2003 Honda CRV Blower and Compressor

JHUMB1978

MEMBER
2003 HONDA CRV
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I have a 2003 Honda CRV. I had the compressor, condenser, dryer, etc. All changed a little over a year ago. Recently, I noticed a rather loud popping sound coming from the compressor area. Each time I tried to locate exactly where the noise was coming from, it would quit. I took it to a shop when I was visiting my parents and they couldn't figure it out. When it would pop, it affected the rpms, but the air remained cool. Then the other day, the blower just quit blowing as I was driving. I replaced the blower motor, but still doesn't work. I've checked the fuses and all seem fine. The thing I found odd was that when I turn the ac on, the cooling fan at front of car comes on for about 2 seconds and then shuts off but the compressor doesn't engage at all. Shouldn't the compressor kick on even if the blower doesn't work? What would keep both from coming on?
Thanks

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi jhumb1978,

Symptoms indicates the A/C circuit is not functioning correctly and is not the blower alone. The compressor gets a signal only for a few seconds after which it would cut off as indicated by the cooling fans operations.

Check out the following first.

How to Retrieve a Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Heater Control Panel has a self-diagnosis function. To run the self-diagnosis function, do the following:

1.Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2.Turn the fan switch OFF, the temperature control dial on Max Cool and the mode control dial on Vent.
3.Turn the ignition switch ON (II), then press and hold the recirculation control switch. Within 10 seconds while holding the switch down, press the rear window defogger switch five times. The recirculation indicator blinks two times, then the self-diagnosis will begin. If there is any problem in the system after self-diagnosis is finished, the recirculation indicator will blink the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 7 through 13. When problems in the evaporator temperature sensor circuit are detected (codes 14 and 15), the A/C indicator will blink the DTC. If no
DTC's are found, the indicator will not blink.

Canceling the Self-diagnosis Function

4.Turn the ignition switch OFF to cancel the self-diagnosis function. After completing repair work, run the self-diagnosis function again to make sure that there are no other malfunctions.

Max Cool Position Function

5.When the mode control dial is in the MAX A/C position, the heater control panel will automatically select the Recirculation mode and turn the A/C on. The recirculation switch and A/C switch are disabled and cannot be turned off in this mode. If the control panel fails to function as described, replace it.