2000 Honda Accord Logo
Posted on Sep 07, 2012
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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AC compressor won't turn on by itself.

Hello everyone, My car's ac was blowing hot air. I checked the compressor and it wasn't spinning with the air conditioner turned on. I bypassed the AC compressor relay with a paperclip and the compressor started working properly and blowing cold air. I checked the low vent pressure and the pressure gauge was showing a normal psi reading. I added a couple oz's of refrigerant just to be sure that wasn't the problem and that did not help so I don't believe it's a lack of refrigerant in the system. However, when the paperclip is removed, the compressor stops spinning and I get hot air again. I switched out the relay to see if it was bad but the compressor still didn't kick on with a "good" relay in place. Is there anything I can do to check what could be causing the compressor not to turn on? Also, can I simply keep a paperclip in the relay box as a cheap fix? What would be the downside of doing this? Would it drain the battery after turning off the car? Thanks for you answers\advice!

1 Answer

Stephen

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  • Honda Master 21,873 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 07, 2012
 Stephen
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I would check the low pressure switch next. The switch cuts power to the compressor if the pressure is too low. The switch can fail.
Same goes for the high pressure safety switch.
As for leaving the relay bypassed, you would need to use a test light or meter to see if you are using battery power with the key off. I would not recommend it.

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1796 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 20, 2010

SOURCE: 2004 Honda CRV air conditioning stopped blowing

Hi!

If by red lined you mean it went over the 250 psi range??

Assumiing that the answer is yes. This is what I think.

The Hi and Low pressure switches prevent damage to the compressor if the pressure is out of range.

Before going any further, check A/C Relay and fuse.

With the engine off, check pressure on both, Hi and Low. Both gauges must have same reading. It should be between 175-200 psi at about 80 degrees temp., if pressure is over that range, the Hi Pressure switch is preventing the compressor clutch to engage, gas needs to be removed by a qualifying A/C Technician.

If Pressre is between range, and both gauges read the same, start engine and turn compressor on, check gauges, The Low side should read about 38 psi and the Hi side should be between 250/275.psi.

Any more trouble shooting should be performed by a Qualified Tech.

Don't forget to rate this post!! Good Luck!!

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Anonymous

  • 31 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 01, 2009

SOURCE: Air conditioner intermittently works. check low

I haven't found a really good wiring schematic of the A/C on these cars. But, I can tell you that I had an intermittant problem with my Civic air conditioner that sounds similar to yours.
Mine would work fine in cool and warm weather, but when the outside temperatures got hot, it would quit working. The fan would blow; the system had a good charge on it; and the green A/C indicator light on the A/C on/off switch showed the system as being "on". Despite all the indicators saying the A/C is "on", the compressor clutch wouldn't come on when the weather got hot.
In my case, the reason it stopped working when hot, was due to some poor solder connections at the A/C on/off switch, which is part of the Heater Control Assembly.
I removed my Heater Control Assembly (challenging job), and pulled apart the Heater Control Assembly (more challenging) to access the solder connections for the A/C on/off switch. I resoldered those connections (six solder points) and put everything back together and everything has worked perfectly ever since that time (two years).
I have never seen a wiring schematic that shows this switch with more than three connections, and that is why I haven't posted a schematic for you. If you want the usual schematic(s), you can find one on autozone.com for your Honda.
If you are not comfortable pulling apart the Heater Control Assembly, and soldering those connections, you can install a new assembly which is available on-line. I saw one listed through Majestic Honda for about $240.
I hope this helps.
Good Luck, Mark

Boneebone

  • 973 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 05, 2010

SOURCE: the freon is full ac low pressure switch good all

Check the A/C Heater Fan Control Switch located in the dash to see if the switch is supplying power to the relay when itis turned on.

Anonymous

  • 4 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 05, 2009

SOURCE: AC blower only works on #5 fan speed. Compressor will not engage

evaporator board needs replacing located inside blower area under dash

Anonymous

  • 61 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 23, 2011

SOURCE: Honda Accord 2003 4dr LX - AC does not cool

Most likely a restriction in the lines causing the compressor to shut down after a breif period of cold air. Check for bad orifice tube or thermal expantion valve.

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