Hi guys! I hate to have to make this post, but my car has taken a blow that I need help figuring out.

Currently I drive a 2005 Civic SI(HPF) with ~86,000 miles. I have had no problems so far.

I 1/3 of the way on a 100 mile trip when my AC completely stopped blowing cool air. It was like AC had run out of freon to cool the air. I also had a burning smell and some loud noise from the engine bay. I really didn't have a choice, but to drive it all the way home. When I got into a residential area that is when I noticed the horrible grinding noise coming from my engine bay that sounds a lot like a clutch grinding against a something that wont grab it. It occurred whether or not the AC is on or not. Though for some reason the AC fan set to 100% makes the noise stop.

When I got a chance to look at it with my father we figured out there is 100 PSI in the tube that carries freon under the hood, so from there we concluded it isn't a freon issue. Then we started the car again to look at it and the noise is coming from the left side of the engine bay with the pullies that run from the crank to various places. Not too soon after starting the car a burning smell came upon us so I turned the car off. My dad noted sparks coming out of the pully area near the bottom of the engine bay, but he couldn't tell exactly what it was. There was also a bit of smoke.

To me it sounds like there is a belt being pulled across a wheel that isn't spinning or something like that. I'm really annoyed, because I've only had the car for about ~5000 miles and I like it too much for it to be broken already.

Thanks.

 

your clutch on your A/C compressor is probably broken along with the bearing, which is why you got a burning smell that is from both the clutch and the belt. If I were you, I would discharge the compressor so that it doesn't ruin your belt. You are going to have to anyways to change out the compressor. That's very odd that your compressor is stuck. Usually A/C compressors break because of the interval flow valve fails to work.

 

I took it to my friend who is a reputable mechanic and he gave me the bad news. On the plus side he didn't charge me anymore than Honda did for the parts, plus some labor. I'm curious how much the AC is prone to do this. Thinking back the AC was getting warmer when blowing cool air on max settings for a few days and I failed take notice. Oh well it's fixed now and I'm glad to have my baby back. I was tired of driving and automatic S10.

 

My AC comp. seems to kick on and off on hotter days.... Not sure if this is a common thing with DC5s/EP3s

 

does it get cooler when it does that? If it does, then your relay may be switching on and off.

 

Yes it does... Ive only had the car for a little over a month so I haven't really looked into it. Do you know where the relay is located. Sounds to me like an easy attempt at a fix.

 

take it off, roll windows down :fix:

 

Sounds like the A/C compressor, mine took a dump a while back and it to was making a horrible noise and would not throw cold air out.

On a side note my water pump gave out just the other day and it too was making a horrible noise (for about a week) and the noise was comming from the side of the motor with all the pulleys. When it gave out all the radiator fluid came out the side of the engine.
here is the thread i created: https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-rsx-dc5-honda-civic-ep3-32/ep3-water-pump-question-2580888/

 

Wel, since were kinda on the topic w/ the AC compressor and all, When a BIG Racoon took out my Radiator n Ac compressor, Ive replaced it since but I have rechared the Freon yet, its been bout 2 months or so. But I dont ever use my AC or heater since cause weather seems pretty legit right now. sdies ive use to not having AC on my oder cars. but anyways, Is this gonna effect/harm my AC compressor by anychance?

 

Exact same thing happened to me a year ago. Same issue. I just got the shorter, six rib a/c delete belt and left everything in thinking i would fix it eventually. I bought the compressor but haven't messed with it since. I am going to see if i can swap the pulley and bearing piece so i don't have to remove the entire compressor. Initially i spaced the clutch out because i thought that was the problem. It turned red from getting so hot so i thought it was dragging on the pulley but i think the bearing is just really jacked up in there. I'll find out i guess. If i don't sell the car that is.

 

Okay, so I know this is a very old post and I don't know **** about cars. But I recently bought a 2005 Honda Civic LX, everything seemed to be fine except the a/c getting warm then cold again every once in a while. Well, I took it to Tennessee (about 400 miles or so,) and on the way back the a/c completely quit blowing cold air. I had to ride with the windows down in the heat! And when we stopped at a gas station, I noticed a nasty grinding sound... It's been 3 days and still grinding but today I noticed a burning smell when I got out of the car. Can someone tell me what's going on??? It's not a freon issue, we already checked that. Someone thinks it's the compressor, but would it cause the grinding sound and burning smell even when I'm not running the a/c??? I need to get this figured out. I have a baby and it's too hot in my car! Also, it's an automatic, and it stalled while in drive, going up my driveway. Wtf. Please help!?

 

My RSX Type S is having the exact problem your describing. My pulley/cltuch is sparking too when I turn the AC on. So did you replace the compressor or just the pulley/clutch?