OK, Why is my A/C only cold out of the right side?

Joined
4 September 2006
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New Orleans
Left door and left vent is not compressed air but the right side is, what gives?
 
Mine does this too, except its not low on freon, as i just fully charged it. Both sides are cold but after about 20 mins. of driving, the right side stays cold while the drivers side becomes warm. After about 5-10 mins of this, both side will become cold again and the process continues. I'm thinking it maybe my a/c compressor is going out.
 
This is typical for the NSX only right? Is it two separate systems?

One single system.

I had the same thing in my NSX several years ago. Charged up the freeon and everything came back to normal.

If freeon isn't low, then it could be mechanical.
 
same here! Cold for 20 minutes then the left side door vents and left side center vent start to blow warm!!! Frustrating as heck!
 
Talked to an NSX certified tech and the lead tech at a Houston acura dealer and right off he said low freon. Carl said he does not know why the NSX does that but it does. He is also on this forum and has an impecable reputation working on numerous Forum members NSX's including mine. so I guess I need a freon recharge!
 
A system should not lose it's charge and if it has then the leak(s) need to be found and repaired before re-charging.

The refrigerant does not wear out and periodic recharging is not a routine or recommended maintenance.
 
A system should not lose it's charge and if it has then the leak(s) need to be found and repaired before re-charging.

The refrigerant does not wear out and periodic recharging is not a routine or recommended maintenance.

spot on with that statement.
I had mine converted and charged many years ago and haven't had a problem since.
The a/c system on these cars isn't unique in any way. All a/c systems are 'closed' and just recirculate the freon over and over.
If you don't find the problem you are just throwing $$$ away because you will continue to have to recharge it.
 
A system should not lose it's charge and if it has then the leak(s) need to be found and repaired before re-charging.

The refrigerant does not wear out and periodic recharging is not a routine or recommended maintenance.

Good advice here, but there is another scenario.

Slow leaks happen on cars like the NSX that are not driven much. The freon has a lubricant in it to keep seals lubricated. If you don't run the A/C much, those seals dry out a little (just enough). Then, slowly, over time, the freon leaks out. So, yes, there is a leak, but it goes away once you start using the A/C on a regular basis and as long as you run it occasionally the seals stay lubed. So, sometimes its not a worrysome leak; its one that can be reversed.

Just my experience, after having the same one side cold/one side warm scenario. Had it checked for leaks. No leak found. Charged A/C and now run it every time I take the car out...four years later, A/C still as cold as before.

Eventually I'll just change it to the R134a kit.

Flip side leak experience was w/ my Integra. My previous CAI was rubbing on an A/C line and wore a hole in it. The freon leaked out w/in a month, not over years like it did in the NSX.
 
I had this same problem happen twice:

1st time- NSX has 2 condensors and each has a fan in the front. One of my fan motors stopped and cold air only came out of one side of vents. Put your head/ear by the front lower grill, one to the right and one left, and you can hear the fans running. If only one side is, there's your problem.



2nd time- freon was leaking out. Re-charge would fix it for a couple weeks then it returned. Had to replace the evaporator...$$$$$$$ ($1800 if I remember)
 
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FYI.

The a/c does not have to be turned on to make the compressor run and circulate the system gas and lubricate the seals.
When the defroster is on, the a/c is on.
Turn on your climate control to clear windshield of a little fog or moisture and the the a/c compressor goes on. It's not just for cooling the cabin when it's hot outside, it's also used to remove moisture when you are warming the windshield.

If your 17 year old system is leaking and it is low on refrigerant it is time to get it properly repaired.
 
Mirrorshades

Check both 10 Amp fuses in the front compartment fuse box - they might be gone. Mine were and I replaced them to nice cool A/C. When the fuses go the two fans located in front of your wheels will not blow warm air - turn on your cars A/C and step outside and place your hand in front of the front wheels you should feel warm air and hear the motors.

If not check your freeon as I did this morning and ran out...
 
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