install ac in a no ac car

i was wondering how hard it would be and if i would have to do any customization to install an ac into a non-ac car
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
To convert a vehicle that did not originally come with air conditioning to a vehicle that does have air conditioning can be VERY difficult. I would only recommend doing this on maybe an older classic car. Starting at the heart of the A/C system is the compressor. You would have to get a compressor for your vehicle preferably an OEM one as well as the bracket that enables you to mount the compressor to the engine. You would then need to get the correct sized belt for your engine with A/C.

After the compressor is installed, you will need to install the condenser near the radiator. After the condenser is installed you will want to connect the discharge hose from the compressor to the condenser. You will then want to install an evaporator under the dash. This is the most difficult part of installing an aftermarket air conditioning system as many under dash air distribution systems are completely sealed and do not allow for any customization at all.

If this is the case, a whole new air distribution system (ducts) would need to be installed under the dash. Once the evaporator is in place, the suction line can be connected from the evaporator to the compressor and the liquid line can be connected from the evaporator to the condenser. You will also want to make sure that you use an accumulator or a receiver drier depending on which type of A/C system you install. This will keep the A/C system from building up too much moisture. This is a very time consuming and expensive job but it can be done.

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Q: install ac in a no ac car

You would have to get a compressor for your vehicle preferably an OEM one as well as the bracket that enables you to mount the compressor to the engine. You would then need to get the correct sized belt for your engine with A/C.

The most common reasons a Honda Civic ac isn`t working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. You may not realize there`s a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold.
The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.
They take some kind of refrigerant that is naturally gaseous at room temperature and pressure, pressurize it until it changes from a gas into a liquid, then allow it to evaporate and expand into a gas inside a container, and cool.
For that, most cars have a built-in air conditioning system installed. However, there are a few exceptions. If your car doesn`t have one or it has been damaged beyond repair, you can go with a portable AC unit designed for cars.
Here`s how to stay cool without AC in your car: Buy a Cooling Seat Cover: Usually, in these situations, the driver`s back gets the worst of the heat. A cooling seat cover can keep your head, back, and seat cool and sweat-free, while also making your ride more comfortable.
The most obvious symptom of a troublesome Honda Civic air conditioner is a lack of cooling inside the cabin. There could also be unusual noises (such as a grinding or squealing sound) coming from the air conditioning system under the hood.
The average cost of a new AC compressor is $800 to $2,800 for both parts and installation. * Compressors for smaller units, such as window or mini-split systems, start as low as $100. How much you pay depends on your compressor and home size, your HVAC system, and your warranty coverage.
The average cost to replace a car a/c compressor is around $1,100—your mechanic isn`t far off the mark. The cost of parts and labor can vary greatly depending on where you live. On average, the labor cost can run between $160 and $200, with the parts costing between $650 and $840.
Air conditioning uses fuel

An air-conditioning (a/c) system can increase fuel consumption by up to 20% because of the extra load on the engine. The actual load depends on the vehicle`s interior size, the outdoor temperature and other conditions.

Ans. Yes, portable AC units are a great alternative to traditional window units. They are much easier to install and are more energy efficient. Portable AC units are also more affordable and can be moved from room to room as needed.
Think of portable air conditioners as the cooling choice of last resort. They`re better than a fan but far less effective than a window AC. That`s what Consumer Reports` experts consistently see in our tests of portable air conditioners.
Your Filter Is Dirty

A filthy filter is a common cause of a frozen air conditioner. In order to run properly, your AC unit needs adequate airflow, which is impeded when your air filter is dirty. If this is the case, you need to clean or replace it.

If your central AC is not blowing cold air, the refrigerant may be the problem. The unit could be running low and need additional refrigerant added. The most likely cause of this is a leak. A leak not only keeps the AC unit from cooling properly, but also it can cause other issues within the home.
yes,it is standard ac.
About Honda

Honda has been producing automobiles in America for 40 years and currently operates 18 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2021, 95 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. were made in North America.

One important component in a car air conditioner system is the condenser. The condenser acts as a heat exchanger that is used to convert high-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid, then gets streamed to the Receiver Dryer until it continues to the expansion valve.
Choosing not to replace a bad air conditioning condenser can cause the A/C system to stop working. This is because the correct amount of refrigerant isn`t reaching the compressor, which has a pressure sensor.
The compressor squeezes the refrigerant while it`s in a gaseous state, while the condenser converts the refrigerant gas back into a liquid.
Without a compressor, the refrigerant would not travel through your AC at all, making it impossible for it to cool your home. Your compressor is housed in the outdoor unit of your AC. If it`s not working properly, your home may not adequately cool down. If it`s completely broken, your AC won`t work at all.
The good news is that yes, you can drive your car without an AC compressor. This is one of those “if you can`t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen” situations.
Your AC system`s size can impact the installation price tag of it as a whole. It also affects the cost of your AC compressor replacement. The larger your AC system, the more expensive your compressor will be since a bigger compressor is needed to circulate the refrigerant throughout the system.
In most cars that are on the road today, R134a refrigerant makes the A/C system blow cold on hot days. Selected for its low flammability and safety, as well as because it`s kinder to the environment, almost every car built since 1994 is equipped with R134 refrigerant.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends not replacing Freon or refrigerant by yourself for both health and environmental reasons. Only an EPA licensed technician is legally allowed to reclaim Freon.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

