2002 Honda Civic. Coolant ran out and engine overheated. When this happened, the ac cut out. No hot air blew, no rattling from the compressor. Went to a mechanic who found a bad wire and replaced it and the ac came back on. Twenty minutes after we left the shop, it went out again the same as before. Took it back to the same mechanic and they found another wire and fixed that. They took it on a test drive and it was fine. Got back home and it went out again. We took it back and this time they looked at the wires and fuses and found the fuse for the mirrors was blown. They fixed that and the ac came back on and ran for three hours. Then we took it home and they gave us extra fuses just in case. They said to monitor it just in case. See what happens if it goes out again. My partner plugged in his phone and immediately the ac went out. We replaced the fuse and it blew immediately without turning on the ac. We did this four more times to no avail. We eventually had to get more fuses, and it worked. The ac came on, but I pressed the brake to pull my car into reverse and the ac went out. I am so confused to what is happening, its very hot where I live and this is the only car we have so i need the ac. The fuse again is the fuse for the mirrors. But we have no problem with mirrors, and every time the ac goes out, its something new that triggers it. We think its a short to ground problem from the replaced wire being installed improperly. I need advice on what to tell the next mechanic we go to, so maybe I can save some money. Please help.

 

What specific fuse is blowing? Is it in the dash or hood fuse box? Posting pics may help.

 

Fuse box under dash, r/c mirror fuse. 10 amp.

 

10A dash fuse 14 protects not only the power mirror circuit but also the relay circuits for the A/C compressor clutch, A/C condenser fan, radiator fan, and blower motor.

Do these tests:

One at a time, remove the relay for the compressor clutch, condenser fan, or blower motor. Does removal of one of these relays prevent fuse 14 from blowing? If not, do the same test on the radiator fan relay, but be careful not to overheat the engine again. The test results should help you pinpoint the short to ground that is causing the problem.

 

Can i do these tests myself? Do I need special tools? Can I find specific videos?

 

Pulling a relay out of the hood fuse box with your hand is about as easy as any car test gets.