Was driving home today and noticed that after driving for a while the AC starts to click itself on and off pretty quickly and then eventually it just turns off and won't come back on.

I think the AC Condenser Fan isn't working properly and the condenser is over-heating? Is that possible? Is there any way to jump the fan to force it to turn?

http://youtu.be/tK8OTv5FJD4

Thanks!

 

Is the condenser fan blowing (and in the right direction) when A/C is on?
Is your idle staying above 500 RPM while the A/C is on?
Is the pressure on your high-side line within spec?

 

The A/C works great until the ambient temperature gets pretty hot. Then after I get off the freeway it starts doing this.
Fan doesn't blow at all, which leads me to believe that's the reason it shuts off.
Idle shudders between 200RPM and 1500RPM pretty violently when it's doing this.
Can't check the high line pressure, I can't find the adapter for the nozzle. :/

 

For the fan, check fuses No.35 (20A) and No.13 (7.5A).

If they're not blown, disconnect the condenser fan relay 4p connector (it's up near the bumper). Jump the WHT and BLU/BLK wires with a paper clip. See if the fan comes on.

If you want to measure the high side pressure, you're going to need to get ahold of a set of manifold gauges. They're invaluable for diagnosing A/C problems. They'll measure the high and low side simultaneously.

 

^The compressor also wouldn't work if those fuses were blown.

What car?

Fix the fan issue and go from there.

Test the relay and the fan motor.

 

Sorry, forgot to add the make/model of the car. D:

1997 Civic HX.

Just woke up so I'll go out and check the fuses and report back. So the condenser fan should run 100% when the AC is on, correct?

 

Turned the A/C on, the fan came on - but it's nice and chilly outside right now. After my commute to work I'm going to check to see if the fan turns on when I crank the A/C.

BTW - I don't think I have a Black/White cable, only Blue/White.

There is a connector that goes into the fan below though that has a Black and a Black/Blue cable. Are you suggesting that I jump from one connector to the other?

Just trying to clarify, but since the fan is running right now I guess it's kind of a moot point. :/

I think next time I see a $900 Civic I'm going to stay the hell away. I don't know what I'd do without you guys though.

 

Where is that connector located? Your wire colors might be different since you have an EK Civic (I was speaking about EG Civics before). You need to locate the condenser fan relay and remove the little rubber cover to reveal the 4p connector. It should be coupled side-by-side with the compressor relay. On EGs it is up near the bumper right behind the driver's side headlight. It might be in a different location on your EK.