South Main Auto Repair Let me see Eric if I can simplify this for you. TO SELL PARTS AND MAKE MONEY. I think that about covers it. I've got 16 +1's so far so apparently I'm not the only one that thinks this to be the normal situation.
SATAMAN Schmidt The "Dealership Experience." I don't want to digress but here goes - I was reading up on Ford Evap Codes and consumers are typically charged a $100 to $125 diagnostic fee and then $300 to $600 for the repair (R&R of the filler tube). And they seemed universally unhappy about this experience - Go Figure!
I have been a mechanic for going on some 40yrs and I always consider myself as a servant to my community and there has been lots of horror stories about how we rip off the community but you and your diligent efforts to resolve people's problems gives us all the good name thank you Eric for being a hard-working smart and wise mechanic!!!!
This video saved me the $1200.00 that the Honda dealership quoted to replace the A/C clutch. I was afraid to take the shim out, the plates feeler gauge was tight at .20. So I filed a little on the center of the outside plate that contacted shim. I polished the surfaces up a bit and put it back together. This was on a 2006 Civic with 227,000 miles. Thanks a million for this channel!
I like how you didn't slam or dismiss the owner's efforts for trying to diagnose or learn about the problem on his own. Good job on the repair and I learned something! Thanks!
Plus it's nice as a DIY you dont have to go through the hassles of appointments, dropping off, bumming rides, etc. I can do a fix in say 1 hour that would be an all day ordeal going to a shop.
A customer shouldn't feel bad to say "this is what I found in my research" and honestly if a shop or dealership wants to be a c*ck sucker I'd take my business elsewhere. Happened to me and I'll never use that dealership again. *COUGH* Bill Rapp Syracuse
@Robert Slackware A proud "know-it-all" doesn't like being shamed, especially in front of a large audience. Good job! Going berserk on you only validated his ignorance. Lol
@Robert Slackware I just can't even take him serious! He has such a grandiose opinion about himself, while lacking so much self awareness. He's just embarrassing!
Thank you so much for posting this video!!! I also have a 2003 honda civic and the a/c hasn't worked since I got it. I don't know much about working on cars, but after watching this video I decided it tear it apart and try to fix mine the same way you showed on the video. I did it! My a/c works every time now. I have 3 young kids and can't afford to take it to a shop. I cannot thank you enough for making this video! I use to not go anywhere with the kids when it was hot out, now I don't have to worry about the kids getting too hot!!❤❤❤
I know how old this video is, but I can’t help but comment that it never ceases to amaze me how many times Eric’s repairs include no new parts, just some investigative prowess. 👍👍☮️
I have been without my AC for a few years in my 2001 LX and this was the key to it all! Fixed it this fine Sunday afternoon and on a great day to test it. It was almost 90 where I live so I could get a great test of it. I had never thought about the clutch itself not engaging (Like your customer, I am not a mechanic but more than willing to tinker and educate myself). I darted out to my garage when I saw you nudge the clutch plate and tried it and damned near screamed out loud with happiness. Long story short, got the coolant topped up and am pushing 50 sitting idle in the garage and 42 out on the road at 30 mph. THANK YOU greatly for posting this video!
@@Bobbyjwmwb I see no harm in him encouraging safety. He may have saved the life of a young, broke, individual trying to fix his own vehicle in his parent's garage, who may never have been informed of this.
dudeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.my car hasnt had A/C for over 2 years !!!....i did what u did in the video and fixed it no problem....saved me a butttttload of money.....much appreciated my good sir !!!
You just saved me big time with working on my wife's '09 civic. Did exactly as you did with taking a shim off and wheeling back the rust, worked like a charm. THANK YOU.
Integrity all the way Eric. I hope he sees this video and becomes a life long customer. This video gives us faith that there are still honest technicians out there. Totally concur with you on the Ratchets and Wrenches channel-a great tech just like yourself!
I’ve taught myself many things about my car I’ve never knew before just by watching videos by really good you tubers. I thank all of you cause I learn something and get experience doing it I even tackled some of the repairs myself and felt good afterwards that I actually fixed a problem.
Eric, you are the master mechanic and above all very honest. Another crooked mechanic would have said to this customer, "you need a brand new compressor and everything that comes with it. "
Thank you Dr. O. Just got a 2009 Honda Fit for our daughter for her Sweet 16 birthday. Everything was fine except that the AC would cut out once it has been running for a while. Nudge the compressor clutch plate with a long pry bar and the compressor started to run again. So, perhaps the SMA cheap fix will fix this problem. Took 15 minutes to remove the nut and clutch plate, (10 minutes to jack up the car and place them on jack stands, 4 minutes to remove the push pins and 1 minute to zip off the nut with my impact driver and remove the clutch plate). The shim was very thin so I did the SMA fix and replaced the clutch plate without the shim. Ran the engine for 15 minutes and the AC kept on pumping cold air all the time. Hopefully, this is the fix, if not I will replace the clutch assembly with a new clutch assembly. Thanks again for making this great video. Save me $1000 by not having to go to a shop and have a new compressor installed.
