What is your question?
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What is your question?
A/C blew cool last year. Now nothing. I bought a can of 134A at the auto parts store specifically because it comes with a reusable hose and gauge. With the car running and the a/c switch on max the compressor does not engage. After attaching the hose to the suction line the gauge almost pegs out so I don't think the charge is low. The fuse panel has an a/c relay that matches the fan relay so I switched those to test with no positive result. With the engine off I can manually spin the compressor so it doesn't seem seized but the clutch doesn't engage it. Any takers?
4 Replies
When the A/C is switched on (even though the clutch is not engaged) , are the radiator fans coming on? Also does the interior blower motor work properly? IF Proper system pressure(from both sides) can be verified , then you need to forget the aftermarket 'miracle charges' , and start looking for the electrical/control cause of the clutch not engaging. Could be anything from field coil , pressure switch , to PCM. ALL would be expensive guesses. Do you have any experience and test equipment , to troubleshoot electrical on that?
There is a lot of things that the computer has to read correctly before it will engage the a/c clutch relay. If your knowledge is not up to par on this car, take it to someone who can test the system before you make it worse. Just speaking from experience.
Ziptie12, i have a similar problem. I have checked all fuses and swapped the Fan & Clutch relays. I jumpered the clutch relay and the compressor came on and immediately started to cool the car. How do i check the Pressure sensor & temperature sensor to see if they are working?
Ziptie 12. Awesome info. Your suggestion to swap fan control relay with clutch coil control relay worked as described. This identified that the clutch control relay was the problem. $6 later, problem solved. Can't tell you how much I appreciate the solid info you provided on this thread. Keep it up!!!
i had similar problem. just the coil was bad. there is a video of a honda service bulletin on youtube of how to replace the coil without totally removing the compressor and losing charge. i just did it last week. not too bad, just make sure you have a larger size puller and some good long narrow snap ring pliers. i also removed all of the plastic cover underneath engine, it allowed much easier access. works like a charm so far.
Hello DSB328, I am interested in that YouTube video, but did not find it: I exactly need to see how to do that, replacing the coil without removing the compressor and discharging/recharging the system with refrigerant. Any chance you would be so kind to post the URL? Thanks so much in advance for your time on this.
Wow that's a mouth full. :-)
Both electric rad fans running, blower motor inside works at all speeds, indicator lights for a/c on and lit up. Pressure on high and low side are equalized. I don't have a lot of mvac experience but I did hvac for a living for several years as well as being a journeyman electrician. I did pull a vacuum on a system and charged it for a buddy back when r12 was still in play so obviously been awhile...lol I figured at this point its either the pcm or a pressure switch. A field coil or pressure switch I can meter no problem. Don't know much about the pcm though.
With fans working as you describe, this is Hondas' order for troubleshooting. 1) check fuse #12 in under-hood fuse box , check fuse#30 in under-dash fuse box (both 7.5amp.--Fuses OK-..2)ECT sensor 169-194F, TP sensor about .5V , RPM A/T more than 800RPMs -M/T more than 700RPMs.--3)Remove and test A/C comp. clutch relay.*my method*-there are 2 relays (looking at the fuse-box cover label) , that have 'snowflakes'-one with a fan , the other is the magnet(clutch/coil) - switch them--see what happens , You'll figure out the answer to that one......--4) check for battery voltage at sockets for relay in fuse-box, two of them should have battery voltage(key on , A/C on)-Turn A/C off and you should now only have voltage at one socket--jump that with the one parallel to it and the comp.clutch should click.//////....If you got this far and it's still not working tell me what step you got to and the results
Followed those directions to no avail. Im getting 12 volts at the clutch coil to ground but no clutch engagement.. I think we found the problem.!
Yep , hope you have a strong pair of long straight snap-ring pliers , you'll need them! Have fun and just a hint- the clutch clearance IS important & also test by jumping , before re-installing compressor.
I really appreciate the input. It definitely helped. Just for shits and giggles I got a quote on replacing the coil from my local Honda dealer. $800.00 +/-.. I am definitely in the wrong field. I found the coil online for 60 bux. Will test by jumping once I install it and be sure to put the shims back for proper clearance. I'll update once this thing is blowing cold and my girlfriend is off my ass!
Yeah , dealers are more expensive , that's for sure ($120.00/Hr. minimum @ the place I'm at).IF you have the tools (sounds like you do) , then it would definitely save you some change$ removing the compressor and doing the clutch/coil yourself ****(Don't replace just the field coil)**** Have the system evacuated first , plug the lines or put rubber glove or something to keep contamination and moisture out while the compressor is off.Make sure to put PAG oil on the O-rings and wiggle while installing , don't try to push them straight in or use the bolt/nut , to pull them together. Have the system vacuumed at LEAST 30 minutes and then , have them put dye in it when it is charged. Good luck and have fun.
Honestly I would rather not have to evacuate the system. I was going to pull the radiator which will give me good access. since both connections at the compressor are flex lines it looks like there will be room to take out the four mounting compressor bolts and point the pulley end straight up to get my puller in there. What do you think ? Worst case scenario I can evacuate it and pull the comp to do it. I have a set of 134A gauges and I have a pretty banging robinair 5cfm vacuum pump. I really don't wanna blow the charge though.