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2012 Civic 1.8L
227k miles

No cool air
AC clutch does not engage
AC clutch moves freely
Both fans run when AC is "on"
Fuses are good
Relay is good
Coolant is full (shop pressurized it)
Dash thermostat adjusts normally
Max AC and AC lights come on when pressed


Is someone out there that has any idea what this could be? I lean toward the clutch but don't want to replace the compressor if that's not it.
Note: I know just the clutch can be replaced but you have to buy the whole compressor from the salvage yard so I'll just do it all instead of buying a little time.

 
Rep Power: 224

Has the system pressure been measured?

 
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It has. I took it in to have the dye run through it, thinking that it was low due to a leak.
I was told that it was barely low, should've been operating. Pressures were normal (though they didn't tell me what they were).

 
Rep Power: 224

You say fuses and relay are good, so let's go with that. Next step would be unplug the compressor and check the connector for power with the A/C on.

I don't have schematics for the 2012 but I'm assuming the 2006 is similar. If the relay was confirmed working that would leave a thermal protector (which could have failed) or the clutch coil.

 
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Anyway to test that without a light or multimeter? We're temp living with inlaws before our move and my tools are all in storage a few hours away. Best work around I know if it's to jump the relay to "force" the clutch...which I did....and still nothing.

I'm currently trying to find a wire long enough to connect directly to the compressor harness but coming up empty.

 
Rep Power: 224

If the shop tested the relay they would have verified it was coming on when needed. Can't think of a good way to test without a meter. Maybe someone has one you can borrow?

 
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I'd like to think that but it would only be an assumption on my part. The front desk kept separation between customers and mechanics.

There might be someone but idk anyone up here and inlaws are not....mechanically inclined.

There's a local mechanic that I'll see if he can take a few minutes for me. If not, I'll pick up a test light - that should at least tell me if there's power at the compressor.

 
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Update: I took it to a local mechanic who works out of his own garage.....a very very nice garage. Asked him if he could run a jumper to the compressor. He asked how I came to this conclusion so I went through all the info above. He said it was definitely the compressor, saying he's seen a lot of them. I told him I was looking to get a used one from a junkyard and I asked him what the look he gave was all about. He replied that it was my money but he's seen multiple instances of people doing it and having to be back to make a similar repair. Also suggested I replaced the condenser while I'm at it. He recovered the refrigerant in the system while I did the work.

I got a new compressor and condenser, installed it, and had the mechanic recharge the system. Cold air.

I'm not too proud to admit there was a certain amount of happiness when I heard the clutch kick on the first time.

Thanks for the help brotatochip. Best of luck to anyone who comes across this thread looking for answers.

 
Rep Power: 224

Nice work. Glad you got it working again.