Your Honda Civic’s air conditioner (AC) can be your most cherished feature during the summer. It keeps the temperature in your car cool, improving your comfort and driving experience. But when your Honda Civic’s AC goes bad, it can change your driving experience from pleasurable to unbearable.
So, why is the AC not working in your Honda Civic’ s AC and what can you do to fix it?
Your Honda Civic’s AC can stop working because of a clogged condenser, a dirty cabin filter, a refrigerant leak, a bad blower motor, or a defective compressor. It may also be a faulty blend door actuator or an electrical fault that needs fixing.
There are various parts in your car that can contribute to the failure of your Honda Civic’s AC. In this article, I will delve further into the probable causes and the possible ways you can fix them. Let’s begin!
Reasons why your Honda Civic’s AC is not working and how to fix them
As earlier stated, the problem with your Civic’s AC not working may be due to an issue with the components of the air conditioning system.
A compressor, condenser, expansion valve, accumulator, or dryer are some of the components that make up your Civic’s air conditioning system.
For your Honda Civic’s air conditioner to function properly, all its parts and components must be in good working order.
So, whenever your AC stops functioning, it’s best to perform a diagnosis to figure out what component of the AC has become faulty.
An electrical fault could also be the source of the problem. Check the fuses in the fuse and relay panel on the driver’s side beneath the hood. Replace any burned or faulty fuses before going to inspect the AC components.
However, the following are some of the most common reasons why your Honda Civic AC is not working.
Faulty compressor
The compressor is an important part of your Civic’s air conditioning system. It is the part responsible for cooling your vehicle.
When you don’t switch on your Civic’s air conditioner for an extended period of time, the components can become stuck. This can damage the compressor and may warrant a replacement.
The worst-case scenario is when the AC compressor “eats” itself due to inadequate lubrication or a manufacturing fault. This causes metal chips to build and spread throughout the Civic’s air conditioning system, causing catastrophic failure. Replacing only the compressor will not work in this case since the damaged chips will also damage the new compressor.
How to fix:
A defective compressor, in most cases, cannot be repaired; it must be replaced. To repair a damaged compressor, you must entirely replace the chips so that they don’t damage the new one.
When the AC compressor “eats” itself, the entire air conditioning system must be replaced. This is because cleaning it doesn’t get all the metal chips out.
Dirty cabin air filter
The cabin air filter, also known as the pollen filter or microfilter, is an important part of your Honda Civic’s ventilation system.
When the filter becomes clogged, the internal ventilation suffers. The dirt interferes with cooling, heating, and airflow. The combined impact stresses your Civic’s air conditioning system, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
How to fix:
When the filter becomes dirty, you might try to clean it before replacing it. You can do this using a vacuum cleaner or a compressed air system. Ensure you remove most of the visible dirt particles.
This method, however, may not be efficient because you cannot reach the deeper levels of the filter. As a result, there may be no noticeable improvement in the filter’s performance. So, you might just have to replace it.
A clogged condenser
A blocked condenser can also be the reason why your Civic’s AC is malfunctioning.
The condenser in your Honda Civic is located at the front of the vehicle. It oversees releasing heat from the refrigerant into the surrounding air.
When filth, dirt, and other minute particles accumulate on the condenser’s surface and in its mesh, it reduces its performance. They keep the condenser from letting out heat because less air travels through the mesh. This causes your vehicle to overheat.
How to fix:
If the condenser in your Civic is blocked, all you have to do is clean it. To access the condenser, you’ll have to remove the front bumper. You can use a power washer to clean the condenser, but don’t use too much power so you don’t damage the fins.
Did You Know? Having the AC on all the time can increase your fuel consumption.
Refrigerant leak
A refrigerant leak is a common cause of AC system failure in your Civic. This often occurs due to regular wear and tear. However, it can also be caused by faulty seals, worn lines, or stone-chipped condensers.
A leaking condenser might result in refrigerant loss and decrease the cooling effectiveness of the system.
The air conditioning system in the Civic is designed to lose up to 15% of its refrigerant every year. Although your Civic will eventually run out of refrigerant at some point, if it leaks, it will run out sooner. You’ll just need to refill it when this happens.
How to fix:
Your best bet is to take your car to an auto repair shop. A leak search will be performed using forming gas. This will aid in detecting even the slightest leaks and will help determine if the leak is caused by a faulty condenser or anything else. Whatever the case, you may have to replace the defective part.
Faulty blower motor
A faulty blower motor can also be the reason your Civic’s AC is not working. When the blower motor wears out or becomes weak, the airflow from the vents decreases dramatically. It also makes odd noises at times.
How to Fix:
A faulty blower motor cannot be repaired; it must be replaced. However, if the blower motor suddenly stops working for no apparent reason, first check for a blown fuse before replacing it.
Faulty blend door actuator
The Blend door actuator helps to regulate airflow and temperature inside your Civic. The blend door actuator could be the problem when there is an issue with the temperature of the air conditioning system.
When the blend door actuator in your Civic fails, you will hear a persistent clicking sound coming from under the dashboard. This sound is often prevalent for a few seconds after you turn on the AC or adjust the temperature. Changing the temperature can sometimes temporarily reduce the sound.
How to fix:
A defective blend door actuator may not be repairable and must be replaced. The replacement process is fairly difficult, so it’s best to seek professional help.
FAQs on the AC not working in a Civic
How much does it cost to fix my Honda Civic’s AC?
The average cost of repairing your Honda Civic’s air conditioning system is $249. The component costs $116 and the labor costs $133. However, the price may differ based on your location.
Do Honda Civics have AC problems?
According to CarComplaints, several owners have complained about the AC systems in specific older models.
The 2016 Honda Civic was the first vehicle to employ the R-1234yf refrigerant, which is thought to be the source of the problem. It is said to exert too much strain on the system, causing the fluid to seep onto all the air conditioning components.
According to reports, the faulty AC unit affects Honda Civics manufactured between 2015 and 2019.
