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Hey guys,

I've been looking at a bunch of forums looking for a solution to my A/C problem but finally decided it would probably be best to just make a post myself.

I have a 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid with the 1.3L 4Cyl with about 131,000 miles on it. My A/C has been working fine and then it suddenly stopped working about 2 weeks ago. The A/C fan and the A/C clutch arm haven't engaged but then I noticed they both turned on for about 10 seconds right when I start my car before shutting off again. I've switched out the fuse under the hood with one of the other fuses that match its size and that didn't fix it, I bought a r134a refill can but when I connected it to the low pressure port and it read that it was full, a buddy of mine also has an 8th generation civic with working A/C so I took off his low pressure switch and put it on mine to test if that was the issue and that didn't fix it. I'm trying to test all that I can that could be a smaller fix before I go straight to replacing the compressor.

I'm not a mechanic but I am able to do some minor fixes myself. Are there any other things I should test before taking it to a shop to get a professional to look at it?

Thanks in advance!

 
Rep Power: 518

10 seconds......
Does the inside fan work? If it doesn't work it will shut down the AC system.


Is the thermal protector going open circuit at 10 seconds? That would shut down the compressor and radiator fans too.

 
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Both the fan and the clutch arm normally don't spin but I noticed today that when I started my car, they turned on before shutting back off for the rest of the drive.

I'm not sure how to check that if that would be the problem.

 
Rep Power: 518

Wiring diagram and volt/ohm meter, and you'd have to be able to check it WHILE it's quit working.

Another huge complication is the fact it's a hybrid.

See the fat orange cables going to the AC compressor----- the compressor is dual drive meaning the IMA system can run it on the HV system.....that makes it dangerous AF for the average Joe to mess with stuff.



Got any IMA system fault codes?



Has someone messed with the AC system before you, maybe contaminated the special refrigerant oil in the system? Incorrect refrigerant oil won't have the necessary insulation properties and the IMA system could shut it down if it detects voltage leaking.