What is the situation when the Civic's air conditioning compressor is not working?
3 Answers
The outdoor unit is too dirty, and dust has blocked the exhaust vent, resulting in poor heat dissipation. The following is a related introduction about the Civic: 1. Exterior: The Dongfeng Honda Civic has a stylish and elegant appearance with smooth body lines. The hatchback design has undergone significant changes compared to the older model. 2. Interior: The interior of the Dongfeng Honda Civic is finely crafted with a fashionable design and prominent layering. It is equipped with abundant functional configurations, although the extensive use of hard plastic materials results in a less-than-ideal tactile feel. The seats offer good comfort. 3. Space: The space performance is commendable, with ample legroom in both the front and rear seats. The front seats provide generous headroom, while the rear seats have somewhat limited headroom. The central floor hump in the rear is not very pronounced, enhancing practicality. The storage compartments are quite functional, and the trunk space has also improved compared to the older models.
Having driven a Civic for over a decade, I've found that AC compressor failures are quite common. When driving in hot weather, if the AC isn't cooling, the compressor likely isn't engaging. The most frequent cause is a blown fuse - you can check the corresponding fuse in the driver's side fuse box, and replacement only costs a few dollars. Another possibility is insufficient refrigerant; it evaporates quickly during summer road trips, and the system will automatically shut down the compressor when detecting low pressure to protect the equipment. Relay failure is another potential issue - located under the hood, listen for clicking sounds during inspection. Belt problems can also be problematic; excessive wear may prevent the compressor from turning. I remember last year my car had this issue - the compressor seized up with loud noises, requiring a complete replacement to fix. Prolonged neglect could damage other system components, affecting driving comfort. I recommend first quickly checking the fuse and refrigerant pressure; if that doesn't solve it, head to a professional repair shop immediately to avoid disrupting summer travel plans.
As a car enthusiast who loves tinkering with vehicles, I think I can try to fix the compressor issue myself. First, pop the hood and listen for the electromagnetic clutch engagement sound. If there's no sound, it's likely an electrical problem. Checking fuses is easy—just locate the A/C-related fuse in the car's fuse box and use a test light or visually inspect for any blown fuses. Low refrigerant can also trigger protection; use a pressure gauge to check levels, and if low, top up with R134a while inspecting pipes for leaks. If the belt is loose, you can feel the tension by pulling it by hand. But be careful with electrical work to avoid short circuits. Once, I thought the clutch was faulty, but it turned out to be unstable battery voltage—when it dropped below 12V, the compressor stopped working. Simple checks are manageable, but complex issues like control module failures require professional help. Always start with safe troubleshooting steps before diving into disassembly.
