Hi. I have a 1996 Honda Accord EX V4. I was troubleshooting a problem with the AC compressor clutch not engaging this weekend. After confirming the compressor is good (connected it directly to the battery), the compressor clutch relay also good (swapped it with the condenser fan's relay and also a new one), and charging the AC line with r134a (thinking it could just be low pressure from an empty line), I narrowed down the problem to either the AC thermostat behind the glove box or the pressure switch.

As I was troubleshooting the AC thermostat, I thought of shorting the two grounds to see if that will get the clutch engaged. However, in the process, I mistakenly shorted the live terminal (13V) to the active ground. From there, the cooling fans (radiator and condenser fans) won't run anymore. The active ground on the thermostat is also gone. I may have blown off a component that keeps the ground lines to the fans and the AC circuit connected. All fuses are intact, though.

Anybody have any suggestions on where to look at?

Thank you!

 

How did you check the fuses ?

Best way is with a 12V test light, [NOT LED type] and at the test tips of the fuse while it is in the fuse box.

It sounds like you may have blown a relay(s) coil fuse. 94

 

I took them out, one at a time and tested them with a DVM. I also measured presence of voltages on both side of the fuses while they are in the fuse box.

Which relay coil fuse do you think it would be? As I've said, all fuses are intact. These are the fuses in the under hood and under dash fuse boxes. Are there other fuses somewhere I am not aware of?

Thanks!

 

If you checked the fuses in all 3 fuse boxes, under hood, drivers side of dash and drivers kick panel, then I would next check the ECT switch.

Unplug the switch and jump the plug, if fan turns on, replace ECT switch. 94

 

I guess the "under dash" fuse box I am referring to would be what you call the "driver side kick panel". It is right behind the hood latch to the left of the driver's left foot.

Where is the under dash fuse box? Do I have to open up the dash board?

 

At the drivers end of the dash, with door open remove panel.
Interior Fuse Box Location: 1994-1997 Honda Accord - 1996 Honda Accord EX 2.2L 4 Cyl. Sedan (4 Door) keep watching until the side fuse box shows up. 94

 

Yup. That's one of the two fuse boxes I checked. All fuses in there are good.

I checked the pressure switch last night. Probing the two terminals show there is no continuity on the pressure switch. I shorted the connector but the cooling fans still don't come on. The compressor clutch still won't engage.

 

And how about the one down by the drivers kick panel or the one at the end of the dash?

There is also one in the engine bay, so 3 fuse boxes in total, engine bay, drivers end of dash and kick panel under dash. 94

 

Driver's end dash - that's the one I haven't noticed. I didn't know there's a fuse box there. I have to take a look again tonight when I get home. Thanks.

 

There is no driver's end dash fuse box.

 

Hummmm, wonder why they show one in the video??

Is your Accord a 2 door? 94

 

Video says it was only an example.

Just checked my car to confirm, there's no side dash fuse box.

 

if you turn on your A/C do the fans work?