 1 onrrrutrc I
fi+-sAME
LEvEr...+jEf,voLUME
J
^

A/C System Service
Pressure Test Chart
NOTE: Performance Test is on page 22-24,
Test resultsRelated symptomsProbabl€ causeRemedy
Discharge (high)
pressure aDnor-
mally high
After stopping compressor. pres-
sure drops to about 200 kPa
{2.0 kgflcm,,28 psi) quickly, and
then falls gradually.
Air in systemRecover, evacuate, and
recharge with specified amount.
Evacuation: see page 22-45
Charging: see page 22-46
Reduced or no air flow through
condenser
. Clogged condenser fins. Condenser fan not work-
ing properly
Clean.
Check voltage and fan rpm.
Check fan direction.
Line to condenser is excessively
hot.
Restricted flow of refriger-
ant in system
Restricted lines
Discharge pres-
sure abnormally
High and low pressures are bal-
anced soon after stopping compres-
sor, Low side is higher than normal.
. Faulty compressor dis-
charge valve. Faulty compressor seal
Replace the compressor.
Outlet of expansion valve is not
frosted, low pressure gauge indi-
cales vacuum.
. Faulty expansion valve. Moisture in system
. Replace,. Recover, evacuate, and
recharge with specified
amount.
Suction (low)
pressure abnor-
mally low
Expansion valve is not frosted, and
low oressure line is not cold. Low
pressure gauge indicates vacuum.
. Frozen expansion valve. Faulty expansion valve
ReDlace the exoansion valve.
Discharge temperature is low. and
the air flow from vents is restricted.
Frozen evaporatorRun the fan with compressor
off. then check A,/C thermostat.
Exoansion valve is frosted.Clogged expansion valveClean or replace.
Receiver/dryer outlet is cool, and
inlet is warm (should be warm
during operation).
Clogged receiver/dryerReplace.
Suction pres-
sure abnormally
hig h
Low pressure hose and check
joint are cooler than the tempera-
ture around evaporator.
. Expansion valve open too
long. Loose expansion capillary
tube
Repair or replace.
Suction oressure is lowered when
condenser is cooled bv water.
Excessive refrigerant in sys-
tem
Recover. evacuate, and
recharge with specified amount.
High and low pressure are equal-
ized as soon as the compressor is
stopped, and both gauges fluctu-
ate while running.
Faulty gasket
Faulty high pressure valve
Foreign particle stuck in
high pressure valve
Replace the compressor.
Suction and dis-
charge pres-
sures abnormally
h igh
Reduced air flow through con-
denser.
. Clogged condenser fins. Condenser fan not work-
ing properly
Clean condenser.
Check voltage and fan rpm.
Check fan direction.
Suction and dis-
charge pressure
abnormally low
Low pressure hose and metal end
areas are cooler than evaporator.
Clogged or kinked low pres-
sure hose parts
Repair or replace.
Temperature around expansion
valve is too low compared with
that around receiver/dryer.
Clogged high pressure lineRepair or replace.
Refrigerant leaksCompressor clutch is diny,Compressor shaft seal leakingReplace the compressor.
Compressor bolt{s) are diny.Leaking around bolt(s)Tighten bolt(s) or replace com-
pressor.
Compressor gasket is wet with oil.Gasket leakingReplace the compressor.
22-26

Recovery
Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner relrigerant and
lubricant vapor or mist can illitate eyes, noss and
throat. Avoid breathing the ail conditioner refrigerant
and lubricant vapor or mist.
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work
area before resuming service.
R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner sys-
tems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with
compressed air.
!@@ some mixtures ot air and R'13'[a havo been
strown to be combustiblg at elevated pressures and Gan
resuh in fire or explosion causing iniury or property dam-
age, Never use compressed air to pressure test R-134a
service equipment or vehicle air conditioner systems.
Additional health and safetv information may be obtained
from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
1, Connect a R-'134a refrigerant recove rylrecycling/
charging station to the vehicle, as shown. tollowing
the equipment manufacturer's instluctions.
2. Measure the amount of refrigerant oil removed from
the A/C svstem after the recovery process is com-
pleted.
NOTE: Be sure to install the same amount of new
refrigerant oil back into the Iy'C system before charg-
tno.
R€covery/Recyclin g/Cha19ing Station
22-27

