My daughter has a 1998 Accord 4 cyl, automatic Trans.

The AC is not working. When I checked it, I noticed the Compressor clutch is not engaging.

Is there a AC clutch relay? If so, where is it? looked in the fuse box under the hood, and don't see anything related to the AC.

 

Addition: When I push the AC button on the control panel, the AC light comes on.

How do I know if the AC really is on and trying to tell the clutch to engage, or whether the relay is bad, or whether it is LOW on freon?

I just don't want to take it in, if the AC on the control panel is giving me a "false on" when the push button may be bad, or the AC clutch relay is bad, etc...

 

The quickest test is to unplug the connector to the a/c compressor, hook up a volt meter, then measure for 12V to ground (negative battery post) with the engine running and the a/c switched on inside the car.

That can give you direction on where to test next.

I think the compressor relay is in the underhood fuse box. You can swap the compressor relay with an identical relay nearby. See if the compressor works, and the other component does not work. It is a quick test as well.

 

I think the compressor may be bad. Where the clutch engages, I see some gunk there.

Thanks for the help anyway!

 

Gunk can indicate leaking R134a. The R134a evaporates, but the PAG oil remains and builds up dirt.

Replacing the compressor isn't too bad, except you have to evacuate the system, and recharge. The electrical tests are pretty simple to try to help narrow down the real problem. You could replace a good compressor and the a/c not work due to something simple to replace like a relay, or just the coil, etc.

 

I recently had compressor on my 03 MDX fail due to deteriation of the clutch rubber spring. There was burnt rubber and debris around the clutch face. Clutch would engage but no coupling to compressor! Fix is a new or used compressor replacement w/ the procedures outlined by PaH.

good luck

 

Decided to take it in to a mom and pop AC place. I have too many car projects going on.
I am sure I can replace the Compressor, but then I have to take it in anyway to vacuum the line and add Freon.