1997 Honda CRV clicks when fan kicks on

1997 HONDA CRV
160,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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KALESH12
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my wife's CRV 97 clicks when the AC fan (drivers side) kicks on. it clicks 2-5 times about a second apart then stops and gauges read in the blue dead center. when the fan turns off the pressure rises to 50 (in the yellow-alert) then fan kicks on and pressure jumps from normal to yellow a couple of times in sync with the clicking, then clicking stops and pressure stays consistent normal (in the blue area of the gauge). AC blows cold. repeats as fan cycles on and off.

Im not sure where to start...

Im wondering could have have too much r134? Or could this be a bigger problem or no problem at all?

it was about 85 degres outside when i gauged pressure
Jun 3, 2010 at 12:11 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi kalesh12,

Either the idling speed is too low or there is too much freon in the system.
Jun 3, 2010 at 12:37 PM
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KALESH12
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thanks. i think it has too much, but...

when i turn off AC and leave vent on then pressure gauge slowing climbs to red (danger).

i did add a little r134 today. maybe i simply added too much. mostly the gauge reads normal except for when AC fan cycles off or is AC is turned off
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:01 PM
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KALESH12
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one more thing i was noticing on my old 92 accord. my AC fan never goes off as long as the AC is on.

should it cycle on and off (like my wife's 97 CRV) or stay on if AC is on (like my 92 Accord)?
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:06 PM
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KHLOW2008
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When AC is operating, as long as the compressor is working, the fan would stay on. It would only cycle off when the compressor cuts off after the internal temperature has reached the thermostat controlled temperature.

For both vehicles it should be the same.
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:09 PM
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KALESH12
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knowing this does it still seem like the freon level is too high?

when i give it gas the AC fan shuts off and the pressure rises until the fan turns back on.

my wife said that she got no power and car was sluggish earlier. I am going to test drive her real quick

thanks for all your help!
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:18 PM
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KHLOW2008
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You're welcome.

The Power Control Module is programmed to cut off the compressor during sudden acceleration.

I do not know about the yellow or red readings, we use psi to check and that is more accurate as you are able to under the actual pressure of the system.
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:24 PM
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KALESH12
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ok sorry about that one. middle blue is 35psi and claims 'normal'. when fan shuts off or accelaration causes fan to shut off it climbs to 50psi (50psi everytime-colored 'yellow' or 'alert') and fan kicks on and pressure on low side drops back to 33-36.

i wonder if i should go with even less freon?
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:31 PM
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KHLOW2008
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What is the high pressure reading?
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:35 PM
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KALESH12
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I only have the crappy gauge that came with the bottle of r134 for the low side.. the high side would require one that i dont think i have, right?
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:38 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Yes, you are correct about that.

For a correct analysis of the system, a reading of both high and low pressure would enable you to understand what is wrong.
Jun 3, 2010 at 1:55 PM
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KALESH12
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thank you again.

ive got it stable for the time being and we'll check it again sunday with a high gauge as well.

take care!
Jun 3, 2010 at 2:09 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Keep me posted of the outcome.

Have a nice day.
Jun 3, 2010 at 2:21 PM
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KALESH12
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Well, I never was able to get my hands on a high gauge (more expensive than expected), but I got the low side pressure down low enough than the compressor and fan run when the AC is on even when RPM increased. AC blows cold and after a new cabin filter its feeling pretty good.

I still am planning on getting a gauge for the high side, but since I had just added freon when prob started I bet it was just too much.

Thank again. take it easy
Jun 12, 2010 at 7:41 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Glad to know you have fixed or at least understand the cause of the problem.

Have a nice day
Jun 18, 2010 at 6:01 AM