Go to my signature and download the factory service manual for the 96-00 years. That'll give you a good idea of how to fix the clutch if you intend to do it yourself. The dealer said the coil was bad as well. I'm not sure if the coil is part of a clutch kit or not. You can also scrounge around a junk yard to see if you can pick up a used clutch for a lower price just to see if that is indeed the actual problem.

Godspeed on the repair if you try it yourself.

 

I did some further research and it seems if the pulley attached to the compressor doesnt turn but the plate (hub) on the side does its a sign that the clutch bearing is bad. I can buy a Clutch Bearing off ebay for $25, the pulley puller for $10 and snap ring pliers for $5.

I think Im going to give this a shot, I will probably try to do it over a long weekend because I read I have to remove alot of parts to change the compressor, I'd think to change the clutch I would have to remove most of the same parts, just not have to release the refridgerant lines.

Sources:
How do I Know if my A/C Compressor is Dead?


How to remove the Clutch



Clutch componets

 

Your right, maybe I better spend the $120 on the entire clutch assembly because the Honda dealership said the coil was bad. Looking at the diagram I posted, the coil seems like it would be included with the clutch kits.

 

Hous,

First off, hats off to you for willing to try this. My only concern is whether replacing the coil can be done with the compressor installed.

Maybe mk can respond to this.

Second, I was unable to see the coil included in a kit. It looked like the one I was looking at only included up to the pulley rotor. But I might have been looking at the wrong diagram. I'd call the parts store to double check before ordering.

Godspeed on the repair though.

ps I'd check a nearby autoparts store to see if they will loan out some tools. I know that I've seen pulley pullers for loan. They'll charge when you rent but will refund 100% when you return the tool. You could end up saving some money that way.

 

I wonder if the coil really is bad. Honda didnt notice my blower motor wasnt working so I question their reliability now.

Is there a test to check if the coil is working properly?

 

Check if the inner shaft (the one driven by the clutch plate / armature plate) is siezed. If so, must replace the whole compressor. Check if there is pressure in the lines, and if not check compressor shaft seal for leak. If leaky, replace whole compressor. Finally unplug the clutch wire, put a new fuse in, and see if condenser fan runs. That would confirm coil is the part that shorted and blew the fuse. Coil resistance should be 3 to 5 ohms.

 

The armature plate isn't seized, it turns freely the pully itself doesnt rotate. I don't know if theres pressure in the lines because the AC hasnt worked in this vehicle for over two years. I take it there is no easy way of checking the pressure in the system?

 

OK, I unplugged the Compressor from the condenser fan, put in a new fuse, started the car and A/C. Condenser fan was spinning and the fuse was still good. Attached the compressor to the condenser fan and did the same, condenser fan didn't start and the fuse blew.

I take it this means the coil is bad? Does this mean the coil and the clutch bearing are both bad (because the compressor pulley doesn't roate but the armature plate does)? Or could it be the coil or the clutch bearing is responsible for both the blown fuses and the seizing of the clutch pulley?

If its relevant, Im not sure if there is any pressure in the system.

 

I'm looking at my helms and this makes sense. The clutch coil and condensor fan share the same fuse.

The question is if the compressor is really seized which caused the clutch coil to fail or if the clutch coil failed on its own. Personally, I would first take it to pep boys to pressure test the system. If there's no leaks, have them evacuate the system so you can work on it. I would not mess with just replacing the clutch coil and would instead just install a reman compressor (comes with the coil) and new dryer from Honda Parts at HondaPartsDeals.com: Honda Accessory, Honda Car Parts, Honda Auto Parts, Honda Accord Parts.

Have pep boys then pull a vacuum and recharge system.

The only risk of this is that if there's major contaminants in the system (maybe from the failed compressor) it could damage the new compressor. Maybe someone else can chime in about how to check this.

Fyi, I graduated grad school (engineering) a few years ago, I feel your pain.

 

I dont know about replacing the entire compressor because then I'd have to get the fluid vacumed out and then recharged, aswell as being more expensive. I think MK hinted that the compressor should be fine, and contamination shouldn't be a threat since my armature plate rotated. Is this accurate MK or is it wishful thinking on my part? Whats the best way of checking if the compressor is good, the pressure?

I did some googling and it seems that the clutch coil is included in clutch kits, which means I wont have to get the system vacumed before removing and replacing the coil, correct?

I saw on autozones website when I pricing the different parts that I need, they sell an AC Compressor Relay. I know this is a stupid question, but is it possible my Relay is bad?