Air conditioner works intermitenly

Tiny
NEILCIVIC2002
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Hi my air conditioner works great when it is working. It has been evacuated and checked for leaks and for proper pressures, checked for blockages and freezing. It was filled with 1lb and 2oz of freon as the book/specs say to put in. When I turn on the air conditioner it goes on with both coolant fans. I could be driving 10 minutes or an hour and the air conditioner compressor stops engaging, but the fans are still on. Then I turn off the air conditioner and I wait ten minutes or less and turn it back on and it works great nice and cold 50-55 degrees. There are also times it will not go back on for a longer period of time, but it will go back on. When this happens the two fans are on, but not the compressor. Let me note that the fans go on when I push the air conditioner button on, no compressor, just the fans. It does the same thing even if I jump the pressure switch. I hope this is enough information. Can help me? Thanks, Neil
Sunday, April 24th, 2016 AT 7:33 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,671 POSTS
Expansion valve possibly?
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Sunday, April 24th, 2016 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It may be the thermal switch on the back of the compressor kicking it off due to to a high pressure or maybe the multi plex unit in the dash. Also you should get hvac control scanned as it may be that as well. Then check relays for corrosion if they need to be cleaned off, you can and use dielectric grease on the prongs.
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+1
Sunday, April 24th, 2016 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
NEILCIVIC2002
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Hi, I checked the relays they look good and I switched one out to try that. If it was an expansion valve would it not freeze? How do you check the thermal switch? It is a pain in the butt to get to. My pressures are high side 185 low 28-32 any other suggestions? Maybe the electro-magnet? I am very confused and frustrated. Thanks for your help Neil
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Sunday, April 24th, 2016 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check these in pictures do not' pay attention to expansion valve.
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Sunday, April 24th, 2016 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
Hey NEILCIVIC2002,

I have seen this problem before and it turns out the compressor clutch engagement coil is bad which you may or may out be able to replace separately depending on the compressor manufacturer. Here is a guide that will help you replace the compressor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

Let me know what you find

Best, Ken

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Tuesday, April 26th, 2016 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
NEILCIVIC2002
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Hi Ken, Thanks for your help I trired the link and it doesn't work. Can you please send it again.

Thanks Neil
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Friday, April 29th, 2016 AT 3:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
Hi Neil,

The link works for me can you please retry it? Also there isn't a good way to check the coil because the problem comes and goes. I have just seen the problem before

Best, Ken
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Friday, April 29th, 2016 AT 6:37 AM
Tiny
NEILCIVIC2002
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Thanks Ken I will let you know how I make out, just wish it wasn't such a pain in th butt to get to. Have a great day and thanks for your help.

Neil
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Friday, April 29th, 2016 AT 9:10 AM
Tiny
NEILCIVIC2002
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Hi Ken, I can get the a/c coil at the dealer. Can you tell me if this a/c magnetic coil can be done in the car? If it can, do I need special tools? Looks like a holder and some snap ring pliers according to the service manual. Thanks again for all your help. Have a great day!

Neil
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Saturday, April 30th, 2016 AT 6:54 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Yes it requires special tools to remove and install as well the charge will blow when you try to remove it so evac and recharge it as well as pump it down prior to recharge
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Sunday, May 1st, 2016 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,512 POSTS
Here as an article on how to recharge the system

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

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Monday, May 2nd, 2016 AT 10:40 AM

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