1998 Honda Civic A/C Comp clutch

Tiny
RMTRUNFIO44
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Hi,
A few weeks ago my wife's car's (1998 Honda Civic LX -Sanden engine, 4 cyl, auto, 4 door) A/C compressor broke. The clutch froze and would not disengage. Needless to say it is the rainy season in Oregon and fog is a constant. Several issues have occured, One of which is the loss of the refigerant.
So I purchased a used unit and installed in place of old one. Pretty easy. Then I bought a refrigerant charging kit to reinstall new refrigerant. When I turned on car and set all A/C to high and high speed fan all lights where showing on and working. But I noticed the clutch was not engaging with the Compressor unit so I could not charge it. Went to manuals and found where fuse was and it was blown from previous issue so I replaced it and still no engagement. I also noticed in manual that the compressor clutch is controlled thru a rely switch but when I looked for the relay none was to be found. Any ideas where I can find the relay for the A/C comp. Clutch.
Also do you have and ideas as to what I should look for next. My wife is always asking when is car going to done and want to finish this item.
Thanks for taking your time to answer my question.
D Trunfio
Thursday, November 13th, 2008 AT 11:15 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi,

Did you charge any gas yet? You need static pressure to get the compressor running.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_Relay98Civic_1.jpg

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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
RMTRUNFIO44
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I haven't had time to do. I will try this weekend.
Thanks for the picture it explains where relays are. Static pressure from refrigerant?
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008 AT 5:18 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi,

After vacumning system, start to charge the system and the pressure from the canister would create some static charge pressure. This would allow the pressure to operate and provide a complete circuit for the AC compressor relay to operate the compressor clutch.

With ignition switch and AC turned ON, loop the pressure switch to test if the compressor clicks.
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Friday, November 21st, 2008 AT 6:51 AM
Tiny
RMTRUNFIO44
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Where would the pressure switch be located?
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Friday, November 21st, 2008 AT 2:51 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi,

The pressure switch is located on AC pipe near the driver side near absorber mounts.
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Friday, November 21st, 2008 AT 3:15 PM

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