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I own a 2003 HCH with a manual trans.
I assume all HCH have the climate control System.
The heating system has some issues that can't possibly be normal.I bought this car used and this is my first real winter in it.
First issue; When car is ice cold and fan set to "AUTO" it will blow out ice cold air at full speed. I have to assume there should be a sensor telling it that the coolant is cold? Very uncomfortable...
Issue 2; Once up to operating temps the system will continue to blow HOT air until it's like a sauna before it turns itself down. I have to turn the temp knob all the way down before it is bearable, if you turn it up again even just a few degrees it becomes a sauna again
I just can't believe it's working correctly.
Anyone have any ideas as to what is malfunctioning?
I'd prefer to not pay $105/hr for diagnosis fees
Thanks in advance.
Eric S.

The manual refers to a temperature sensor in the dash. It might just be very, very dirty. Look in the manual to find it, then try cleaning it with compressed air or a vacuum.

HI Eric;

With an automatic climate control system you simply set the temperature and the car takes care of the rest. Unfortunately, the results may not always match our expectations and on this note, I would add that your issue #1 is normal. That is in part why I place the Climate control temp at the lowest possible value (in below freezing temps) and manually adjust the fan speed to a low value too, at least for the first 5-10 minutes.

I would gently blow some moisture free compressed air into the orifice where the temp/moisture sensor is on the driver's side of the dash. Also, check your cabin filter as extreme dirt ( mold+moisture) has been known to trick these climate control systems. Changing the air cabin filter every year is in my view a good investment in more ways than one.

Also, is the outside temp sensor in good order. A frontal impact followed by an improper repair can cause havoc with your climate control.

Finally, if none of the above works, and you need to take your car in for a checkup make sure you take it to a Honda shop. The reason I say this is because the climate control provides a full diagnostic facility that should be leveraged in order to determine if anything is wrong. Chances are that a corner HVAC shop would be seriously outclassed if not ill-equipped to handle these issues competently and would be blindly playing with the system on your dime.

Cheers;

MSantos

Where is the outdoor temp sensor?
I'll check out the rest of the suggestions in the meantime.
Thanks again, Eric

Hi Eric;

The OAT sensor is usually behind the front bumper and nearby the horn. You should be able to see it if you remove the bumper/radiator plastic cover and then look for it with a good flash light. To reach it you may need to pop the front bumper off. Front bumper removal is an easy and relatively quick thing to do with a second set of hands to help - just make sure you study the push pins first and remove them carefully.

Cheers;

MSantos