2006 ACURA CSX engine

Possible Leak Area Diagnostic Procedure with theLeak Detector Notes
21-95
4. With the engine OFF, use a halogen leak detector first to detect the leak source. Follow a continuous path in order
to ensure that you will not miss any possible leaks. Test the following areas of the system for leaks:

 





 


Service Ports Check the service ports with
the detector.
If the detector ‘‘sniffs’’ a leak,
use fluorescent dye to
confirm it. When capping the service ports, ensure that the seals
on the port caps are in place, and that the caps are
tight. The caps are used as the final seals in the
system.
Condenser If the detector ‘‘sniffs’’ a leak, use fluorescent dye to confirm it. Check for joints or connections coated with oily
dust.
Check for damaged and corroded areas.
Check all fittings, couplings, brazed/welded areas
and areas around attachment points.
Move the probe slowly (1 inch/second or less), and
keep it within 1/4 inch of the component being
checked. This maximizes the chance of detecting a
leak.
If you detect a leak, blow compressed air over the
area, then recheck for leaks. For large leaks,
clearing the area with compressed air may help
you pinpoint the leak source.
A/C Lines (Low
pressure side) Wiggle the rubber hoses
when checking crimped metal
ends.
If the detector ‘‘sniffs’’ a leak,
use fluorescent dye to
confirm it. Check all fittings, couplings, pressure switches,
brazed/welded areas, and areas around attachment
points on A/C lines and components.
Check for damaged and corroded areas.
Move the probe slowly (1 inch/second or less), and
keep it within 1/4 inch of the component being
checked. This maximizes the chance of detecting a
leak.
5. Close the quick coupler valves, then disconnect the quick couplers from the vehicle service ports.
6. Attach the universal connect set, from the Optimax Jr. Leak Detection Kit, to the service valve fitting. Close the control valve (the black knob on the connect set).
7. Attach the charging station low pressure hose quick coupler to the service valve fitting, and open the quick coupler valve. Evacuate the connect set using the charging station vacuum pump, then close the quick coupler
valve.
8. Detach the universal connect set, and install a Tracer-Stick
dye capsule between the connect set and the service
valve fitting (see the manufacturer’s instructions for more detail).
9. Attach the quick coupler on the universal connect set to the low pressure service port on the vehicle. Open the charging station low pressure hose quick coupler valve, but do not open the control valve.
10. Start the engine, and set the A/C system to MAX A/C. Open the control valve to let refrigerant and the dye enter the A/C system through the low pressure service port. Close the control valve when the Tracer-Stick
dye capsule
is empty.
11. Run the engine and A/C system for 15 minutes to thoroughly circulate the dye. Then shut the engine off, and inspect the following areas of the system for leaks.
(cont’d)
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21-97
A/C System Noise Check
 Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vaporcan irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
 Be careful when connecting service equipment.
 Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.
The A/C system noise check will help you determine the
source of abnormal A/C system noise.
NOTE:  If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
 Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant
manufacturers.
 Identify the conditions when the noise occurs. The weather, the vehicle speed, the vehicle being in gear
or in neutral, the engine temperature, or other
conditions may be factors in determining the noise
source.
 Do an A/C system inspection (see page 21-6), and correct any problems found prior to diagnosing
abnormal noises.
 Abnormal A/C noises can be misleading. For example,
a sound similar to a failed bearing may be caused by
loose fasteners, loose mounting brackets, or faulty
compressor clutch assembly.
1. Inspect the air inlet grille in the cowl cover for debris. If debris is present, remove it.
2. Sit inside the vehicle, close the doors and windows, and turn the ignition switch to ON (II), but do not
start the engine. Cycle the HVAC system through all
blower speeds and all air distribution modes to
determine where and when the noise occurs. 3. Operate the blower at each speed with the engine
and A/C off, and check for unusual noises and
excessive vibration. If noise and/or vibration are
present, do the following checks:
–1 If the noise or vibration occurs only in a specific mode or setting, then check these
items: Operation of the mode control motor, door, and linkage
 Operation of the air mix control motor(s), door(s), and linkage
 Operation of the recirculation motor, door, and linkage
–2 If there is a squeaking or chirping noise, but no unusual vibration, replace the blower motor
(see page 21-77).
