AC issues, A/C clutch will no engage, compressor is not working?

Tiny
JAMESCARTERMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.8L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 172,650 MILES
The car listed above is an LX model. I recently bought this used and the A/C worked fine, though not nearly as well as it could be. The air was cool, but never cold. I bought a recharge can of Freon and put in an amount that brought my PSI up to 48 on the low side on my A/C line without properly evacuating the freon. The A/C seemed cooler after the recharge; all was well until about 10 days later when the A/C started blowing hot air. I evacuated the freon with a gauge set and vacuum, recharged after a negative vacuum of -30 was held for about 45 minutes. Air was still hot after recharging. I used about 1.5 12oz cans of freon. I evacuated again using the same process, replaced my pressure sensor and recharged with same amount. Hot air again. Evacuated yet again and replaced expansion valve. Didn't quite have enough Freon for a full recharge but should have been enough to kick on the clutch but it didn't. Still hot air. My A/C clutch won't engage, compressor isn't working, I'm guessing. Any help would be appreciated!
Sunday, August 13th, 2023 AT 9:08 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,959 POSTS
It sounds like the compressor has gone bad but to be sure we need to see if the compressor is getting power to the clutch. This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

If the compressor is getting power and the clutch is not engaged the compressor is bad, here is a video and guide to help us change it out with instructions in the images below for your car.

https://youtu.be/4EqdrBVb0sY

Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Monday, August 14th, 2023 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
JAMESCARTERMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for the advice! Would it be easier to remove the compressor from the bottom of the chassis instead of taking out the alternator to get to it?
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Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,959 POSTS
If you can then yes, but the instructions say to remove the alternator. Let me know if the underneath removal works.
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Wednesday, August 16th, 2023 AT 11:56 AM

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