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I have an 01 Civic Ex. The a/c has been working fine until recently. The car sat for about a week since the last time I used the A/C. Today I tried to turn it on but no cold air. I checked the fuses under the hood, dash, the compressor relay. It appears that the compressor clutch isn't locking up and spinning the compressor. The pressure seems to be OK. I got about 55 on the low side. That is with a cheap -0 gauge so I'm not certain about its accuracy. Any ideas as to why the compressor isn't running?

The fans turn on fine and the a/c light work on the button. I did the HVAC self test and it showed no codes.

So whos got the skills and knowledge? Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 812

you could just have a clog or a busted compressor.

 
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=/ i have the same problem. did you find out what happened?

 
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me three. 01 ex sedan here.

worked for the whole ride up to the 1k islands, then two days later, nothing.

 
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You can't check the pressure unless the compressor is engaged (running) so basically your reading of 55psi is just a ambient reading. With out looking at it first hand, I'd say you're low on refrigerant (r-134a) which means you have a leak somewhere.
I've been working on automotive A/C for many many years and I'm ASE certified, the most common problem with A/C systems is leaks, which causes the refrigerant to be low, which causes the low pressure switch to cut power to the compressor, and that's why the compressor isn't turning on.

Your A/C can work fiine one minute then suddenly not work, a leak can spring up at any moment without warning.

 
Rep Power: 452

I am no expert on AC systems, have general knowledge, but what other way for sure can you check for leaks in the system without checking pressure first? I mean I understand if you had a leak, using dye, electronic sniffers, etc... to pin point where the leak is, but if you have low PSI on both the high and low side caused by a leak, wont the manifold gauges let you know? even if the compressor wont engage? from what I understand the pressures will be equalized with the compressor disengaged, but I figure if the system is that low, the equalized pressures will be low. Correct me if I am missing something here.

 
Rep Power: 812

ya ac is very unstable. stuff just breaks for no reason, gets corroded etc. its more of a pain

 
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Sure, a set of gauges could tell you that the system has a leak by just hooking them up to a shut off system, but equalized pressures vary, so it's not a normal proceedure. Plus even if you knew the equalized pressures of a certain system, it still won't tell you where the leak is. So you basically have to get the system funtioning in order to diagnois a leak or other problem.

The proper way to diagnois a system problem is to first get the system running and use a set of gauges on both the high and low sides. If you can't get the system to "turn on" then you need to bypass the low pressure switch or find any other problem that might keep the compressor from turning on and correct it. Then you can see if the system funtions properly by reading you gauges, which could tell you that your low on refrigerant or clogged orifice tube, broken reed valve, etc. etc.

 
Rep Power: 452

thanks for the response.