When I turn on my AC the radiator fans do not turn on. The fans do come on when the car warms up so I know they are working and the fuses are good. The AC compressor does come on and the air blows ice cold when the car is moving. Car is a 2006 Chrysler Sebring Sedan 2.7l v6.
ANSWER : The control circuit for the fans needs to be checked. For example, there is usually a condenser fan relay in the A/C electrical controls. There could be a fault with that relay and/or wiring problems, perhaps even just a loose connection, blown or loose fuse, and so forth. To resolve something like this, the recommended service is an electrical component diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic service, the responding certified mechanic will get the problem pinpointed and resolved. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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when I turn my ac on my cars idle drop and stalls out and the ac is hot
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Although the pulley is still spinning, the compressor has likely failed. If it is not properly regulating pressure in the system, one of the first signs is a warm air conditioner. Considering yours is not cooling off, the pressures are not correct. If you believe the compressor is working correctly, you may want to check for a clogged line before replacing it. Keep in mind, a blocked line has likely put extra strain on the compressor, and may cause premature failure. For more help with testing or replacing the compressor, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

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Low coolant light comes on when AC, defrost or heater is on, but only if the car is in gear and stopped, what’s wrong with my car?
ANSWER : First, you want to make sure your cooling system is full. Check the radiator not the coolant jug. And check it when it is cold. If it needs coolant, add some. Of course, I don’t feel this problem is an actual low coolant condition. I would expect to find an electrical failure in the instrument cluster or from a component or wiring harness that is connected to the instrument cluster.

As a technician, I have access to reports from technicians across the country. I could not find any reports of this problem, so diagnosing this will require an experienced tech as this is not a common problem. In addition, this happens at intermittent times making it difficult to recreate. The most challenging part of this diagnosis will be recreating the symptom. I suspect it has something to do with the brake switch circuitry because it only seems to happen when you have your foot on the brake. I would begin my diagnosis there with a wiring diagram and test light in hand. The brake switch, instrument cluster, and environmental controls all interact with each other. Something is crossed either because of a failed module or damaged wiring in a harness.

Aside from making sure the coolant is full, this will not likely leave you on the side of the road. If you take it in to be diagnosed, be prepared for them to spend more time than usual to figure it out. Since it isn’t a key problem, you may need to live with it until it completely fails making it much easier to diagnose. Either way, I do recommend having a certified mechanic diagnose the warning light to make sure there isn’t anything serious going on.

Good luck.

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I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you

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07 Honda Fit Code PO420. Car missing at idle when AC is on and has trouble accelerating, especially up hills, more so with AC on
ANSWER : Hi there.The catalytic converter has two oxygen sensors. One oxygen sensor is positioned in front (upstream) of the catalytic converter and the other oxygen sensor is positioned at the rear (downstream). If the upstream oxygen sensor is working properly, its readings should fluctuate from when the car is at operating temperature and when running in a closed loop. When the oxygen sensors have readings that are similar to each other, it is an indication that the catalytic converter is not working as intended. If the voltage of the downstream oxygen sensor decreases, and begins to fluctuate like the upstream oxygen sensor, it means that the oxygen levels are too high and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will store the P0420 trouble code. This could be caused by a cracked exhaust manifold, damaged sensors or catalytic converter or electrical harness that controls the the sensors. It would be a good idea to have a professional mechanic complete an engine is misfiring inspection.

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I have a mini r53 s (supercharged) runs fine but when car stop and AC is on for a wile car overheat
ANSWER : Your question makes me think of a case I ran into a few years ago. The owner had modified his car but when he installed his fans, one of them was wired backwards so the fan ran in reverse. The two fans were fighting each other which was just like having no fan at all, so the car heated up while it was sitting still then it cooled off when moving. Check the rotation of both the fans before you check anything else. If that’s OK, you may be able to track down the problem with a non-contact thermometer, follow the course of the coolant with the beam. The radiator should be about 30 degrees or more cooler at the exit than at the entrance. If you need help with this, contact Your Mechanic. They can send a technician to your home to check out your overheating problem and let you know what can be done for it.

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2007 Nissan Altima motor mounts are new the motor vibrates a lot went the car is in drive with the ac on went I turn the ac off it
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that you have a vacuum leak or perhaps the transmission mounts are loose, as usually these symptoms are common with worn out motor mounts. When the AC is activated, it does create additional drag on the motor, which can make a small vibration even worse. It’s probably a good idea to have a professional mechanic come to your location and try and replicate the symptoms you are describing by completing a car is shaking or vibrating inspection.

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2008 VW Jetta AC not cold
ANSWER : Hi Allen. By far the best way to have your AC system correctly diagnosed is by having an AC inspection completed first. By having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location to diagnose the issue correctly, it significantly minimizes the mistakes in completing the wrong service. In your case, the issue could be as simple as needing to have the AC system recharged, or there is an existing leak that needs to be repaired before refilling the refrigerant. Best economic bet is to have the AC inspection completed first.

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Eric smoalih

I am a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and I have been working as an auto mechanic for over 15 years. I am passionate about my work, and I take great pride in helping people keep their cars running smoothly.