How cold should the A/C in my Honda Civic be?

The performance test will help determine if the A/C system is operating within specifications.

Performance Test

A/C System – Test

Determine the relative humidity and air temperature.
Insert a thermometer (A) in the dashboard center vent.
Place a hygro-thermometer (B) near the blower unit’s recirculation inlet duct.

Test conditions:

The blower intake temperature must be at least 59 °F (15 °C).•
Move the vehicle out of direct sunlight and let it cool down to the surrounding (ambient) temperature. If necessary, wash the vehicle to cool it down more quickly.
Open the hood.
Open the front doors.
Apply the parking brake.
Shift the vehicle to Neutral.
Start the engine.
Set the A/C system to the following conditions.

A/C: ON

－Temperature control: MAX COOL (Lo)

－Mode control: VENT

－Recirculation control: RECIRCULATE

－Fan control: Max

－All vents: Open

•Use the throttle pedal depressor tool to run the engine at a steady 1,500 rpm.

•No driver or passengers in the vehicle.

To complete the vent (delivery)/blower intake temperature chart:

•Mark the vent (delivery) temperature on the vertical line.

•Mark the blower intake temperature on the bottom line.

•Draw a vertical line from the blower intake temperature mark.

•Draw a horizontal line from the vent (delivery) temperature mark until it intersects the vertical line.

NOTE: The vent (delivery) temperature and blower intake temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.

To complete the high side (discharge) pressure/blower intake temperature chart:

•Mark the high side (discharge) pressure on the vertical line.

•Mark the blower intake temperature on the bottom line.

•Draw a vertical line from the blower intake temperature mark.

•Draw a horizontal line from the high side (discharge) pressure mark until it intersects the vertical line.

NOTE: The high side (discharge) pressure and blower intake temperature should intersect in the shaded area. Any measurements outside the line may indicate the need for further inspection.