Rep Power: 0

I have an intermittent problem with my compressor clutch not engaging all the time. The second fan stays on when the AC system is on and the problem is worse when it's hotter out, so I'm assuming the air gap between the solenoid and clutch plate is too large.

Is there some where I can find step by step instructions for adjusting the air gap on 7th gen civics?

 
Rep Power: 221

Start with the simple problems first.
Is the belt loose?
Is there oil contamination on the AC clutch?

The compressor is not supposed to be on all of the time when the system is running correctly. The compressor should cycle on-off about every 45 seconds to one minute while on the highway/interstate roads. The longer the compressor stays off, the more efficiently the AC is working.

Also, the hotter it is outside, the greater the pressure is in the AC system.
When the pressure goes up too high due to the heat the compressor will turn off sooner because the pressure switch detects too high of a pressure.

 
Rep Power: 0

I've been over all this. The belts are good they don't squeal and the deflections looks to be in spec, there is no oil residue on anything. I've already replaced the receiver and the pressure switch. The control head in the dash was replaced with a new one when I bought the car a 4 years ago. The compressor is one of the only thing's I haven't repaired or replaced.

When the compressor kicks off for the first time it won't comeback on for a long time and the system blows warm air.How long it won't come back on for and how long it initially runs depends on the outside temperature. Very hot day = runs for maybe 5min at the absolute best, often less and likely won't comeback on at all. Moderate day = runs for 15 to 20min and will come back maybe a half hour later. These symptoms are consistent with what I've researched and are related to a maladjusted compresses clutch air gap. Once the system has kicked off I even tried to jump the relay to the compressor in the fuse box with a piece of wire to force it on and it still wouldn't turn.

 
Rep Power: 201

Check the air gap. Easy, pull the drivers side tire off, take out the two air damn clips behind it and bend it out of your way, flexible, no big deal. Mine does the same thing. Sounds like yours is worse than mine ever thought of being though. My air gap was fine. The clutch coil is bad. If it is freezing cold when it works, your compressor is probably fine. The clutch coil is the likely culprit. Check it by a resistance check (ohms). Mine is a 2001, which means the compressor overheat swith is possible, they usually don't come and go though. I bypassed mine and it still messes up. Check and make sure your relay and fuse are ok.

I have a pc based service manual. PM me your email and I'll send you the page dealing with adjusting the gap.

 
Rep Power: 0

Yeah, when it's on it gets nice and cold. It just doesn't last. I have a service manual on the computer also(wonder if it's the same one) and it only briefly mentions the compressor clutch. It says nothing about properly gaping it. What should the gap be exactly?

my email is g3rain1@hotmail.com

 
Rep Power: 221

The compressor clutch gap should be 0.5-0.15mm (0.020-0.006").

 
Rep Power: 0

I'm having what sounds like the same problem on my 2012 Civic with 45,000 mi. on it. Unfortunately, there is no service manual available at this point. Can anyone offer any suggestions on how I might troubleshoot and repair this for myself?