As the weather heats up this summer, you'll need to make sure that the air conditioning system in your Honda Civic is in proper working order for maximum comfort while commuting or on a road trip. But if you're having issues with the AC unit, they can be one of the most expensive repairs to complete and you can often save yourself a lot of money by knowing the common problems before your attempt the job on your own.;
The air conditioning system in your 2006-2012 Honda Civic is comprised of several different components that work together to circulate the refrigerant that cools the air entering the cabin. But the heart of this system is the AC compressor, which acts like a pump to compress the refrigerant and push it through the system. Unfortunately, on many vehicles including the Honda Civic, the compressor is the source of many of the problems that cause your air conditioning to fail.
On the 2006-2011 1.8L Honda Civic, the engine powers the compressor through an accessory belt that spins the pully on the front. An electromagnet clutch mounted behind the pulley then engages the compressor shaft with the pulley when the air conditioning system is switched on which circulates the refrigerant through the rest of the system.
The AC compressor clutch is one of the most common points of failure on the compressor. The clutch is dependent on precise spacing between the clutch plate and pulley, a smooth bearing inside the pulley, and proper functioning of the electromagnetic coil to engage properly. A fault with any part of the clutch will cause the entire system to stop and can prevent engagement. A problem like a worn bearing can sound like a roar or grinding noise from under the hood and can even generate enough heat to melt the accessory belt. Improper AC clutch plate spacing or a weak AC clutch coil can also make a grinding or hissing noise when the clutch doesn't engage completely and won't generate enough pressure in the system to keep you cool. A damaged ignition coil could even cause an electrical short that can damage your Honda Civic's electrical system or blow a fuse.
Another common point of failure are the internal seals within the AC compressor itself. These seals contain the oil that keeps the internal components of the compressor lubricated and after tens of thousands of miles they often begin to leak. As this oil seeps out, it can cause many of the compressor clutch problems we mentioned above. But once the oil is completely drained and your AC compressor is left without lubrication, the fast moving parts inside will wear and grind, further damaging the pump. In many cases, this also sends a slurry of compressor debris through the rest of the system causing even more damage and higher bills at the mechanic!
In either case, the most cost effective solution is to replace the entire AC compressor with a brand new Honda Civic AC compressor kit from BuyAutoParts.com. Most compressors today can't be rebuilt or serviced without specialty tools or machines to take apart the clutch, press in bearings, or open the case to replace the seals. For the average home mechanic that can be incredibly expensive! Our New and OEM AC Compressors for the Honda Civic include a clutch already installed and at a price point far lower than a professional rebuild. When you replace the compressor, you'll also need a new accumulator/receiver drier as well. The drier catches any moisture in the A/C lines to keep it from freezing and creating a blockage, but it has a secondary effect as a filter to catch any debris from a compressor that is wearing out internally. A strong new compressor can shake all that debris out, sending it through your AC lines to damage other parts, including your new compressor.
All you need to do is specify whether your car is a sedan or coupe and we'll ship it right to your door. And if your Honda Civic's AC has been making noise, or completely inoperable for a long time, consider purchasing a Honda Civic AC compressor and components kit that includes everything you need to completely overhaul your air conditioning system. The best part about ordering the full kit is that you won't have to order extra parts if find unexpected damage, everything you could need to complete the job is in the box! All of our parts are guaranteed exact fit for your vehicle, all of our New and OEM AC compressors for the Honda Civic come with a one year, unlimited mileage warranty, and AC kits that include the compressor, drier, oil and O-rings have a two year warranty so you can buy with peace of mind!
