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I started the diagnostics adding to someone elses thread, but thought it might be best to make a separate one for anyone down the line having troubles with their cars. Ezone posted some good info to get me going on finally getting this problem fixed.

About 2 years ago the AC compressor clutch had burned itself out. It was replaced and everything seemed to be OK, but then I noticed the AC seemed to be on ALL THE TIME even when that little green light wasnt illuminated. This spring the AC didnt work and it took some time for me to finally track this problem down. After recharging the system the AC came back on. Well thats a start! At least I dont have to go troubleshooting compressor problems.

Heres the thread I started asking questions in:
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...r-c-issue.html

Even though I didnt think it really was the compressor relay, since there was an updated part I figured I would start there. After the swap the behavior was still the same. Rad fans always on. Compressor always on.

Sooooo time to take the dash apart. Diassembly is NOT OBVIOUS! Thanks to youtube there were 2 videos showing the order of parts removed and where the three hidden screws were. Easy to find so I wont post a link.



I removed the airbag light, flasher switch and ac/heat controller and plugged them back in to operate the car. I thought I might find something like a bad switch for the AC on/off, but the switches are surface mount so you cant make a repair. I did observe when I turned the key to on with the heater fan off, the rad fans would come on. Key on and heater fan on the AC fans shut off. Engine on and rad fans and compressor were back in action.

OK, wacky controller behavior points to a bad controller.

I did some disassembly, but there is nothing to fix except for two burned out indicator lights.



I found there were a LOT of controllers for sale on that popular auction site, so I bought one for around $25 from a seller that said 100% guaranteed and actually disclosed his location.

Car is reassembled for now. I'll edit this post when I put the new controller in and confirm that it was bad.

13 Aug UPDATE

New controller solved the problem. AC turns on and off like it should now.

-SP

 
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Bump to the top after editing.

-SP

 
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Cool beans!

Would be real cool if you could figure out what failed inside the control head and come up with a DIY fix.

 
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I thought of that too, but decided it was to much work.

Someone else can figure it out.

-SP