Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

blouderback on Mon April 11, 2011 8:52 AM

Year: 1997
Make: Honda
Model: Del Sol
Engine Size: 1.6

Hi All,

Great forum you all have here!

I purchased a great little 1997 Honda Civic Del Sol back in January from an Infinity dealer. The sticker indicated that it had A/C and climate control. The climate control console even has an A/C switch on the dash that lights up when I press it. However, I noticed that it didn't blow cold, so I went to charge it, and guess what? NO COMPRESSOR.

It looks like there are hard refridgerant lines run to the front of the car from the firewall, but then they're just looped together with a short 3" hose where they would normally hook into the compressor and radiator(?). I saw somewhere on some other on-line forums that Hondas back in the late '90s were setup for "dealer" installed A/C, and it looks like it would be fairly simple to add the compressor, since the inside controls seem to already be there.

I'm calling the dealer to day to complain, but I'm wondering what I should ask for. I'd really like them to install the A/C, but I'm thinking they may just want to make a cash offer to keep me happy.

1. Is this a DIY project for a guy who regularly changes brake pads, alternators, fan belts, oil, etc.?
2. How much $$$ should I demand from the dealer if they won't/can't install A/C?

Thanks,

Bob

Edited now that I know what an evaporator is... I think it already has one of those....

Edited: Mon April 11, 2011 at 8:59 AM by blouderback

GM Tech on Mon April 11, 2011 8:58 AM

No, just go back and tell them they must of missed the a/c component of their "50 point inspection of all used cars".. then let them tell you, that you have no a/c--- and you can say, sure I do-- see the little light works....Then let them get red-faced and admit they mis-rep-resented the car. And all the while, you can see if they try to lie their way out of it.

-------------------------
The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......

blouderback on Mon April 11, 2011 9:04 AM

Will definitely try that tactic... Thanks.

Learning more about automotive A/C systems. I don't have a CONDENSER either. Looks like there's a nice big fat empty space right next to the radiator.

blouderback on Mon April 11, 2011 12:43 PM

Just spoke to the sales rep. He spoke with the manager. He said there is nothing they can do. I'm waiting for the manager to call me back. The sales rep did say that the A/C was a dealer installed option at that time, so it might be easy for me to have it installed by a Honda dealer.

Can anyone confirm if A/C was a dealer installed option on Hondas back in the late '90s, and would it still be relatively easy to install? Like I said, it seems like all the plumbing, electrical, and interior controls are there, so basically, I'd need to add a compressor, condensor, some hoses, and some other minor things, right?

-Bob

mk378 on Mon April 11, 2011 6:44 PM

The whole system bolts on. The cars came from the factory with no evaporator, lines, compressor, condenser or any mechanical parts, just the wiring and a blank cover over the button on the dash. The system came in a big box ordered through the parts department. In southern states the dealer would install the A/C kit on almost every one before putting the car out for sale. Like most parts of a Civic it is easy to do it yourself. Probably someone removed the compressor and condenser to make room for a turbo kit, since removed.

mk378 on Mon April 11, 2011 6:47 PM

Edited: Mon April 11, 2011 at 6:56 PM by mk378

robs on Mon April 11, 2011 7:06 PM

We offer an after market kit for your vehicle. Our part number AMA16767-003980 . Look over the instructions HERE to see if its something you'll be able to tackle yourself. Pretty simple install. If you have some components, we can piece together the rest or just rip out what you got and install a whole new system. Good Luck!

blouderback on Tue May 31, 2011 9:36 AM

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the info. I'm about to take the plunge and order the kit from you. However, before I do, I was wondering if you have instructions specifically for a 1997 Honda Del Sol. The instructions in your link are for 92-95 Del Sol, and I;m sure they're pretty close, but you never know!

Also, is this kit EVERYTHING I will need to do the install (minus a few sheet metal screws and some drills)? Will I need any additional hoses, clamps, fittings, wires, etc? I plan on taking the car to a shop to get them to evacuate and charge the unit after I install, as I don't have that equipment and the high pressure sort of scares me a little.

Thanks,

Bob

Edited: Tue May 31, 2011 at 9:42 AM by blouderback