Hello everyone. I'm new here, so take it easy on me!

My son has a 2003 Accord LX 2 door with 4 cyl. engine.

It's getting really hot here in FL now and we are tying to fix the A/C.

The problem is no power is getting to the compressor clutch. The refrigerant seems to be fully charged (90 psi both sides). We hot wired the compressor and it worked and cooled, but won't power the compressor through the normal system.

I checked all the fuses and they appeared OK. I looked for a pressure cut-off switch, but couldn't find one.

Beyond what I said, I don't know where to start. If anyone can point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

Do both fans in the engine bay turn on when you try to turn on the a/c when the car is running?

 

Hello PAHonda. Thanks for the quick reply.

The car is 100 miles away right now so I had to call my son and ask him.

He said the main cooling fan by the radiator does turn on when the A/C is on. The blower fan inside works too.

Is this what you mean by both fans? (I'm not aware that there is a second one on the engine bay.)

Please let me know.

 

There are two fans that cool the radiator that are right next to each other. The larger fan is the radiator fan (#6 driver's side) and the other is called the a/c condenser fan (#11 passenger's side). Those were the two that I was talking about and was wondering if both turned on. See pic below:

 

Hello Again.

There are indeed 2 fans and both do turn on when the A/C is on.

Sorry, but I'm trying to figure this out long distance at the moment!

I greatly appreciate your help!

 

This is NOT the professional way. But I have hot wired my Compressor direct to the battery, with a fused line. Put an on/off switch (lighted) under the dash. It works, I just have to remember to shut it off when I park. Make sure both fans run.

Again: this is NOT the way to do it. I know my system and think the stock switch (?) was bad, fuses all good. There is a pressure switch that keeps the AC off, if Freon is low. There are (excessive) pressure issues, not "cylcling"; but an AC compressor running all the time is not good. Some turn off, then come on, to keep it from blowing up.

I didn't care what it looked like or if it would blow up, I wanted cold air! Again, this is not the way to do it. But temporary is OK, until you find the problem.

 

I think it is premature to even consider doing something like that.

In the engine bay fuse box, there is a relay for the compressor. Try to switch that compressor relay with a relay with the same number stamped on it (like the radiator or compressor fan relay).

Turn on the a/c and see if the compressor works and the other component you swapped is not working. Let us know what you find.

 

Great! Thanks again for the input.

It will be a few days before I see the car again. I'll get back to you.