A/C problem working intermitenly

2002 HONDA CIVIC
102,500 MILES • 1.7L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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NEILO2CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Hi my problem is with my a/c working intermitenly It works great when it under 80 degrees out when it gets hotter or more humid the compressor stops working just the a/c clutch stops working the coolant fans are still running.When it happens it stops for omly 2 mintues then it works fine It could work for another 10 minutes or it can work for hours without shutting off I've had it evacuated and charged 19 oz freon 28lbs on the low side 185lbs high side I looked for a frozen expansion valve switched relays I've read where it could be the thermal protector or a/c field coil, if so how do you check it or anything when it working so intermitenly and such a tight area to work in Thanks for your time and any help you can give me Neil
Jun 21, 2016 at 10:14 PM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 20,760 POSTS
Honda's have a lot of problems with the AC compressor clutch relay. That would be a cheap thing to try. Very common.
Sep 23, 2019 at 4:40 AM
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NEILO2CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
I tried that with no luck. Where do I go from there?
Sep 23, 2019 at 4:40 AM
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JIS001
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,412 POSTS
Check the compressor clutch air gap. Clearance spec is 0.020" If it is greater then that sometimes you can remove the shims to bring it in closer but if clutch is worn out you will need to replace.
Sep 23, 2019 at 4:40 AM
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NEILO2CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Thanks I will check it. Do you know if I can remove the clutch in the car? It looks like I can...just a tight area to work in. I just want an idea what I'm going to get involed in. Thanks for your help
Sep 23, 2019 at 4:40 AM
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JIS001
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,412 POSTS
You will need to A/C system drained to remove the compressor and pull the clutch outside the vehicle. Yu will also need a clutch puller for this. You can usually borrow tools from your local parts store like Autozone.
Sep 23, 2019 at 4:40 AM
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NEILO2CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 16 POSTS
Hi I finally was able to check the air gap I was able to do it all in the car removed and replaced the shim with a thinner one. It brought the gap from 0.025 down to 0.020 now it works great! Thanks for your help
Sep 23, 2019 at 4:40 AM
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STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,540 POSTS
Anytime! please use 2CarPros again we are here to help.

Best, Ken
Sep 23, 2019 at 4:40 AM
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