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2018 RDX AC Blowing Warm Air, Fan Works Fine

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:56 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Acura RDX Base

Hello everyone,

My 2018 Acura RDX (base model) has suddenly stopped blowing cold air from the AC. The fan works perfectly fine, I can hear it blowing strongly, but the air coming out is just warm, not cool at all. There are no strange noises like grinding or squealing when the AC is on.

This just started happening, and with summer coming up, I really need to get this fixed. Has anyone experienced this with their RDX? What could be the potential cause?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 26, 3:56 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Warm air from your 2018 Acura RDX's AC system, despite the fan working, points to a problem within the cooling cycle. Here are the most common culprits:

  1. Low Refrigerant (Freon):

    • Cause: This is the most frequent reason for an AC system not cooling. Refrigerant can leak out over time from hoses, seals, or components like the condenser or evaporator. A low charge means the system can't effectively absorb and dissipate heat.
    • Action: You'll need to have the system professionally checked for leaks and recharged. Simply adding refrigerant without fixing a leak is a temporary solution.

  2. Faulty AC Compressor:

    • Cause: The compressor is the heart of the AC system, pressurizing the refrigerant. If it's not engaging or has failed internally, the system won't cool. You might hear a click when you turn on the AC as the clutch engages; if you don't hear it, the compressor might not be working.
    • Action: Check the compressor clutch for engagement. If it's not engaging, it could be an electrical issue (fuse, relay) or the compressor itself.

  3. Clogged Condenser:

    • Cause: The condenser, located at the front of the car, dissipates heat. If it's blocked by debris (leaves, dirt, bugs), it can't release heat effectively, leading to warm air.
    • Action: Visually inspect the condenser fins for blockages and carefully clean them with water if needed.

  4. Blend Door Actuator Issue:

    • Cause: Inside your dashboard, blend doors control whether air flows over the heater core or the evaporator (cooling coil). If a blend door actuator fails, it might be stuck in a position that directs warm air to the cabin, even when the AC is on.
    • Action: This often requires diagnostic scanning to identify and replacement of the actuator.

When to See a Shop:

Given that you're getting no cold air, it's highly recommended to take your RDX to a qualified technician. They have the tools to:

  • Accurately measure refrigerant pressure.
  • Detect leaks using UV dye or electronic sniffers.
  • Diagnose compressor function and electrical circuits.
  • Check for blend door issues.

Attempting to recharge the system without addressing a leak is wasteful and won't solve the underlying problem.

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