–3 Remove the blower unit (see page 21-76), and check for foreign material (leaves or twigs, for
example) on the blower motor and fan. If
foreign material is present, remove it, and
recheck for noise. If you don’t find any foreign
material, remove the blower motor (see page
21-77), and check these items: Check if the fan blades are cracked or broken
 Make sure the fan retainer is tight
 Inspect the fan alignment on the blower motor shaft
Replace the blower motor if any problems are
present.
4. Set up the vehicle for the running A/C che cks:
 Select a quiet area for testing
 Apply the parking brake
 Shift the vehicle in PARK or in Neutral
 Start the engine
 Set the temperature control dial to Max Cool
 Set the mode control switch to Vent
 Set the fan control dial to minimum (but not OFF)
 Turn the A/C switch ON
Switch the compressor on and off several times to
clearly identify the sound during A/C compressor
operation. Listen to the noise while the A/C
compressor clutch is engaged and disengaged.
Probe the A/C system with a stethoscope to
pinpoint the noise.
NOTE: If the noise does not change when the A/C
compressor clutch engages or disengages, the
noise may be caused by an engine-related
component. Probe the engine area with a
stethoscope to pinpoint the noise. (cont’d)
08/08/21 14:44:54 61SNR030_210_0098
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21-98Climate Control
A/C System Noise Check (cont’d)
5. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), and check the
drive belt for excessive wear, oil contamination,
improper routing, or a faulty belt tensioner
(see page 4-30). Correct any problems found. Start
the engine, run the A/C system, and check if the
noise is coming from the drive belt, the belt
tensioner or any of the pulleys. Repair or replace
any faulty components.
6. Listen for noises coming from the A/C lines, the A/C hoses, the condenser, the evaporator, the receiver/
drier, or the expansion valve, and check these
items:
 Noises caused by A/C components touching other components or the body. Reroute or
insulate the A/C component(s) as needed, and
recheck for noise.
 Loose, damaged or excessively worn A/C components or mounting hardware. Repair or
replace the faulty component(s) or hardware, and
recheck for noise.
 A moaning noise coming from the A/C suction line. If there is a moaning noise, check the
system refrigerant charge (see page 21-92). If the
refrigerant charge is OK, replace the receiver/
dryer.
7. Check the operation of the A/C compressor clutch:  Make sure compressor clutch engages withoutslipping. If the clutch does not engage,
troubleshoot the A/C compressor clutch circuit
(see page 21-62). If the compressor clutch slips,
replace the complete clutch assembly (see page
21-86).
 Make sure the compressor clutch disengages. If the clutch does not disengage, do the A/C
compressor clutch check (see page 21-85). If the
compressor clutch is OK, replace the A/C
compressor (see page 21-83).
 Make sure the compressor clutch cycles normally. If the compressor clutch is cycling rapidly, the
A/C system is probably low on refrigerant due to
a leak. Do the refrigerant leak check (see page
21-93). If the refrigerant charge is OK, and there
are no leaks, troubleshoot the A/C compressor
clutch circuit. 8. Listen with a stethoscope for noises coming from
the A/C compressor, and check these items:
 The noise changes when the compressor clutch disengages. If the noise does not change when
the A/C compressor disengages, the noise may
be caused by an engine-related component.
Probe the engine area with a stethoscope to
pinpoint the noise.
 The A/C system operating pressures are normal. If the system pressures are abnormal,
troubleshoot the problem using the pressure test
table in the A/C system check (see page 21-99).
Correct the pressure-related problem(s), and
recheck for noise.
 The compressor hose connections, mounting brackets, and fasteners are in good condition. If
any of these components are loose, damaged, or
excessively worn, repair or replace the faulty
component(s), and recheck for noise. If these
components are in good condition, and the noise
is still present, replace the A/C compressor
(see page 21-83).
