I took car to a shop because the AC wasn't working. They tested the system and it wasn't leaking. They claimed it just needed a coolant charge which I found highly dubious as I had just added coolant with a home kit, but i happily paid the $135 because it was working. It only worked for about a week and stopped after being turned off and back on. I suspect that it is more likely a relay or wiring connection somewhere and wonder if anyone can give me an idea where to look.

The fan still works and the light on the AC button does too. Any help appreciated. thanks

Jason in Seattle

 

By coolant, do you mean refrigerant(r134a)? When you added refrigerant, was in completely discharged? If so, did you vacuum down the system? How about when the mechanic did it...did they? Did they replace the drier? Air and water in the AC system is so very very bad. Sounds like they charged it...it leaked out and needs charged again. But, you need to find and repair the leak(s) first.

 

They pressure tested the system and found no leaks.

 

If the system wasnt leaking, it would not have needed a charge. Anyway, if the condensor fan is running...the fan on the right. Then you should look at the compressor. See if it is running. If it is not then check to see if it has
12VDC to it. If it does, then i would suspect the clutch, also, some compressors have an overtemp fusable link inbetween the harness on the compressor and the compressor clutch. if it is burnt out your clutch wont be getting 12V, I cant remember if the honda compressor have those or not. Anyway, if your sure the compressor is good, then you need to check the relay, which on a 96-97 is mounted to the back of the grill next to the fan. If it is working properly, you need to see if it is getting 12VDC coil power from the ECM.