I also found the broken CV shaft video helpful, as this Honda Fit suffered the same fate. The CV axle snap where the rubber vibration damper was located. The previous owner thought the trans was trash because there was a loud bang and the car would no longer move. He was going to junk it, but my brother convinced him to give him the car. I looked at the car prior to it being towed to my brother house and saw that the driver cv axle was snapped in two. I used two of your famous expressions "Well I'll be jigger". "There's your problem Lady" the axle is snapped. Replaced both axle since we were planning to give the Fit to my daughter for her sweet 16 birthday. Another SMA helpful video. Love your channel.
I knew that. I have been with your channel when you had less than 30,000 subscribers. You were a lot more rigid/serious in your early videos compare to now.
My son had a 2000 Honda Accord V6 when he was attending University of Florida. He called me and said the A/C sometimes blew cold air and then it would suddenly quit. I did some research and found that Honda compressors had the arrangement described by Eric with an adjustable air gap. With a lot of miles, the air gap got too large. My son's Accord had over 150,000 miles on it. Since he was hundreds of miles away I had to find someone in Gainsville Florida to adjust the air gap. Jerry's had good reviews so I recommended them. My son went and met the owner who not only agreed to adjust the air gap for a nominal fee but agreed to credit that fee for a new compressor if it didn't work out. Six years later the A/C still worked great. While Jerry's did not make big money that day on my son, they did maintenance and repairs on my son and his wife's cars for the next six years. Shops and people are so short sighted trying to maximize income without regard to repeat customers and referrals. Nice job Eric. I agree with Sataman Schmidt, over 90% of shops would have simply slapped on a new compressor.
ya gotta remember that for all the schooling that mechanics go to, someone had to graduate last in their class. same with doctors lol. Note: you don't have to go to school/college to learn alot of things, you just have to be Honest with what you do with it.
@Sean Steele I get what you're saying, but just because someone isn't interested in ac systems and magnets, doesn't mean they should thumbs down a video.
wow my first shout out that I know of :-) thanks Eric O. love your channel and glad to see it has been steadily growing. Keep up the great work bud, love the humor and the funny one liners too. Thanks again, cheers.
Sweet fix dude! Just did one of these Civic A/C clutch jobs earlier in the spring. The old clutch friction surfaces looked pretty lathed, but the magnet coil was still perfectly good! I bet most shops would just install a whole new Reman junk compressor in there instead of doing this 5-minute free "no parts required" fix...
Yep, would've been nice to know the final clearance. Based on the original being what, 0.025 inches? I'd say that after taking that shim out it was damn close. But that's ok, as it's only gotten bigger since then (rust doesn't count - it tends to grind itself off or grind off good metal on the other surface...) Eric, awesome (old) video and awesome diagnosis / fix.
78° & 74% humidity? That would be a great day here in the deep South! I've seen days of mid to upper 90's with the heat index of 115°!!! Even 80° here can feel like 100° at times when the dew point gets above 70°. Great video sir.
Great video. Great detail. Never would have guessed a shim on the clutch would be the problem. You saved this owner several bucks, thanks for being up front and honest.
Yeah its been my experience that 99 % of the shops out there wouldnt even tell you about removing the shims but rather try to push a whole new compressor on you. I didnt realize you could even buy just the clutch disc and stator till I started watching ETCG videos on A/C clutch repairs. He does a great video on replacing an Acura RL clutch disc only but does talk and show the little shims that adjust the gap. People make it always sound like its a low charge but sometimes its something more like in this case. Great job Eric O.
"Colder than a polar bear's pajamas..." I lost it there man! Your humor and down to earth ways are only some of the reasons you and your channel are in my top five channels! Keep it up bud! Thanks for the teachings and the entertainment!
My 2010 Equinox, at 90,000 miles, has the same problem; the OEM GM A/C clutch kit was available online from Am..... for less than the after market kits they also sell. Thanks for a very thorough examination of this customer's problem and the shout-out to Ratchets and Wrenches, which I also follow. For those trying to figure out how the typical car A/C system works, the guy at the R & W channel has gone to the trouble of making large diagrams of the typical system, with all the various high and low pressure sensor/switches, the relays and fuses, and the involvement of the ECM in controlling the flow of current to the compressor, and explains the theory of how everything is supposed to work. You, Eric, have shown us how theory and practical experience translates into making a quick, solid diagnosis and repair. I particularly appreciate your comment on the average annual loss of the R134a, the effect of which explains how a problem that seems to appear suddenly can actually be the result of normal, accumulated annual losses of R134a, when a person does not have his or her A/C system checked every few years. Also, thanks for pointing out the measurement of the clutch clearances and the importance of those very thin, easy-to-lose shims in maintaining the clearances in these systems.
