Honda AC clutch doesn’t engage

Honda AC clutch doesn’t engage

Diagnose and fix Honda AC clutch doesn’t engage

When you encounter a Honda AC clutch doesn’t engage condition, the problem could be: low refrigerant charge, failed AC compressor thermal protector, or faulty AC clutch relay. To start, check high and low system pressures to make sure you’re above the high and low-psi cutoff limits. If so, check for Honda AC compressor clutch engagement. If the clutch doesn’t engage, perform these tests.

MOST COMMON CAUSES OF HONDA AC CLUTCH DOESNT ENGAGE

Faulty thermal protector
Faulty AC compressor clutch relay
Incorrect air gap on the clutch (assuming it has power)

The Honda AC thermal protector must show continuity for the AC clutch to engage

The AC thermal protector is located on the compressor. When the compressor overheats the thermal protector opens, preventing power from reaching the clutch. They can fail in the open position. To test, disconnect the connector and test the thermal protector using a continuity feature on your meter. Replace if necessary,

If the thermal protector shows continuity, check for power and ground to the thermal protector connector. The HVAC head provides a 12volt reference on the blue/white wire and looks for a return on the red/white wire. If you don’t see that, check for an open between the HVAC control head and the thermal protector connector. If the HVAC head sees a return voltage, it sends a digital signal to the PCM to provide power to the AC compressor clutch relay. Remember: The blower motor must be running for this to happen.

Check for power to the AC compressor clutch

Disconnect the connector at the AC compressor and test for battery voltage with the engine running, AC ON and blower ON. If you don’t see battery voltage, check fuses 22 and 25 in the underhood fuse box. If both are good, swap the AC compressor clutch relay. If that works, the problem was a bad relay. If it doesn’t work, remove the relay and check the socket terminals for battery voltage on terminals B7 and B1 and PCM ground on terminal B8

©, 2021 Rick Muscoplat