1997 Honda Civic Blowing AC Condensor Fan Fuse

OZZYFLASH

MEMBER
1997 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

The AC Condensor Fan Fuse continually blows. If I replace the fuse while the engine is cooled down the AC will run and cool the car for 5 minutes or so while at idle. Once the engine warms up the fuse blows causing the condensor fan to quit and compressor clutch to disengage. If I replace the fuse while the car is at running temp the fuse will blow immediately upon hitting the AC power button. It does not appear to be a wire shorting out to ground as the fuse only blows when the car is at running temp. The AC will run with a fresh fuse and cold engine. Is it possible for the compressor clutch or condensor fan to short across the coils at higher temperatures to create an increased current draw? Is there something that I'm over looking completely?

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi ozzyflash,

Either the fan motor or clutch coil is shorting, disconnect either one to test which is the cause.

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Monday, September 8th, 2008 AT 10:50 AM

OZZYFLASH

MEMBER
3 POSTS

So that others may benefit from this thread. I disconnected the ground ( black wire atop the compressor) from the compressor clutch and idled the car with the AC switch ON. The fuse did not blow and thus singled out the coil in the AC Compressor clutch as the source of the problem. There is also a connection near the condensor fan that can be disconnected to test out the fan.

Additionally, the coil can not be purchased on its own. A Condensor clutch kit can be purchased for about $99 (found mine at advance auto parts). It is possible to swap out the clutch while the condensor is on the car, but it will require pulling 3 of the mounting bolts out and pivoting the condensor on the 4th bolt so that it can be angled downwards to pull the pulley off (frame rail is in the way otherwise). The benefit of doing it on the car is that the freon does not have to be evacuated and refilled. Thanks for the help here.