Originally Posted by JimPghPA
My 2016 Honda CR-V EX has an ECO mode to get better gas mileage. I read somewhere that when the ECO mode is on one of the things it does to get better gas mileage is cut back on when the AC runs. Also along with that I read that on a hot day if you really want maximum AC, (along with selecting MAX on the AC console and turning the fan on the highest setting), you should also turn off ECO mode.
OP, I do not know if your 2003 CR-V has an ECO mode, but if it does you might try turning it off to see if the AC compressor runs at idle with it off.
The article on black death of 2002 - 2006 Honda CR-V's is interesting. A clogged screen in-front of the orifice might cause too high of a pressure on the discharge side of the compressor. If the system has a high pressure limit switch that could turn off the compressor. But I do not understand the connection to an increase in engine (and drive belt and compressor drive) speed causing the compressor to only run at the higher RPM's.
Correct ECO Mode cuts the compressor cycling dramatically.
Its pretty useless at idle or when cooling down, but OK on the freeway after you are at temp and at speed.
UD