A/C Compress Doesn't Turn On

I have a 93 Honda Accord 5 speed standard that the A/C compressor won't turn
on.
I checked the fuse in the inside fuse panel, and it is good. I would think
because of the
current this unit would draw there would also be a relay to turn it on. If
there is one, can
some one tell me where it is located. The Haynes repair manual doesn't
really say to much
about the A/C side of things.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Mike

 

One of the most common reasons for the compressor not engaging is loss of
refrigerant (freon). The sensor switch for that is right behind the left
high beam headlight, forward of the compressor. The switch should be closed
just sitting there. If you don't have an ohmmeter handy, you can also start
the engine and turn on the A/C full cold; momentarily shorting across the
contacts in the connector will engage the compressor if loss of refrigerant
is your problem. Don't run the compressor more than a moment that way.

There is also a relay, which the Helm manual indicates is the front one on
the driver's side of the engine compartment, almost hidden by the washer
fluid reservoir.

Sadly, '93 was the last year of using R-12. If the system has been converted
to R-134a there will be stickers under the hood. If not, and you need a
charge, you will probably find the cost of refilling with R-12 to be more
than conversion to R-134a... especially since there must be a leak if the
refrigerant is gone.

Mike

 

Hi Mike,

The Freon pressure switch seems to be Ok, but the compressor still doesn't
engage. My Haynes
manual shows a A/C Thermo Switch in series with the Freon switch. Does your
Helm manual
give a location for that one? I'm in the process of checking out that relay
that is almost impossible to get at.

Thanks again for your help,

Mike

 

That must be the one buried in the evaporator - the manual shows how to test
it if it is removed :-(

The relay shouldn't be too bad to get to if you remove the mounting
bracket - just the one bolt. But that area is mighty crowded.

Mike