2002 honda civic ac compressor replacement

Q: How do I know if my car AC compressor is bad?

Four Signs Your Cars AC Compressor Is Going Bad.

When an A/C compressor dies, the refrigerant is no longer cycled through the system. This article demonstrates how to properly replace the A/C compressor in your Honda Civic.

Table of Contents Show

Step 1 – Evacuate the refrigerant
Step 2 – Lift the car
Step 3 – Remove the compressor
Step 4 – Remove the drier
Step 5 – Install the new compressor
Featured Video: A/C Compressor and Drier Replace in '99 Honda Civic
Related Discussions
Can I replace my car AC compressor myself?
Can I replace just the AC compressor?
How long does it take to replace a Honda AC compressor?
How do I know if my car AC compressor is bad?

This article applies to the Honda Civic (1992-2000).

No one likes jumping into a hot car and trying to blast the A/C only to get a mouthful of hotter air. The compressor is essentially the heart of an air conditioning system. It works by pressurizing the refrigerant inside the system. For example, when the refrigerant cycles through the lines, it first heats up, but when the refrigerant expands, the temperatures lower dramatically. When A/C compressor units fail, the refrigerant is no longer able to stay pressurized and can no longer produce cold air. A/C repair costs are usually in the thousand dollar range, because in most cases, the job is labor intensive. However, Honda Civic owners have it easy when it comes to replacing the A/C compressors themselves. Read on to learn how.

Materials Needed

Hydraulic jack and jack stands
10, 12, and 14 mm socket and ratchet
A/C recovery machine
Torque wrench

Step 1 – Evacuate the refrigerant

The refrigerant contains toxic chemicals that are harmful to people and the environment. If you do not have a proper A/C recovery machine at your disposal, take your vehicle to a certified shop and have it done there.

Step 2 – Lift the car

The A/C compressor is accessible from underneath the right-front-end of the car.

Place hydraulic jacks under the front pinch welds of your Honda Civic.
Slowly lift the front end and set it down on jack stands.

(Related Article: Honda Civic: How to Jack Up Your Civic - Honda-Tech.com)

Figure 1. Lift front end of the vehicle.

Step 3 – Remove the compressor

From inside the engine bay, locate the pressurized charge line and condenser hoses connected to the top of the compressor.
With a 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the hose connectors along with the hoses.
Disconnect the electrical connector on top of the compressor.
From underneath the engine, loosen the 14mm belt adjusting bolt and remove the compressor belt.

Remove the four 12mm bolts on the side of the compressor that secure it to the engine.
Remove the A/C compressor.

Figure 3. Remove four 10 mm bolts from side of the compressor.

Step 4 – Remove the drier

The A/C drier keeps moisture from building up inside the system. When the compressor is disconnected, air manages to escape, and moisture can make its way into the system.

The drier is located right below the windshield washer reservoir.
With your 10mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts on top of the drier.
Pull out the suction line connected to the drier.
From underneath the front end of the car, remove the bracket holding the drier in place.
Remove the old drier.
Install a new drier in reverse order to the removal process.

Figure 4. Loosen the bracket and pull the drier down.

Step 5 – Install the new compressor

With the four 12mm bolts, secure the new compressor to the mounting bracket.
Re-install the compressor belt and tighten the 14mm adjusting bolt to a snug fit.
With a torque wrench, tighten the idler pulley center nut to 33 ft lbs (refer to Figure 2).
Replace the O-rings of the pressurized charge line and condenser hose connectors.
Reconnect the hoses to the compressor and secure them with the two 10mm bolts.
Take the car back to an auto shop and have them properly refill the refrigerant.

Featured Video: A/C Compressor and Drier Replace in '99 Honda Civic

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Can I replace my car AC compressor myself?

Typically, replacing a compressor should be done by a professional, but you can perform this task at home if you are competent working with your hands. Doing the job yourself can also save you a decent amount of money.

Can I replace just the AC compressor?

If the compressor is not still under warranty, you may still choose to replace it. However, you should probably opt to replace the entire outdoor unit at the same time. In most cases, this will cost only marginally more than replacing an out-of-warranty compressor alone.

How long does it take to replace a Honda AC compressor?

It entails removing and disposing of any remaining refrigerant, disconnecting and removing the old compressor, installing the new one with proper fittings, and recharging with refrigerant. Add it all up and it typically takes four to six hours.