blewispunk

Hello -

I have a 2003 Accord EX, V4, that the air conditioning just stopped working in. I bought a recharge kit assuming that was the issue but the low-side pressure was at 75psi, so I did not charge it (the pressure was this high with the AC on or off - is that odd?). I found some relatively helpful info on this site http://www.2carpros.com/first_things...ot_working.htm, and based on it discovered that the compressor clutch is not spinning when the AC is on. I checked all the fuses under the hood and none looked blown (also, the green light comes on for the AC - would this not work if the fuse was blown?). Do I need to replace my compressor or could this be something else?

Thanks!

KWayRacing

Check to see if there is voltage on the 1 wire going to the compressor with the ac on. If there is voltage on this wire then your compressor coil is faulty. If there is no voltage at this wire post back.

blewispunk

Thanks Kway! It doesn't look like the compressor is getting power. I wasn't sure I was able to get my light tester to penetrate the wire (by just pushing the pointy end into it) so I unplugged the wire going to the compressor and also tested the connection going to the compressor so I am quite certain it is dead. What would this indicate?

Ross 2.0

You need to replace the clutch and coil for the compressor.
You will need to go to a shop that services a/c systems and have the refrigerant evacuated. Ask and i'll give you the instructions on how to get the compressor out.
While it's apart you need to check the lines to make sure there is no "black death" stick a que tip into an open a/c line and see what it looks like when it comes out, if it's discolored (anything dark at all) you have it. If the compressor has come apart on the inside you will need to replace the entire system because it has distributed matal shavings throughout the whole system.

blewispunk

Thanks Ross! Just curious, how can you tell the clutch is bad? It makes sense to me the coil would be bad (hence no power), but I'm not sure why both are known bad. Can you recommend a good repair book that includes A/C systems? I looked at an older Chilton's manual at Shuck's and noticed they did not have information on how to service the A/C system due to the refrigerant issue. I appreciate your offer to help explain taking it apart but I think I'm going to need some pictures in front of me to make sure I don't muck it up! What about a good source for the replacement parts? I saw somewhere that it is best not to buy refurbished compressors - is this also true for the coil and clutch?

Thanks!

KWayRacing

Neither the clutch or the coil is bad. Good Job checking voltage and response to above post. Start the car, turn the ac on, open the underhood fuse box. Find the Relay corresponding to the pocture of a snowflake. Tap that relay firmly. What happens?

KWayRacing

If the compressor kicks in go to honda dealershp nad buy a new relay. Oh yeah does the blower motor work on all speeds?

blewispunk

Kway - woohoo, that did it! Gave it a solid tap and the clutch started spinning and cold air shortly followed. The fan does work at all speeds. If you're ever in Seattle let me buy you a drink (or 3 or 6)!

KWayRacing

lol just swing by the dealer and grab a new one they should have it in stock. When I am in Seattle I will take you up on that. I like my Jagerbombs like I like my A/C ....ice cold.

Ross 2.0

Hmm. Never seen a relay go bad like that. See something new every day.
Must be a regional thing...

carx7

I am trouble shooting the AC in my fiances 04 Accord and came across this thread after searching. Her AC has been blowing cold and then today it stopped after several hours of "around town" traffic in 90 degree heat.

I checked this evening and the static pressure is 120psi on both the hi and low sides with the AC off. "AC ON" does nothing to either pressure. I visually verified that the compressor is not turning on. I did measure the voltage from the wire to the compressor and saw ~0V with the AC off and ~14V with the AC ON. Seems that this is working so I assume the clutch and coil are bad.

Do I have to replace the whole compressor or are these clutches replaceable? Would anyone like to recommend the best place to get a new one of these? Surely there is an online source that will be more reasonable than my local dealer.

BTW, the car has ~120k miles on it, and the high pressure line was replaced 2 years ago.

Thanks
Chris

suma222

Check to see if there is voltage on the 1 wire going to the compressor with the ac on. If there is voltage on this wire then your compressor coil is faulty. If there is no voltage at this wire post back.

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hand crank radio

Ross 2.0

You can usually just replace the clutch and coil. Be sure the compressor turns freely before you take it all apart.
Look for local senden dealers. That's the compressor manufacturer.

KWayRacing

I would only replace the coil. That way you don't have to setup the new clutch. Very common on this gen.

Ross 2.0

The A/C clutch is also a wear item. Would you only replace the clutch disc in a manual transmission or would you replace the pressure plate as well?

KWayRacing

Yeah it is a wear item, but I doubt it is worn out. The above question is loaded. Clutch kits are sold as just that for normal replacement. But abnormal failure would warrant specific replacement. So yes I have just replaced clutch discs. However AC coils are not sold as kits that include clutches. I have replaced hundreds of coils without clutches. A 40k car with a bad coild doesnt need the new clutch. It would just be wasting someone elses money-unneccesary because there is no problem with the clutchand my time - extra work to replace coil and clutch- must then shim the new clutch to proper gap- just coil replacement will not change that setting. Anyway I would inspect the clutch during replacement and if needed then so, but not just automatically. Retail cost of the clutch is 183 bucks. That over doubles the cost of repair, which is no problem to ppl that aren't concerned about with the cost. No I am not cheap just why waste money if you don't need to. The OE clutch is good for 250 k and by then the car will probably belong to someone else/ be wrecked whatever.

hdzhonda96

i have a 96 honda accord the pressure on the low side is at 75psi but it does not blow cold so i checked under the hood i saw the a\c clutch was not working so i did some minor work got the clutch going but it still does not work is there anything i can do....

djandrews

I have a 95 Honda that is also having AC issues. When the weather is warm, I get no cooling. The AC clutch does not engage. When the weather is cool (below ~75), the clutch will engage. I have pulled the connection to the compressor relay and checked it. The relay is working and sending 14V to the compressor. When it is warm day and the power is sent to the compressor clutch, I can see the plates of the clutch move a little bit, but not enough to engage. Does that mean I need a new coil? How big of a job is it to replace?

NirVTEC

yes

djandrews

Does the 'yes' mean it the coil and it's a big job?