8.0
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $800
- Average Mileage:
- 94,200 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 5 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (3 reports)
- do not run on coldest setting, lower setting works fine (1 reports)
- replace A/C clutch (or entire compressor) (1 reports)
Air conditioner will only work if car is accelerating. When I'm stopped at a red light it starts blowing hot air. I had my mechanic look at it as car not under warranty. He replaces air compressor with brand new after market which does exact same thing, only now I'm $1500 poorer. I see now this has been reoccurring issue for this car.
- Natasha B., Evansville, IN, US
A/C Stopped working at stop lights, then quit working all together after driving the car for 10 miles or so. However it was as cold as a meat locker in the car if it was parked and idling.
I am a Mechanic myself so I did an EVAC/RECHARGE, pressure tests (There was no leaks, the car still had full factory refrigerant.) I tested the Thermal Protector, changed the Clutch Relay, did all electrical tests. None of these led anywhere until I simply lowered the Temperature for the highest setting to the second highest. Apparently in South Florida the humidity is so great that these little civics EVAP core's will simply freeze up when it's 99 degrees and 70% humidity out. This is obviously understandable but absolutely unacceptable seeing as we own 2, a four door and a 2 door, and only one of them is experiencing this issue. I got the car with 106,000 miles, since then it's needed a clutch, the AC went out, tires wear prematurely, the headliner was ruined when I got it and the windows love to stick and act out intermittently.
Totally understandable that this car is the 10th worst. 40+ MPG (When you baby it,) great styling, and decently comfortable on long trips, otherwise avoid this pig
- Kevin S., Jupiter, FL, US
Not very good to be in your car on hot days with the a/c air is comfortable then turns warm on you intermittently.
- missyinnc, Bath, NC, US
The AC blower stops working intermittently, usually on the hottest day.
- Virginia O., Port Charlotte, FL, US
click to see larger images
A/C was intermittent during hot weather. I used a scan tool to determine that the a/c switch, and the a/c clutch switch were both engaging like like they were supposed to, but the pressure intermittently wasn't increasing like it should, and the clutch was visibly not engaged. So I replaced the clutch with a cheapo amazon one ($40) myself. It was a mild pain in the butt, because you have to remove the belt and compressor, but I didn't have to disconnect any a/c lines. I wish there was a higher quality replacement available, but for now this seems to be working.
- dm18, San Luis Obispo, US