Okay, I have a 2001 Civic (Which I absolutely love). But, I am having AC problems.

Okay, a few weeks ago I SWEAR it was pumping cool air. I could be crazy, but it smelled like air conditioning and it was a little frosty(But I could be crazy).Now, when it's hot out, and i need the AC the most, it doesn't seem to work. It's relatively hot out right now, and if I turn it on I seem to get no cold air. I got a little bit this morning, for a few minutes, then nothing.[:@]

I took it for a recharge last year and I was told it was full.

Is there a relay switch that could be broken?

Is there a temp gauge that regulates the ac that could be broken, or is the ac just on or off?

Is there a fuse I'm missing that could be blown?

Is there any other basic maintenance/part that could be gone that is preventing this from working properly?

If I need to replace the whole unit, is it something that is doable myself (with the exception of adding coolant)?

I have no problems doing basic car stuff: Brakes, Thermostat, Hoses,Stereo wiring.

Thanks in advance!

 

The answer to all those questions is yes. The first test to do is to open the hood, start the engine and set the A/C for maximum cold. Then look to see if the condenser fan is running and the compressor is engaged. When the compressor is engaged, the plate on the front of the pulley with the flat springs will be spinning.

 

The compressor appears to engage.

 

OK, does the pipeline leading from the evaporator (passenger compartment) back to the compressor get cold?

 

I just drove home. WIth plenty of cold air. The pipeline was very cold.

Tomorrow, however, it may not pump cold air at all.

 

You may have an intermittently faulty clutch relay or A/C thermostat.

 

Isthe A/C thermostat or Clutch Relay accessible and fixable?

Is there a resource online to buy these? I can't seem to find them.

 

Another cause of intermittent operation is the compressor clutch gap is too wide. Typically it will occur when underhood temperatures are high. The system attempts to engage the compressor but even though there is power on the clutch wire, it will not pull in. You will find the fan running but compressor not in that case (though there are other causes of that, the definitive test is to measure if there is power on the clutch wire). The gap can be adjusted by taking the clutch plate off and taking some of the shim washers out.

 

hi durden, did you resolved your problem re: Air Conditioning - Intermittent prob? I've same prob too with my 2001 honda civic... Hope you can share your experience on how to troubleshoot this matter... tnx

 

check the compressor clutch relay