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Performance Test
21-99
A/C System Test
A
B
 Air conditioning refrigerant or lubricant vapor can irritate your eyes, nose, or throat.
 Be careful when connecting service equipment.
 Do not breathe refrigerant or vapor.
The performance test will help determine if the A/C
system is operating within specifications.
NOTE:  If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before resuming service.
 Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant
manufacturers.
1. Do the A/C system inspection (see page 21-6), and correct any problems found.
2. Connect an R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/ charging station to the high-pressure service port
and the low-pressure service port, following the
equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Determine the relative humidity and air temperature.
4. Open the glove box. Remove the glove box stop on each side, then let the glove box hang down
(see page 20-104).
5. Insert a thermometer (A) in the center vent. 6. Place a thermometer (B) near the blower unit’s
recirculation inlet duct.
7. Test conditions:  Move the vehicle out of direct sunlight and let itcool down to the surrounding (ambient)
temperature. If necessary, wash the vehicle to
cool it down more quickly.
 The ambient temperature must be at least 16 °C (60 °F).
 Open the hood.
 Open the front doors.
 Set the temperature control dial to Max Cool, the mode control switch to Vent, and the
recirculation control switch to Recirculate.
 Turn the A/C switch ON and the fan switch to Max.
 Hold the engine speed at 1,500 rpm.
 No driver or passengers in the vehicle.
8. Inspect the A/C components for the following conditions:
 A/C compressor clutch not engaged.
 Abnormal frost areas.
 Unusual noises.
If you observe any of these conditions, refer to the
Symptom Troubleshooting Index.
9. After running the air conditioning for 10 minutes under the above test conditions, read the delivery
temperature from the thermometer in the center
vent, the intake temperature near the blower unit,
and the discharge (high) and suction (low)
pressures on the A/C gauges.
(cont’d)
08/08/21 14:44:55 61SNR030_210_0100
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Pressure Test
Test results Related symptoms Probable causeRemedy
21-103






Suction and
discharge pressures
are normal
Warm air from the vents. The A/C system
contains too much
refrigerant oil.
The air mix door is
not operating
properly.Recover refrigerant (see page 21-90)
and evacuate the system (see page
21-91). Adjust the amount of oil in
the system, then recharge the
system (see page 21-92).
Check air mix door operation
(see page 21-72), and repair as
needed.
Suction and
discharge pressures
are roughly equal
and steady The suction and
discharge pressures
equalize when the engine
is revved. The A/C compressor
clutch or the drive
belt is slipping, or the
compressor shaft
seal is leaking.Check whether the A/C compressor
clutch or the drive belt is slipping.
If the drive belt is slipping, replace
the drive belt (see page 4-31). Also
inspect the drive belt auto-tensioner
(see page 4-31).
If the A/C compressor clutch is
slipping, replace it (see page 21-86).
Check the A/C compressor shaft seal.
If it’s leaking, replace the A/C
compressor (see page 21-83).
Suction and
discharge pressures
are roughly equal but
fluctuate Suction and discharge
pressures fluctuate while
running. Pressures
equalize as soon as the
A/C compressor
disengages. The compressor
discharge valve or
the compressor
gasket is faulty.
Replace the A/C compressor (see page
21-83).
Suction and
discharge pressures
are roughly equal
and abnormally low The suction and
discharge pressures do
not change during
continued operation. The A/C system is
undercharged.
Recover refrigerant (see page 21-90),
then do the refrigerant leak check
(see page 21-93). Repair any leaks,
then recharge the system (see page
21-92).
Suction and
discharge pressures
are abnormally high,
but normalize when
the condenser is
cooled The suction pressure
decreases when cool
water is sprayed on the
A/C condenser.
The A/C system is
overcharged.
Recover refrigerant (see page 21-90),
evacuate the system (see page 21-91),
and recharge the system to
specifications (see page 21-92).
