A/C compressor clutch

1995 HONDA CIVIC
160,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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FSTF2V
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Two months ago I had the system charged. I was watching the guy do the work. He started pulling at the relays and wiring in front of the condenser. He said its not engaging? I have never had a problem with it. if it is spinning fill it up. Do not check it or fix it, just fill it. A couple of days later it took three miles to get cold and for the next month I lived with it. Last week my alternator was bad. when I was replacing it. I seen the plug on the condenser just sitting there. so I put it back in. Here is my drama. It gets cold. I do not hear or see the clutch disengage is there a problem or is it okay? I have not checked the air gap. What should the air gap be set at?

Thank you for your time - fstf2v
Sep 7, 2017 at 12:13 PM
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STEVE W.
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Air gap = 0.014"-0.026"
The clutch should disengage. Does it shut off when you turn the AC off or does it stay engaged?
If it turns off the PCM and relay are working. That would mean it is on the temperature control side. The thermostatic switch isn't cycling the compressor. The switch is accessible behind the glove box.


Testing -
Connect battery power to terminal C and ground terminal B, and connect a test light between terminals A and C.

NOTE: Use a 12 V, 3 W - 18 W test light. (I use a 10 watt bulb you can find on the shelf for outdoor lighting)

Dip the A/C thermostat into a cup filled with ice water, and check the test light.
The light should go off at 37°F (3°C) or less, and should come on at 39°F (4°C) or more.
If the light doesn't come on and go off as specified, replace the A/C thermostat.
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Sep 7, 2017 at 7:22 PM
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FSTF2V
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Thanks for that information. it turns on and off with the A/C switch. It have tomorrow afternoon off. So I will try that then. I can only use this computer late night or in the morning. I will tell you more when i do this, thanks again. fstf2v
Sep 8, 2017 at 1:16 PM
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STRAILER
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Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
Sep 9, 2017 at 5:18 PM
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FSTF2V
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I started to take it out to test it. As soon as I started to wiggle it around I heard the compressor click off. I carefully put the thermo switch back. I have driven the car 30 miles it seems to work as it should work. Thanks for your time Steve W. with out that advise it would of cost me some dollars. Ken, what a great site. Thanks fstf2v
Sep 13, 2017 at 12:20 AM
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STRAILER
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Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers, Ken
Sep 13, 2017 at 10:59 AM
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STEVE W.
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Sounds like you found the problem. Good job. Come on back anytime.
Sep 13, 2017 at 7:27 PM