On my 1997 Honda Civic CX hatchback, the air conditioner no longer comes on at the lowest 2 settings (out of 4). I hear the radiator fan come on when I move the switch to "1" or "2", but no air comes out of the vents. When I move the switch to "3" or "4", the air conditioner comes on, and at the correct level (the same force it has always come out at for that level).
Any ideas what could cause this behavior? I just spent a lot of money fixing it after "grazing" a deer (spun the car and slammed driver side into a curb, bending the rear suspension) and would rather not spend much more money on this car so I'm hoping this is something I can fix myself.
2007-09-01 22:42:04 · 3 answers · asked by Jason 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Honda
the speed of the blower motor is controlled by an electrical component called a "resistor block". The resistor block has four possible paths for current to flow through. The path that corresponds to the low fan speed has a high resistance so that the most of the voltage that flows through that path is used overcoming the resistance; as a result the blower motor works slowly. The other paths have incrementally less resistance so that a greater voltage reachs the motor to turn it faster in the higher switch positions.
In your case, the resistor has burnt out the two low speed paths. Think of the path as the filament in a light bulb that burns out; when that happens electricity can't flow through it and the light doesn't work any longer.
You'll probably lose the third speed next. The fourth speed is unrestricted and should remain operational. To fix the problem replace the blower motor resistor.
Hope that helps
2007-09-02 04:35:15 · answer #1 · answered by honda guy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fans only run above a temp then a relay is triggered and the fans kick on. check/replace the fuse, relay and thermostat (under the hood), check coolant level and or drain flush and fill. it is not often stock fans go bad. and certainly not both the same time! besides one is for the AC condenser as well, assuming your car has AC. If your fan(s) are bad go get some guess est... $30ech Fans at an auto store and install them your self or ask someone to help about an hour job with mild experience.
2016-05-19 02:13:21 · answer #2 · answered by vida 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have had a similar problem with a civic i owned years ago.
mine was a '93. if the compressor kicks on but the fan doesnt blow, it sounds like the switch is bad. hopefullt that is all it is. switches are relatively cheap. those are the same symptoms i had...i managed to find a used switch and install it myself. it took about 35 minutes, not too hard either.
2007-09-01 22:53:31 · answer #3 · answered by its 11:11 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