Evaporator
1.
Replacement
4.
Move the temperature control to "HOl"
'96-98: Slide the temoerature control lever.'99-00: Turn the ignition switch ON (ll), then turn
the temperature contol knob. Turn the ignition
switch off.
Remove the battsry.
Rgcover the refrigerant with a rocovery/recycling/
charging station (see page 22-271.
Remove the bolts, then disconnect th6 suction 8nd
receiver lines from th6 evaoorator.
NOTE: Plug or cap the lines imm€diatoly after dis-
connecting them to avoid moisture and dust con-
tamination.
6xl.0mm9.8 n*ln ll.0 tg6m.7.2 lbt frl
RECEiVER UNE
Remove the glov6 box (see section 20).
Removo the self-tapping scr€w and the passeng€r's
dashboard lower cover. Removs the bolt. the nut
8nd the kn€e bolst6r, th6n r6mov6 th6 fiv6 bolts and
the glove box frame.
6.
srrcrrc u E
22-28
7. Disconnect the connector from th€ Ay'C thermostat,
and r€movs the wire harness from the ovaporator.
Remov6 tho four self-tapping screws, tho mounting
bolt and ths mounting nut. Disconnect th€ drain
hose, then remov€ th6 avagorator.
6 x l.0.nm9.8 l$m lt.o ldm, 7.2 bl.tt)
Install in the reverse order of removal. Make note of
th€ following items.
o lf you'r6 installing a new evaporator, add rofriger-
ANt OiI {SANDEN, SP-10 Or DENSO, ND-OIL 8)
lsas page 22-221.
. Replace the O-rings with now ones 8t 68ch titting,
and apply 8 thin coat of r€frlgersd oil before
installing them.
NOTE: Be sure to use the right O-rings for HFC-
134a (R-134a) to avoid loakago.
. Apply s€alant to tha grommets.
. Mske sure that ther€ is no air leakage.
. Chargs ths system {s€€ page 22-161, and tost its
performance (see pags 22-211.

Overhaul
1.
3.
Pull out the A,/C thermostat sensor from the evapo-
rator fins.
Remove the self-tapping screws and clamps from
the housings.
Carefully separate the housings, then remove the
evaporator.
lf necessary, remove the expansion valve.
NOTE: When loosening the expansion valve nuts, use
a second wrench to hold the expansion valve or the
evaporator pipe. Otherwise, they can be damaged
5. Assemble in the reverse order of disassembly Make
note of following items.
. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting,
and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before
installing them.
NOTE: Be sure to use the right O-rings for HFC-
134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.
. Install the expansion valve capillary tube so that
it is in direct contact with the suction line. Then
wrap wath taPe.
. Reinstall the Ay'C thermostat sensor to its original
location.
6th tin lrom inld side
Serpentine type:
Laminate typo:
TAPEReplace.lvake sure there is no foreign matter stuck between
60t5mml'2.1! O.2 inl
EVAPORATORblow din out of linswith compressed air,
HOUSING
8 N.m 10.8 kgt m,6 tbf.ftl
6th fin lrom outle't sideCAPILLARY TUAE
VALVEN
u'
ll
6\N.m (2.it kgt.m,17 tbtftl1l
A/C THERMOSTfesr page 22 21
%
EVAPORA
LOWER
22-29

9. lf necessary, remove the compressor bracket as fol-
lows.
. Remove the nut and the washer.
NOTE: When tightening the nut of the left front
mount, make sure the washer is set properly on
the left front engine mount as shown.
. Remove the four mounting bolts and the com-
pressor bracket.
12 x 1.25 rrirn59 N.m 16.0 kgt'm,43 tbf.ft)
COMPRESSORBRACKET
WASHER
1.0 x 1.25 mm44 N.m (i1.5 kg{.m, 33 lbl.ft)
LEFT FRONTMOUNT
10. lnstall in the reverse order of removal. Make note of
the following items.
. lf you're installing a new compressor, drain all
the refrigerant oil from the removed compressor,
and measure its volume. Subtract the volume of
drained oil from '130m? 14 1/3 tl'o2,4 6 lmp'oz);
the result is the amount of oil you should drain
from the new compressor (through the suction
fifting).
. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fit-
ting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil
before installing them
NOTE: Be sure to use the right O-rings for HFC-
134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage
. Use refrigerant oil (SP-10) for R-134a Sanden and
Hadsys spiral type compressors only'
o To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to
the container once dispensed, and never mix it
with other refrigerant oils.
. lmmediatelY after using the oil, replace the cap
on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture
absorption.
. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it
may damage the painu if the refrigerant oil con-
tacts the paint, wash it off immediately
. Adjust the Ay'C compressor belt (see page 22-43)
and the power steering pump belt (see section 17)'
. Charge the system (see page 22-46), and test its
oerformance (see Page 22-241
22-31