1998 HONDA CIVIC Recover

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
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^

A/C System Service
Performance Test
The performance test will help determine if the air con-
ditioner system is operating within specifications.
Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the reouirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditionor rofrigerant and
lubricant vapor or mist can irrilalo €yes, nose and
throat. Avoid breathing tho air conditioner rstrigerrnt
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 mixtur$ of air and R-134a have been
shown lo b9 combustible rt glgvatad pr€ssur63 and can
resull in tire 01 oxplosion causing inlury ot property
damage. Never uao compre33ed air to pressure t99t R-
134a ssrvico 6quipmsnt or vohicla air conditioner sys-
tems.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained
from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
'1. Connect a R-134a refrigerant recover/recycling/
charging station to the vehicle, as shown, following
the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
2. lnsert a thermometer in the center vent outlet.
Determine the relative humidity and air tempera-
ture,
Test conditions:
. Avoid direct sunlight.
. Open hood.
. Open front doors.
. Set the temDerature control lever or dial to MAX,
COOL, the mode control switch or dial on VENT
and the recirculation control switch on RECIRCU-
LATE.
. Turn the A,/C switch on. and the heater fan switch
on MAX.
. Run the engine at 1,500 rpm.
. No driver or passengers in vehicle
After running the air conditioning for 10 minutes
under the above test conditions, read the delivery
temperature from the thermometer in the dash vent
and the high and low system pressure from the A,/C
gauges.
Recovery/Rocycling/Charging Station
22-24

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

Compressor (SANDENI
Replacement
1.lf the compressor is marginally operable, run the
engine at idle speed, and let the air conditioner
work for a few minutes. then shut the engine off.
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/
charging station (see page 22-27l..
Remove the bolts, then disconnect the suction and
discharge lines from the compressor.
NOTE: Plug or cap the lines immediately after dis-
connecting them to avoid moisture and dust con-
tamination.
6xl.0mm
Remove the condenser (see page 22-44).
NOTE: Do not disconnect the discharge hose from
the condenser.
Remove the power steering pump belt (see section
17 t.
22-30
24 N.m l2.ia kgt.m, 17 lbf.ftl
7. Loosen the center nut of the idler pulley and the
adjusting bolt. then remove the A,/C compressor belt
from the pulleys. Remove the two mounting bolts
from the left front mount, then remove the ly'C com-pressor belt by passing it through the gap befiiveen
the bodv and the left front mount.
ADJUSTING BOLT
1.0 x 1.25 mmaa N.m 14.5 kgf,m, 33 bnft)
8. Remove the four mounting bolts and the compressor.
CENTER NUT
COMPRESSOR

Compressor (DENSO)
Replacement
1.lf the compressor is marginally operable, run the
engine at idle speed, and let the air conditioning work
for a few minutes, then shut the engine off
Disconnect the negative cable from the battery'
Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/
charging station lsee page 22-271
Remove the each bolt, then disconnect the suction
and discharge lines from the compressor' Plug or
cap the lines immediately after disconnecting them
to avoid moisture and dust contaminatlon.
6 x '1.0 mm9.8 N.m (1.0 kgf m,7.2 lbfft)
Remove the condenser, but do not disconnect the dis-
charge hose from the condenser (see page 22-441'
Remove the power steering pump belt (see sectron
17]-.
7. Loosen the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and
the adjusting bolt. then remove the A,/C compressor
belt from the pulleys. lf necessary, remove the mount-
ing bolts from the left front mount. then remove the
fuC compressor belt through the gap between the
bodv and the left front mount.
'10 x 1,25 mm4,0 N.m (,1.5 kgf'm. 33 lbt ftl
Disconnect the compressor clutch connector, then
remove the mounting bolts and the compressor'
PIVOT BOLT10 x 1.25 mm4,1 N.m (4.5 kgt'm,33 lbfft)
COMPRESSOR
24 N.m (2.4 kgf m, 17 lbf ftl
(cont'd)
22-37

Compressor (DENSO)
Clutch Overhaul (cont'd)
Remove the screw from the field coil ground termi-nal. Remove the snap ring A with snap ring pliers.
then remove the field coil. Be careful not to damaoethe field coil and compressor.
SNAP NING AReplace.
Reassemble the compressor clutch in the reverseorder of disassembly, and note these rrems:
o Install the field coil with the wire side facingdown.
a Clean the pulley and compressor sliding surfaceswith non-petroleum solvent.. Install new snap rings, and make sure thev arefully seated in the groove.
. Make sure that the pulley turns smoothly afterit's reassembled.
. Route and clamp the wires p.operly or they canbe damaged by pulley.
FIELOcorL
22-42
13.2 N.m 11.35 kgt m,9.76lbtttl
Relief Valve Replacement
L
4.
Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/charging station {see page 22-27),
Remove the relief valve and the O-ring. plug theopening to keep foreign matter from entering thesystem and the compressor oilfrom running out.
Clean the mating surfaces.
Replace the O-ring with a new one at the relief valve.and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before install-ing it.
Remove the plug, and install and tighten the reliefvatve.
Charge the system (see page 22-46), and test its per-formance (see page 22-24),

Condenser
Replacement
1.Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/recycling/
charging station lsee page 22-271.
Disconnect the condenser fan connector from theAy'C wire harness, then remove the A,/C wire harnessfrom the condenser fan shroud.
Remove the bolts, then disconnect the dischargeand condenser lines from the condenser.
NOTE: Plug or cap the lines immediately after dis-connecting them to avoid moisture and dust con-tamination,
6r1.0
6x1.0mmolscHARGE L|NE 9.8 N.m 11.0
9.8 N.m 11.0 kgl.m, 7.2 lbf.ftl
22-44
4. Remove the bolt from the suction hose bracket, andremove the two bolts and the upper mount bracket.Remove the condenser assembly by lifting it up.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the condenser finswhen removing the condenser assembly.
UPPER MOUNT BRACKET
5. Install in the reverse order of removal. Make note ofthe following items.
. lf you're installing a new condenser, add refriger-ant oil (SANDEN, SP-10 or DENSO, ND-O|L 8)
\see page 22-22l.-
. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fit-ting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oilbefo.e installing them.
NOTE; Be sure to use the right O-rings for HFC,134a (R-134a) to avoid leakage.o Be careful not to damage the condenser finswhen installing the condenser assembly.. Charge the system (see page 22-46), and test itsperformance (see page 22-24i.
6x1.0mm9,8 N.m 11.0 kg{.m, 7.2lbtft}
6x1.0mm9.8 N.m 11.0 kst m, 7.2 lbf.ftl