(cont’d)
08/08/21 14:44:56 61SNR030_210_0104
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Test results Related symptoms Probable causeRemedy
21-104Climate Control
A/C System Test (cont’d)














Suction and
discharge pressures
are abnormally high,
and refrigerant line
temperatures are
abnormal
The high pressure
vapor line to the
condenser is too hot.
The low pressure liquid
line from the
expansion valve is not
cold.
There is an abrupt
temperature drop
along a refrigerant line,
or in the condenser or
evaporator.The A/C system
refrigerant flow is
restricted.
Replace the restricted line or
component.
Suction and
discharge pressures
are abnormally high,
but drop rapidly
when the
compressor
disengages After stopping the A/C
compressor, the
discharge pressure
quickly drops about
196 kPa (28 psi), then
falls gradually.
The input and output
temperatures at the
expansion valve are
not similar.There is excess air in
the A/C system.
Recover refrigerant (see page 21-90),
evacuate the system (see page 21-91),
and recharge the system (see page
21-92).
Suction and
discharge pressures
are abnormally high,
and there is little or
no airflow through
the A/C condenser The condenser
and/or radiator fins
are clogged.
The condenser fins
are damaged.
The condenser
and/or radiator
fans are not
working properly.Clean debris from the condenser
and/or radiator fins.
Comb the condenser fins to repair
any damage.
Troubleshoot the A/C condenser fan
and/or the radiator fan circuit(s).
The suction pressure
is high and the
discharge pressure is
low. Both pressures
are steady The liquid line
temperature is similar
on both sides of
expansion valve.
System pressures do
not vary at a steady
engine speed.The expansion valve
is stuck open.
Replace the expansion valve (see page
21-80).
The suction pressure
is low, the discharge
pressure is high, and
the refrigerant
temperature changes
abnormally
somewhere in the
system The high pressure
liquid line going into
the expansion valve is
cold.
There is an abrupt
temperature drop in
the line between the
compressor and the
condenser, or in the
line between the
condenser and the
expansion valve.The A/C system
refrigerant flow is
restricted.
Replace the restricted line or
component.
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Tips and Precautions
Before Troubleshooting
Handling Connectors
22-3
General Troubleshooting Information
A A A
A
1. Check applicable fuses in the appropriate fuse/relay box.
2. Check the battery for damage, state of charge, and clean and tight connections.
 Do not quick-charge a battery unless the battery ground cable has been
disconnected, otherwise you will damage
the alternator diodes.
 Do not attempt to crank the engine with the battery ground cable loosely
connected or you will s everely damage the
wiring.
 Make sure the connectors are clean and have no loose wire terminals.
 Make sure multiple cavity connectors are packed with dielectric grease (except watertight connectors).
 All connectors have push-down release type locks (A).  Some connectors have a clip on their side used to
attach them to a mount bracket on the body or on
another component. This clip has a pull type lock.
 Some mounted connectors cannot be disconnected unless you first release the lock and remove the
connector from its mount bracket (A).
 Never try to disconnect connectors by pulling on their wires; pull on the connector halves instead.
 Always reinstall plastic covers.
 Before connecting connectors, make sure the terminals (A) are in place and not bent.
(cont’d)
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22-7
Relay and Control Unit Locations
Engine Compartment
ABS MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT
(’06-07 Touring and Premium models) or
VSA MODULATOR-CONTROL UNIT
(’07 TYPE S and ’08-09 models)
ECM/PCM
A/C CONDENSER FAN RELAY FAN CONTROL RELAY
BLOWER MOTOR RELAYPOWERMIRRORDEFOGGERRELAY
PGM-FI SUBRELAY
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER RELAY
IGNITION COIL RELAY
A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
UNDER-HOOD FUSE/RELAY BOX
PGM-FI MAIN RELAY 1
(FI MAIN) RADIATOR FAN RELAY
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL
SYSTEM (ETCS) CONTROL RELAY
ELECTRICAL LOAD DETECTOR (ELD)
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