I have a 1997 Civic LX that has an A/C problem that doesn't seem to be the Compressor because it cools wonderfully until it just randomly quits working which seems to be mostly at stops almost like heat soak but sometimes it just stops at some random time.

I realize I have another thread on this but it seems as though no one has a response for it.

What I'd like to know is there a sensor, capacitor or some other electronic device that could be bad that's causing my problems?

 

Stangjason,

Besides the compressor, there are four other components of your Honda's A/C system that could be the culprit behind the issue: the condenser, receiver-dryer, expansion valve and evaporator. I found a solid eHow write-up on how to diagnose A/C problems based on the symptoms exhibited by each individual component:

1) Check to see if any of your refrigerant is leaking out. While leaks are easy to find, they can be difficult to repair. To check for leaks, simply purchase a fluorescent dye from an auto-supply store and add it to the system following the instructions on the can.


2) Check to see if the compressor is turning. Look under the hood while the car is running. The compressor will be the large pump like objects that has rubber and steel hoses attached to it. Make sure the compressor's clutch is working when you turn on the air conditioning.


3) Check for anything that needs to be replaced. This can include bad switches, bad fuses, broken wires, a broken fan belt or seal failure in the compressor.


4) Remove as much contaminated compressor oil as you can. To do this, you will have to flush the air conditioning system to get rid of the old oil. Then place new compressor oil and restart the car to see if the air conditioning starts to work.


5) Use approved flushing agents to clear out the condenser since these will evaporate quickly and won't leave a residue inside the system. Depending on the extent of the damage you may also need to replace the entire condenser.


6) Whenever you are cleaning or replacing the compressor it is also a good idea to replace the accumulators or receiver driers. You should consider the accumulator or receiver dryer to be about the same as an oil filter. These can build up with debris that can affect the performance of your air-conditioning system.


7) The expansion valve should be replaced regularly, since even small amounts of debris can affect the natural flow of the refrigerant. There is no repair for restricted expansion valves. However, you can try and test them with a replacement compressor before replacing them to ensure this is the problem.

In the event that you do have to replace any one of these integral A/C parts then I'd check out a cheap OEM parts dealer (I recently bought some A/C parts from hondapartsnow.com. It looks like they have a multitude of A/C parts for your model: Part Detail)

Good luck with your repairs dude!

 

I think I will start with a look at the relays. I definitely don't want to put much money into the car because I'd like to get a new or newer one possibly within the next 6 months.

Thanks for the response,
Jason

 

I would say that it is related to the fan b/c you said it happens mostly at stops which means there is no airflow which is what the a/c needs to cool the air. When your car is moving at a fast enough pace, the wind naturally comes through your a/c system thus cooling the car.

I am almost 100% sure that it cannot be your compressor or your refrigerant since you said that it starts off working correctly.

Most likely related to the 2nd fan in your radiator.

 

I think you've hit on something. Maybe my second fan works some of the time and that's the reason I get cooling some of the time, even at stop but that's when it seems to quit the most, and no cooling at other times.

So can the second fan be replaced without draining the freon and other oils if any? On second thought if the 2nd fan is related to cooling my engine then it's not it because my engine isn't over heating at all.

 

If the fan works some of the time, then it is unlikely the fan itself that is the problem. It could be the sensors. I would diagnose it before replacing anything.

Go to my signature and download the 96-98 civic factory service manual and look up the a/c section. The diagnostic tests should all be there. Or you can do a search and mk has provided many good quick tests to perform in his posts.

Regardless, DO NOT replace the fan unless you are absolutely sure that it is broken even when proper voltage is applied!

 

Clutch gap. When the coil gets hot it doesn't have as much magnetic force, and won't be able to pull the plate in against the pulley if the air gap is too wide.

The test is to wait until it is not cooling, pull over (leave engine running and A/C button pressed) open the hood and observe if the compressor is engaged and if the condenser fan is running. If the answers are no and yes, then it's very likely the clutch gap.

Condenser fan on means that all the controls inside the car are working and trying to turn the compressor on.

The clutch gap can be adjusted at home for zero dollars. It is not necessary to remove and recharge the refrigerant.