Lude Generation

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction to get this fixed as easy as possible. The problem I have is the dash switch for the air-con was gone dicky I mean its lit up green when on like its supposed to do, until recently when I noticed it stopped working. I pressed the button in and out a few times and with a harder press it came back on. So all good for the trip to see the air-con guy, or so I thought. On the way up to see the air-con guy, I tried the switch again and it stopped lighting up again. After fiddling with it again it started to light up ok.

I had my air-con serviced by a pro. Its been empty for over 18mths so could have had dried out seals and leaks, and loads of problems but all was well (Honda reliability ). It was pressure tested for 20mins and it held. Then it was put under vacuum pressure to check it also held and then it was cleared and the dye and oils were drawn back into the system. After recharging, I needed to start hit the switch to test the dam thing, and the switch would not work again , it having been working on the way up to meet the guy.

No matter how I fiddled with it - I could not get it to work. Without this, the signal to the compressor isn't on. So I need to fix the switch, but it looks like I have to pull the center console and air vents(not done this bit before) to remove the switches. Can some help me here with pics or if the switches can be repaired (soldered etc)?

Anyhow, the guy was also an auto electrician so bypassed the switch at the compressor to get it to work so it has run and started to cool the air. But, he needs the switch to work so he can check the air temps and fans and pressures etc.

I want this working now I paid for the check and recharge.

I had to change the fan switch on mine years ago. One of the speeds didn't work and it turned out the switch had just randomly given up. There were no other faults. It was easy, just had to take out the centre console bit to get access from underneath. Might be the same for the AC switch? It's probably going to be a lot easier to just replace it than to try and take it apart and resolder. You never know a brand new one might not be too much!

Can you not have a look on Ling's & see if it gives you an idea?

You might be able to rescue it with contact cleaner, but 80% you'll need the switch.

Here you go, number 8 I think. Although I can't tell if that's the full switch, or just the switch cover?

http://www.lingshondaparts.com/honda_ca ... k_03=23166

You could buy the whole unit for £710 mind......

That's just the switch cover I think, also Tim, do you have the digital climate or the manual heater system?

It would probably be easier to just swap the whole unit, it's a long time since I messed around inside of mine, the digital version, but I am pretty sure the switch is integrated into a circuit board.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Prelude ... 1093wt_813

Mine does not have the digital climate control even though the car is a JDM chassis, this is because it was built back to UK spec with the wiring/interior from my old car.

After a bit more research tonight I found the fix. Its a common problem on the US sites, usually when they cant switch the air vent controls or switch on the A/C. It happens randomly whilst driving. Sometimes working sometimes not.

Fan speeds are on a separate switch which can be replaced. The other switches are integrated onto a board including the a/c switch. Its a dry solder joint problem again. Which figures as mine is/was intermittent (now solid off). Its the connecting harness which is loose or solder joints.

I am hoping when I take it apart I might be able to encourage it to work with a wriggle of the connector harness.

There is this video on how to fix once you get it out the car.

[youtube]CIWrXeZ7-7s[/youtube]

Tim, if you don't get it sorted by JAE, we can have a go while there.

I know at least one of us will be carrying a soldering iron!

Cheers, thanks for the offers...it might just come to that....

However, I am on holiday from work now, so should be able to spend some time on it. Once the weather lets up I will be starting on some car related work. This is now one of my top priorities having paid out for the recharge.

Ok. Had the console out this morning - removed my audio and gently grasped both of the connectors at the back. All working now!!! All switches light up and the air-con functions brilliantly

Although its not a permanent fix, I haven't gone any further than this because of the weather, and I don't want to pull it all apart when I haven't got a replacement bulb (which has gone out) for the hot/cold slider, or got a small enough soldering iron (which I will sort out asap).

Now while I have the audio out, I am still trying to work out why the aerial connection doesn't work when I connect it up. It works partially when lightly connected - but push it all the way in and the signal goes. However, if I stick a small screwdriver into the female connector the signal is good and if I touch the aerial lead to the screwdriver its a perfect reception.

Woo hoo.. on a roll...fixed my aerial too. I have radio for the first time in 2years . It was the easiest fix but was the last thing I checked.

Got radio aerial connection checked out locally (ICE - Bradford) to find its ok (not surprised) so it must be the car then. The crimped connection at the front was solid (could not see the point of doing it again) so it had to be in the rear. So I reluctantly pulled back the trim panel to have a grope around and.... the aerial lead had come disconnected from the mast . Sorted!