Sizzla

So I have a 2005 Civic, and I know very little about cars. So I've come here to get some advice before I go searching out a mechanic if necessary. Any help would be greatly appreciated. You guys know a lot more about this stuff than I do, so hopefully someone has some answers.

Last week I had been driving with the A/C on for about 20 minutes when I exited the highway. While I was idling at a stoplight, my A/C suddenly started spitting out hot air, and I looked down to see the A/C light had gone off. I poked the button a few times, to no avail. So I turned the blowers off and let it sit for a minute or so. I tried turning it on again, and it worked just fine -- cold air and everything.

Today, I was driving again, and just about two blocks from leaving my apartment, I'm sitting at a stoplight and the A/C turns off -- AGAIN. I turn the blowers off again, and 30 seconds later, I turn the A/C back on and it works. Odd.

Do I need more coolant, is this an issue with my compressor, or what? I know I need new belts (that's coming soon -- when I get my next paycheck hopefully) but I'm not sure that's causing this A/C problem.

Thoughts, ideas?

Thanks!

phootbag

Turn the key on, open the hood and turn on the AC so that air comes out of the vents, confirm the AC indicator light comes on.

Then, DONT TOUCH, LOOK... and see if your cooling fans are coming on. With the AC on, they should both come on regardless of coolant temperature.

These systems are pretty complex. You may not be able to do more than a few dynamic checks yourself without the aid of a qualified technician.

eviee1973

Sounds like something is causing the compressor thermal protector to activate, although it is possible the thermal protector may be defective.