AC makes noise and doens't work

[Murderjetz]

Recently, my AC started making a slight grinding noise when I turn it on. It doesn't always do it, seems to only do it when the engine's cold. After I drive for a bit, it stops. But, even though it doesn't sound weird, it usually doesn't work anyway. I'll turn it on, the air still blows but the air doesn't get any colder. SOMETIMES it'll work, but even then, it doesn't seem nearly as cold as it probably should be.

I'm scared cus I've heard that fixing AC can be really expensive...I was hoping someone might have any ideas what the problem could be, if it could potentially be an easy fix?

[volvo9]

Turn the car on and turn the AC on, take a look at the compressor and see if it's engaging, if it's not then it could be low or out of refrigerant from a leak anywhere in the system (usually the condensor on the Civic if the system is totally empty) or an electrical issue. If the compressor is turning on and off every 2-4 seconds or so then the refrigerant is low and has leaked out somewhere.

[Murderjetz]

okay. I'm not very knowledgeable with cars, could you try to explain what the compressor looks like and/or where it is in the engine bay?

[korey@teamhonda]

just bring it in to a dealer and let your warrenty take care of it, problem solved....

[volvo9]

Originally Posted by korey@teamhonda

just bring it in to a dealer and let your warrenty take care of it, problem solved....

True, forgot about the warranty..

To the op, if you look on the left hand side of your engine bay with the hood open you will see the compressor down below (I think). The serpentine belt runs over it's pulley and when off the center of the compressor is not spinning. When on the center of the compressor is also spinning, but just because the A/C is on, dosen't mean the compressor is going to be on, as described in my first post.

here's a picture of one just for the hell of it. They are all similar in look, yet all look a little different. In the picture you can see the center part sticking out which will spin if the compressor is engaged.


oh yeah, and if you do still have a warranty don't mess around with it, you don't want to dealer blaming anything on you.