Rep Power: 0

I have a 2009 Civic LX 1.8L FI SOHC 4cyl with which I am experiencing intermittent a/c issues.

Symptoms: intermittently blows hot air when a/c is on, when a/c is turned on the compressor/clutch engages and rotates for a second, then stops and repeats, when the a/c is on the entire car shutters intermittently.
Repairs: I have recharged the a/c, and replaced the compressor clutch relay - neither have fixed this issue.
Note: Both fans engage and seem to be working normally.
After doing a lot of research online, I'm wondering if it could be the a/c low pressure switch, or maybe the compressor/clutch need to be replaced entirely?
Any recommendations, referrals, or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 519

System is severely overcharged. TOO MUCH freon can and will cause what you describe.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for the insight, I will definitely check the pressure and post the result, as I did use a cheap diy a/c charge kit recently (against my better judgement) and could have made a mistake when reading the gage.
However, I was experiencing the intermittent hot air issue before charging my a/c, and I don't believe this to be the main or only issue...?

 
Rep Power: 519

You need to be able to check the high side pressure (running) to determine if it's really overcharged.
Low side pressure alone can't show this.

It's a tiny system. A single can of freon can overcharge it. (A majority of of the AC problems I see have nothing to do with freon level)



Maybe....but now you probably added more problems to the original problem.


Check clutch air gap.

 
Rep Power: 143

Did you charge the AC before or after replacing the clutch relay? If so you fired the cannon a little early at the wrong target.

 
Rep Power: 0

I will purchase a manifold gauge on my lunch break and post the high side pressure reading, depending on result i'll take it to my mechanic to bleed any excess.
Can you point me in the direction of any instructionals showing how to check the clutch air gap? I found a write-up on a different post, but it is for a 2001 Civic. Should I just take the entire compressor out and give all components a good inspection?

 
Rep Power: 0

I did charge the a/c before replacing the relay :/

 
Rep Power: 519

Just wait until the freon is corrected.


Visual inspect by watching it operate.