A/C Compressor Clutch Circuit Troubleshooting

NOTE: Do not use this troubleshooting procedure if the fans are also inoperative, refer to the symptom troubleshooting index.

1.Check the No. 9 (20A) fuse in the under-hood fuse/relay box, and the No. 30 (7.5A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box.

Are the fuses OK?


YES - Go to 2.


NO - Replace the fuse(s), and recheck.n


2.Check the engine coolant temperature, throttle position, and idle speed (use the Honda PGM Tester or HDS PGM-FI data list if possible).

Is the coolant temperature, throttle position, or idle speed out of nomal range?


YES - Troubleshoot and repair the cause of the high engine coolant temperature, low idle, or excessively high throttle position.n


NO - Go to 3.


3.Remove the compressor clutch relay from the under-hood fuse/relay box, and test it.

Is the relay OK?


YES - Go to 4.


NO - Replace the compressor clutch relay.n

4.Measure the voltage between the No. 1 terminal of the compressor clutch relay 4P socket and body ground.

Is there battery voltage?


YES - Go to 5.


NO - Replace the under-hood fuse/relay box.n


5.Connect the No. 1 and No. 2 terminals of the compressor clutch relay 4P socket with a jumper wire.

Does the compressor clutch click ?


YES - Go to 6.


NO - Go to 14.


6.Disconnect the jumper wire.

7.Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

8.Measure the voltage between the No. 4 terminal of the compressor clutch relay 4P socket and body ground.

Is there battery voltage?


YES - Go to 9.


NO - Repair open in the wire between the No. 30 fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box and the compressor clutch relay.n


9.Turn the ignition switch OFF.

10.Reinstall the compressor clutch relay.

11.Make sure the A/C switch is OFF.

12.Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

13.Measure the voltage between the No. 18 terminal of ECM/PCM connector E (31P) and body ground with the ECM/PCM connectors connected.

Is there battery voltage?


YES - Check for loose wires or poor connections at ECM/PCM connector E (31P). If the connections are good, substitute a known-good ECM/PCM, and recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away, replace the original  ECM/PCM.n


NO - Repair open in the wire between the compressor clutch relay and the ECM/PCM.n


14.Disconnect the jumper wire.

15.Disconnect the compressor clutch 1P connector.

16.Check for continuity between the No. 2 terminal of the compressor clutch relay 4P socket and the No. 1 terminal of the compressor clutch 1P connector.

Is there continuity?


YES - Check the compressor clutch clearance, and the compressor clutch field coil. Repair as needed.n


NO - Repair open in the wire between the compressor clutch relay and the compressor clutch.n