1999 Civic EX - burning smell when I turn on the A/C

[JSpeakman]

Also the engine seems to struggle some when idling (with the A/C engaged). I attribute this to the FAN kicking on too. Is the compressor getting ready to lockup?

Lastly, one of the spark plug ignition boots, is coming unsnapped. I am going to replace the wires, but without the A/C on, it still idles fine.

Any insight is most welcome and appreciated.

-jes

 

[RichardCrainium]

It sounds like the belt is slipping but you didn't say if the smell is coming from the car or through the a/c vents. Either way if it smells like burning rubber its the belt. If its an electrical smell then its probably the fan motor going bad. First tune up the car if it still idles ruff then try cleaning the idle air control valve.

 

[RonJ]

Did you just buy this car?

Does the A/C problem follow some recent work done on the car?

 

[JSpeakman]

It sounds like the belt is slipping but you didn't say if the smell is coming from the car or through the a/c vents. Either way if it smells like burning rubber its the belt. If its an electrical smell then its probably the fan motor going bad. First tune up the car if it still idles ruff then try cleaning the idle air control valve.

I'm sorry I wasn't more specific, the smell is coming through the vents. And it occurs after it has been running for at least 5 minutes. As far as the smell - electrical vs. burning rubber, I'm not sure. But, it needs the plugs changed and the ignition wires changed. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks!

 

[JSpeakman]

Did you just buy this car?

Does the A/C problem follow some recent work done on the car?

First answer, no I've had the car for 8 years. Bought it from an in-law.

And yes the problem has followed recent work on the car. It first occurred after the valve cover gasket was replaced and then again after the exhaust was replaced (two separate visits, that's another story). This fun started in March.

The garage said that after the manifold work they 'cleaned' the engine, and I thought maybe that was the smell coming through the vents. But that was over 60 days ago.

Thoughts?

 

[RonJ]

You need to try to describe the smell. Take a friend for a ride and ask him/her to describe it for you.

When you say the smell occurs with the A/C on, do you mean that you don't smell the odor with the cabin blower on and the A/C button off?

Does the A/C work fine?

The engine has an increased load with the A/C compressor engaged and attempts to compensate by ramping up the idle speed. Does the idle speed rise when you turn on the A/C? Does the A/C compressor make any unusual noises?

Regarding the plug wires, it sounds like the engine needs a full ignitions system tune up - plugs, wires, cap, rotor. Buy Honda plug wires and NGK spark plugs.

Any CEL codes?

 

[JSpeakman]

You need to try to describe the smell. Take a friend for a ride and ask him/her to describe it for you.

When you say the smell occurs with the A/C on, do you mean that you don't smell the odor with the cabin blower on and the A/C button off?

Does the A/C work fine?

The engine has an increased load with the A/C compressor engaged and attempts to compensate by ramping up the idle speed. Does the idle speed rise when you turn on the A/C? Does the A/C compressor make any unusual noises?

Regarding the plug wires, it sounds like the engine needs a full ignitions system tune up - plugs, wires, cap, rotor. Buy Honda plug wires and NGK spark plugs.

Any CEL codes?

The smell occurs with the A/C on and the A/C cools the car.

I will investigate the smell with another person and let you know.

Thanks for your two cents on the ignition system, I will tune it up.

 

[RonJ]

The smell occurs with the A/C on

Only with the A/C on? What if you turn the A/C off and run just the blower?

And answers to idle and noise questions?