8th Gen Civic Aircon problem

Inviere

Fuse and relay both checked and ok. Compressor clutch not kicking in, and condenser/radiator fans not kicking in either. Led on dash will illuminate, but the system doesn't activate.

If I disconnect the pressure sensor, the fans will momentarily spin (engine running, air con switched on), and the same again when I reconnect the sensor, a brief spin of the fans. I presume that rules out a voltage/electrical issue? Seems like the system is disabled, so what else is likely? Air con was working one day, and not the next. It was regassed about 3 years back I'd say too

mk7r

Get the gas checked, it may be empty again. The fans and clutch won't kick in of the pressure is too low but the light will come on

Inviere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120946485#Comment_120946485

Cheers. I assume if the gas is empty that'll be a leak somewhere, and not just an age thing

mk7r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120946494#Comment_120946494

Yep it doesn't just disappear but it's possible it's a very slow leak and has now just got below the pressure threshold

Hellrazer

Inviere you've help me in the past so maybe I can help you out this time. You're quite technical so you can test this quite easily.

What usually goes on that model civic is the clutch system on the air con compressor. Run a 12v feed from the battery to the clutch actuator on the side of the compressor. Get someone to help you. As soon as you run the feed the compressor will engage.You can see it moving- just inside where the fan belt runs on the pulley. If it doesn't engage you need a new clutch and bearing. It's not a hard job to do- it can be done with the compressor still in place.

I used to sell loads of these clutches.well known issue on that year civic.

Inviere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120949248#Comment_120949248

Oh cheers for that info, hopefully the solution is a simple one! I'll update here when I've more info. It's booked for an Aircon diagnostic next week so I'll know more then 👍

Inviere

Turns out the condenser is goosed, not an ounce of gas in the system and a leak showed up via UV. Not a cheap fix sadly!

mk7r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120975749#Comment_120975749

Unfortunately its the most vulnerable part of the system

Inviere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120977137#Comment_120977137

The chap showed me the UV leak/dye, but said it must be just down to age etc. No damage on the front of the car that I can see where say a stone or something may have gone in at speed.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120975749#Comment_120975749

How much is he charging you to replace?

You can get the condensers non genuine for between 70- 90 euros.

Its not a bad DIY job either if you are confident.

Then you just need to pay for a re-gassing.

If you DIY it you`d get out for around 200.00 euros.

Inviere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120979311#Comment_120979311

400 all in, which includes the 30 diagnostic fee. New condenser, re-gass obviously, labour, and 1 year warranty.

Hellrazer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120979599#Comment_120979599

Thats not bad. Obviously not a Honda dealer?

Probably double that if you went main dealer.

Inviere

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120979798#Comment_120979798

All things considered, I think it's fair enough yeah. Not a Honda dealer no, it's an Aircon specialist in Dublin. I've used them in the past for re-gassing, well regarded place.