2002 EX A/C issue. Thermal protector?
 

Hello, I have just purchased a 2002 EX over the weekend.

I am having an issue with the AC. When first starting the car, the AC works great, ice cold. After the car has heated up, the compressor clutch disengages, and will not come back on until the car has completely cooled. Freon level is right where it should be. The fan DOES come on when pressing the AC button even when the compressor does not.

From doing some google searches, my guess is the thermal protector on the compressor. Would anyone like to agree or disagree with this? Anything else I should be considering?

If it is the Thermal Protector, I have 2 questions. First, what is the part number? I have not had luck looking it up.

2nd, how can I bypass this protector until I get it fixed? Yes, I know the risks. Where is the easiest place to access the wires I need to jump?

Thank you!

Re: 2002 EX A/C issue. Thermal protector?
 

So I tried jumping the thermal protector. No luck. There IS 12 volts going through the middle wire. Is this the power source that actually engages the clutch?

If it is, I must have a bad clutch, but it will engage when the car is completely cool ?

Re: 2002 EX A/C issue. Thermal protector?
 

Yes
Probably excessive air gap between the clutch plate and the pulley.
Gap should be about 0.5mm, if your car has a bunch of miles yours may be worn to more like a full millimeter gap.
Remove the clutch plate and see if you can remove a shim to decrease the air gap?

Re: 2002 EX A/C issue. Thermal protector?
 

Thank you for the advice? When cold, the clutch engages, when it warms up the clutch will disengage while driving. Does an air gap issue still make sense? I was under the impression that the air gap could prevent the clutch from engaging initially, but once engaged it would stay that way. I could be totally wrong in that assumption though. Thanks.

Re: 2002 EX A/C issue. Thermal protector?
 

Absolutely.

Heat affects the coil and its magnetic strength. It works better cold.

When there is excessive gap, the field isn't strong enough to pull the plate in when hot, but if you help it to engage it may stay engaged until it cycles off. Then it isn't strong enough to engage again.

Re: 2002 EX A/C issue. Thermal protector?
 

Just wanted to pop in to say thank you ezone! I pulled the clutch a week ago, removed the shim, and with no shim the air gap is now where it should be. My Ac has worked perfectly since