Honda Car Forum

...fuse blows.? I've changed the fuse numerous times, but still no luck. The compressor clutch turns smooth if I turn it by hand. There are no leaks of any kind and the system is charged. I've checked the relays and they work fine. I'm thinking is the compressor going bad, but not sure, please help!

You have a short.

May not be the compressor. There should be a switch in there for the accumulator maybe that could be shorted.

It is possible that the compressor clutch coil is going bad or the wire going to the compressor clutch is grounding out somewhere. Find the specs for the coil and check it with an ohmeter, or look to see if the wire is pinched somewhere, or rubbed up against something causing a short to ground. I am assuming that no one has recently done any electrical work or added any electrical accessories to the car.

sounds like a short in the wiring before you replace anything go through the wiring from the switch to the fuse box and from the switch to the compressor I would bet you will find a burnt wire some where.

if the fuse is blowing then there is a short in the air conditioning circuit that is allowing too much current to flow through the circuit. THe clutch for the compressor is an electro-magnetic clutch. The clutch turns freely because you are working the mechanical portion of the clutch. In all probablility when you go to engage the clutch electrically the fuse blows. You can't turn the compressor without engaging the compressor clutch, so I can't tell you if the compressor is seized causing the clutch to burn out or if the clutch just burnt by itself. You'll have to have the compressor removed and the clutch removed to tell if teh compressor is seized or not.if it is a compressor and clutch assembly you'll be looking at about $1000 to replace it. If its just the clutch it would be about $400 parts and labor.hope that helps

Use a multi meter to check for a wiring short. work back from the compressor to the relays in a logical manner . Also have a look at the wiring for chafing , pey particularattention to where it passes through grommets in the firewall. Good luck!.