I have a 2001 4dr Civic LX (145K mi). My air conditioner is not running (compressor doesn't kick in) and I have traced it to the thermal protection switch that sits atop the air conditioner housing (you can see it on the exterior top A/C housing just to the left and directly below the alternator). The problem is that the (copper) switch is corroded to the aluminum housing and I can't get the switch out. Likely due to galvanic corrosion between the copper switch housing and aluminum A/C housing. I've ripped the wires out of the switch (trying to remove it) and now I'm just left with some of the copper housing sticking up.

Anyone have any ideas about removing this without having to take the vehicle to a dealer?

Thanks in advance.

 

The picture shows that the thermal protector in 1996-1998 Civics is secured by a holder. If your 2001 Civic has the same design, the question is whether you have you already removed this holder device?

[IMG]local://upfiles/25538/D171FE9D7F2D47F99527FE30D0BAA156.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks RonJ.
An update. I was able to use a small pick to pry out the sensor. Yes I had taken the holder device off. In fact, once the alternator was out, things went a little quicker because more room.
However, i was a little frustrated by the "silicone sealant" that the OEM Honda Civic service manual says to put in the cavity (between the cavity and the sensor). The Honda dealers around here don't have a clue as to what to use. Apparently, they don't put any sealant in the cavity when they replace the thermal protector switch in their service dept. The instructions that came with the thermal switch gave a (Honda) part number, but again, no one in the state had the stuff (at $40 per tube!). I even called Sanden (A/C manufacturer), since their online manual said to just use a silicone rtv (DOW Corning), but the technical support ended up saying that their online manual is not correct. Anyway, I ended up using some Permatex gray silicone stuff that is safe for copper (no acetic acid).
Got things put together this eve, and everything seems to work OK so far.

 

I'm glad to hear you that you solved your problem.

 

I used for this purpose Thermal Heat-sink Compound (like in PCU) got on Ebay for 5$, works great. Good thermal conductivity guaranteed.