Searched but couldn’t find a similar issue. In my 97 VTEC Del Sol, the AC button will push in and light up just fine, it just won’t stay selected. If I hold the button on in while the blower is running the air gets super cold, so I guess it is just something up with the button.

Questions:
1) How hard is this to deal with myself?
2) Is there documentation somewhere if it isn’t too difficult?
3) If this is a bit beyond my abilities how much would you suspect a repair shop will charge (TX)?

Here it is in action:
Also, thanks to the forum for answering my last question (without you even knowing) about the stupid little plastic doohickey on the clutch pedal that stopped the car from starting.

 

You will need to replace the whole control panel. This is not real difficult to DIY. It is discontinued by Honda so you will need to find a used one. Be sure to detach the hot/cold mechanical cable from the heater box before trying to pull a panel out of the car.

I would also endorse simply jamming a toothpick in beside the button to hold it down when you want A/C.

 

Try using a thin wire hook to pull the button out and see if the push-switch inside works without it. I use a hook-style spark-plug-gaping tool. I do this in my 94 Civic. Doesn't really fix the problem, but may provide a temporary solution. Also if it does work, then you may be able to modify your button cover to push the switch in a little further.

Just throwing out ideas.

 

I’m all for a slightly dodgy fix.

Thanks very much much for the replies. I was hoping there was a non-replacethewholething option.

 

car-part is great for used parts:

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

 

I'm gonna do something I never do, which is come out of lurking to revive a long dead thread. But I will this time, because replacing the entire climate control unit because of a broken switch is frankly, fking retarded. Please do not do this if you have the smallest bit of technical skill, or willingness to get your hands a little dirty. Instead, replace the switch on the board with a suitable alternative like:

Purchased from DigiKey or Mouser. The switch costs around $2.50. A soldering iron, desoldering braid and some solder will run you less than 10 bucks. There are six pins to solder.
Might take just a little bit of shimming on the board when reinstalling. This switch has a slightly longer throw than the OE one, by 1.5mm or so.


But the end result is a fully operational AC button. Bonus that the brand-new switch feels fantastic in terms of tactile feedback.

 

VERY productive necro bump... well done.

 

Any chance you have a part number for Digikey so I may order one before I pull the old unit apart.

 

This would be most helpful for future searchers.

 

It's most likely due to bad/failed solder joints inside the climate control. Disassemble ble the climate control down to the circuit board and re--flow all the solder joints.


​​​​​​On my car I actually took the button cover out and jam a wooden bbq skewer over top of the board. The pressure on the board causes the AC compressor to kick on.

 

Mine ended up being the switch. found a direct replacement from Mouser. part # 688-SPPH110800. Current cost was $2.63. let's get rid of the toothpicks.

 

found a Mouser # 688-SPPH110800. direct replacement.

 

My bad folks. I went right back into lurk mode after posting that. I could have *sworn* that I'd included a picture of the switch I used. Apologies for the missing info.

The switch P/N I used was

 

This one is perfect. USE THIS ONE.