> techman41973@yahoo.com wrote:
>
>> I have a 97 Accord with a bit over 200K.
>> For the past 20K or so, I hear an intermittent hissing sound below the
>> glove box when the AC switch is activated. Cooling seems to work fine,
>> verified this summer in the scorching heat of the southwest. Other
>> than being quite annoying, I am wondering if this is a clue that
>> something is about to fail.
>> Thanks


Its probably getting slightly low on refrigerant. IF it hisses shortly
after the compressor cycles on, its probably a frothy mix of liquid and
gas passing through the expansion valve rather than pure liquid as is
normally the case. Nothing to worry about- ALL auto air-conditioners
gradually lose charge around the compressor shaft seal. Its only a
problem if it starts losing charge rapidly to the point it needs a
recharge more often than every few years.