Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Humming From The Dashboard After A Cold Start (99-031)
Reference number: 99-031
HUMMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AFTER A COLD START
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| ACURA: | 1998 3.5RL-ALL; 1999 3.5RL - Through VIN JH4KA9...XC010228 |
| CATEGORY: | Body |
| APPLIES TO: | 1998 3.5RL-ALL; 1999 3.5RL - Through VIN JH4KA9...XC010228 |
SYMPTOM
A humming noise that lasts 2 or 3 seconds comes from the dashboard area immediately after starting a cold engine with the ambient temperature below 60Β°. The noise may be mistaken for the ABS pump running.
PROBABLE CAUSE
Friction in the A/C evaporator pressure regulator.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the A/C evaporator pressure regulator.
PARTS INFORMATION
Evaporator Pressure Regulator Assembly: P/N 80800-SZ3-A01
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:Β The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 615109
Flat rate time: 1.1 hours
Failed part: 80800-SZ3-A01
Defect Code: 042
Contention code: B07
Template ID: 99-031A
Skill level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty:Β Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Technical Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
- Turn the ignition switch to ON.
- Turn off the climate control system.
- Start the engine.
- After the engine has run for a few seconds, press the A/C button on the climate control system. Let the engine run for two minutes or longer (especially in cold weather) to make sure the A/C comes on.
- If you hear a humming noise when the A/C comes on, proceed to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
- If you do not hear a humming noise, troubleshoot other possible causes for the customer's complaint.NOTE: The noise can be intermittent. Select A/C and OFF several times to try to duplicate the symptom.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
- Use an approved recovery/recycling/charging station to recover the refrigerant from the A/C system.
- Remove the strut brace.
- Remove the bolt that mounts the capillary tube and low-side suction line to the pressure regulator.
- Carefully separate the capillary tube from the top of the pressure regulator. Do not bend the capillary tube.
- Separate the low-side suction line from the pressure regulator. Plug the suction line to prevent contamination from getting into the system.
- Remove the mounting bolt from the pressure regulator clamp.
- Remove the bolt mounting the pressure regulator suction line to the evaporator.
- Remove the pressure regulator and suction line from the car. Take care not to damage the capillary tube.
- Make a mark across the junction of the pressure regulator and the suction line so you can install the suction line on the new regulator in the same position.
- Remove the suction line from the pressure regulator.
- Place the old and new pressure regulators side-by-side, and mark the new regulator in the same position as the mark on the old regulator.
- Line up the marks, and then install the suction line on the new pressure regulator.
- Place the new pressure regulator in the car. Take care when placing the clamp around the capillary tube.
- Install the suction line onto the evaporator. Tighten the mounting bolt to 9.8 N.m (7.2 lb-ft).
- Install the clamp bolt. Do not pinch the capillary tube in the clamp.
- Install the low-side suction line on the top of the pressure regulator.
- Reconnect the capillary tube to the top of the pressure regulator. Tighten the mounting bolt to 9.8 N.m (7.2 lb-ft).
- Reinstall the strut brace. Torque the mounting nuts and bolts to 22 N.m (16 lb-ft).
- Evacuate and recharge the A/C system.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.