SlickWillie

Got a 2006 Civic LX w/ 115k miles.

Was driving home on a 3 hour trip when suddenly the air coming out the vents became warm. Got home, left car running, AC on max, popped the hood and noticed that the compressor was not engaging. The condenser fan was running. Everything on the dash seemed normal. Ambient temp was like 85 degrees outside.

Popped on some gauges, pressure on both sides equal at 110lbs.

Went two days w/ no AC. Then I'm in the drive through with the AC on (just to circulate the air in the car) and suddenly it starts blowing cold. Got home, popped on gauges, 35 low side, 170 high side. Air blowing out was 50 degrees, ambient about 85 again. To me, the temp differential doesn't get much better than that, and compressor was cycling like normal.

Next day, only blowing warm air. Then about an hour into my drive, cold air starts blowing, but only for about 5 minutes.

I'm thinking it's gotta be some electrical/relay/switch problem?

I haven't had the time to really research anything or find any of the components even. I didn't immediately spot the accumulator/drier when I was checking the compressor. On my last car, it was huge and in an obvious place. Am I missing something here? Is it not the size of a soda can in diameter but taller on these cars? And where is it under the hood?

Also, what are the quick and dirty voltage/continuity tests I can run? Assuming there's a thermal switch on the compressor? Assuming there's a pressure switch on the accumulator? Any relays (and where are they)? and any fuses (under dash/under hood)? Hoping to diagnose and fix tomorrow assuming I don't have to replace any actual components.

Any suggestions, first steps, quick hits appreciated.

thanks!

DELuth

Swap the AC relay with a fan relay and retest. If that doesn't get it, your clutch is worn out. You can check that by smacking the clutch with something with the AC on. If it engages, you need a clutch.

You are at the normal mileage for ac clutch failure. Common issue.