Need Help: My sis '00 Civic A/C compressor gave out; Has anyone installed w/o bringing to shop-let me know!

Question

Also if there are any tips or possible electrical solutions i.e. -"thought is was my compressor but turned out to be..."
Whatever knowlegeable advice would help, I havent seen the car yet, she is out of state- thanx

Answer 1

if the air conditioning system is low on refrigerant the low pressure switch will not allow the compressor to engage so that the system is not damaged by running it without the lubricant for the compressor that is carried along with the refrigerant through the system..

Typically air conditioning systems need to have the refrigerant repalced every 6-7 years as the gas molecules of the refrigerant work their way out into the atmosphere around the seals in the hoses. So there is a good chance that the system is simply low on refrigerant and needs to be recharged.

It should run about $100 to have the system recharged. Don't try to add the stuff from the parts store because the oils may not be compatible with the honda system and that could cause problems. Pay someone to do it right.

if there is a problem with a leaking seal it will usually cost about another $30 to replace the seal. They have to test for leaks during the recharging process as recharging is done by monitoring pressures and if the pressures are low then they know you have a leak.

It would be extremely unlikely that the problem is with the compressor unless there was some hellacious screeching or bone shaking grinding noises going on prior to it stopping.

my guess is your just low on refrigerant and that a recharge will get the system working again

hope that helps