1996 Honda Civic air conditioner wont run

1996 HONDA CIVIC

121,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL

RACHAEL21

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I hae a 96 honda civic and there is plenty of free-on in the system but the compressor isnt kicking on. weve tested everything and the clutch doesnt seem to be getting anything from the inside of the car to tell it to kick on. theres continuity through the wires to the clutch. but nothing at the relay switch itself.

Sep 7, 2009 at 4:01 PM

KHLOW2008

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
41,814 POSTS

Hi Rachael21,

Does the condenser fan comes on when the AC is activated?
Does bypassing the clutch relay activate the compressor clutch?

SYMPTOM TESTS
COMPRESSOR CLUTCH INOPERATIVE (CONDENSER FAN OKAY)
NOTE: This procedure assumes refrigerant pressure is okay (A/C pressure switch is closed).

Check fuse No. 17 (7.5 amp) located in under-dash fuse/relay box and fuse No. 56 (20 - amp) located in under-hood fuse/relay box. Replace fuses if defective and retest. If fuses are okay, remove and test compressor clutch relay. Replace compressor clutch relay if defective and retest. If relay is okay, turn ignition off and remove compressor clutch relay from fuse/relay box. Using a DVOM, measure voltage between compressor clutch relay cavity No. 2 of
under-hood fuse/relay box and good chassis ground point.

COMPRESSOR CLUTCH & CONDENSER FAN INOPERATIVE
Check fuse No. 17 (7.5 amp) located in under-dash fuse/relay box and fuse No. 56 (20 - amp) located in under-hood fuse/relay box. Replace fuses if defective and retest.

Let me know which of the above 2 conditions are true and I will provide additional testing procedures.

Sep 8, 2009 at 9:10 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.