Possible causes of air conditioner failure in your Honda Civic
An air conditioning system in your Honda Civic is a crucial feature during extreme weather conditions, both in summer and in winter. Occasionally, however, this feature may fail and the cause cannot be determined. In this article, we’ll take a look at the five most common faults affecting the Honda Civic’s air conditioning system to help you diagnose them.
How does the Honda Civic’s air conditioning system work?
Before discussing the breakdowns that can affect your car’s air-conditioning system, let’s take a look at its main components:
- The compressor: this is the essential component, since it compresses the refrigerant to cool the air, senses Temperature variations and manages temperature emission;
- The condenser: located at the front of the radiator, the condenser takes in air from the compressor and Works to reduce the temperature/pressure of the hot gases coming from the refrigerant;
- Receiver: separates the gas from the liquid and removes moisture. It has filters to protect the air-Conditioning system from contaminants;
- The thermal expansion valve: controls pressure and temperature to estimate the precise proportion of refrigerant that can enter the evaporator for cooling;
- The evaporator: behind the dashboard, the evaporator cools the air with the refrigerant just before it is released into the car’s interior.
What are the reasons why Honda Civic air conditioning stops working?
There are five common reasons why car air conditioners stop working.
Leaky refrigerant
Your refrigerant is as vital to your A/C system as oil is to your engine! Leaks are more likely to occur in the winter than in the summer because the system doesn’t run as much during cold weather. Since it doesn’t operate regularly, seals dry out and cooling levels drop, causing warm air to be expelled from your unit.
If your Honda Civic is leaking refrigerant, chances are there’s a leak. You can buy leak detectors (with sensors) to locate leaks, but your best bet is to go to a dealership and have it done.
Faulty cooling fan
A second common failure is when the cooling fan is not working properly. A functioning cooling fan conserves energy by operating only when the air conditioning system needs to dissipate excess heat from the engine. If the cooling fan is defective, your Honda Civic will only emit warm air, which will adversely affect the air quality inside the car. The cooling fan can be broken due to debris buildup, blown fuses, or electrical problems. An experienced mechanic can inspect the wiring and connectors and test the cooling fan motor.
Broken radiator or condenser
If your condenser isn’t working, the high-pressure refrigerant vapors leaving the compressor aren’t being refreshed, restricting airflow. This can be caused by a buildup of debris or a broken pipe.
If damaged, refrigerant will leak and the A/C system will stop working. The condenser uses several seals and tubes that wear out over time. You can detect a leak if you see residue near the affected area.
Meanwhile, a broken radiator can cause a drive belt to fall off, causing the air conditioner to malfunction. Replacing the condenser or radiator is essential to fixing the problem.
An air-conditioning compressor in poor condition
A faulty compressor or damaged compressor clutch can result in inadequate or no cooling from your air conditioning system.
If the cabin temperature is higher than normal or if there are loud noises when the compressor is operating, it is defective. If the compressor’s components break or its sealed bearing seizes, you may hear high-pitched noises.
The A/C system must be turned on and the compressor or clutch switch must be checked to determine if they are working. Your service team can check the system for problems and make any necessary adjustments.
They will check to see if the oil in the compressor is contaminated, and then flush the A/C system before adding new oil.
An electrical fault
Electrical problems in the air conditioning system of your Honda Civic could be the result of broken connections, such as damaged wires, blown fuses, or faulty sensors. The more you neglect electrical faults, the greater the risk of acid buildup. Acid buildup can damage and corrode components to the point where a complete air conditioning system replacement is necessary.
Having your A/C system inspected when recommended in your vehicle’s maintenance schedule could help you avoid repair costs.