Eric, thanks for all the great info and humor. I just did this repair to my '04 Civic....at a campground with a grill bush! It took me longer to get the jack out and tire off than to fix the clutch. "Torqued to spec." Love it.
YOU Sir, are an awesome mechanic! Always thinking out of the box. You must have a large and well satisfied customer base. I make my living as a Heavy Jet Mechanic where the quality and precision of my maintenance is not the goal it is the legal standard. After 35+ years wrenching large jet aircraft of all shapes and sizes it is easy to recognize an awesome wrench when I see one. I am not permitted to deviate from the standard. In the case of the A/C clutch, where you repaired it and extended it's life I would have had to replace it, but that is the difference between your car and your airplane. Your dedication to your customer is admirable. G'Day Mate!
Yes sir, same here. Bought a used Saturn and the a/c went out. Checked everything and the clutch was a problem. Double checked the electrical and found the power was not getting to ground after the system closed the clutch circuit. Took the clutch off and found the fusible link blown in the clutch. Impossible to get a replacement link so I had to buy a used compressor just to get a working clutch . After changing it out and proper gap the a/c was cooling it almost like new! I agree with another commentator that most shops would have charged me for a compressor replacement and a full redo of the system. Cost me $55 for a compressor with a working clutch. Love your site and all the info from your vids. Keep up the good work.
Eric, I had the exact same issue in my 2005 Honda Civic LX. I appreciate the video, and the knowledge. I just pulled the clutch on my AC Compressor a little over an hour ago, cleaned it up, removed the shim and it started spinning! I bought the car for $500. It was turned in to the dealership my gf works at because the AC didn't work, and the guy said he was going to be charged over 1G at different garages to get it fixed, (plus some other work which would cost him even more) so he traded the car in for something new. When I got it, it only blew hot air. I figured, for $500, I can't really complain, and I've been trying to figure out why it wasn't working for the last month. Bought a can of R134 and the gauge said it was full. So I assumed the compressor had failed, and was locked up. Then I saw your video, I put the car up on jack stands and whacked the compressor with a rubber hammer and it started spinning! Since I was able to get it spinning, I grabbed my gauge and checked the pressure and at that point, there was nothing in the system at all, so I started filling it up. Within a couple of minutes the AC was blowing cold. I turned the AC off and on like in your video, but after it turned off, it wouldn't turn back on. So I grabbed my impact, pulled the clutch off, and removed the shim with a strong refrigerator magnet. Took my wire brushes with some brake clean and cleaned up the clutch assembly (off the car obviously) then reinstalled in. Now it works each and every time I turn the AC on. So again, thank you for the video, this helped me out a lot, and saved me $190 for a new AC compressor - - at least for now :)
You saved my summer!!! I have complained to my Honda Service team about poor AC cooling, and after seeing this video, I insisted they evacuate the system to see how much Freon was actually there. 2004 Civic SI a Florida car, it is 98F, 77% humidity here in Tampa Bay today. There was less than 20% of the required Freon, no wonder it was not cooling....After putting the correct amount in the system it is frosty now!!!! I mean ice cold 40F- 35F in Florida mid summer..Thank you very much for the tip....
I really enjoy your videos I have been wrenching on cars for almost 40 years and the way steps you take on diagnosing and even when you found the problem you still dig deeper taking measurements (corvette hot no start) as someone else mentioned you would make a great teacher.I have been to tech schools but I know i would learn more just watching your videos.Thanks for the time you take to make theses videos to help others.
I'm in the Arizona desert. In 2019, the AC on my 1998 Nissan Frontier (260K miles) was operating intermittently. A few years before, I had wired up a dash light to show me when the AC compressor clutch was getting positive voltage; So when it stopped pushing cold air into the cab and that light remained on, I immediately pulled over, left everything running, saw the AC clutch was not engaged, so tapped it with my softball bat (similar to what Eric did) and it engaged. So I knew what my issue was; after removing the center bolt, I used three 5mm bolts to extract the AC clutch drive plate, and then removed the thinner of the two shims. That fixed it, and I didn't even need to pull the AC belt off to do the repair. This summer, similar happened on my 1988 Mazda truck, which also had been experiencing some "failure to crank" issues. I pulled over, saw the AC compressor on it was not engaged, did the tap with softball bat again and it engaged. So as I drove home I figured it also had an air gap/shim issue. But when I got home, I noticed that its alternator was not operating, and its warning light was not lighting up. Shop tested my alternator (was bad) and I installed a lifetime warranty O'Reilly alternator since I've had good experience with one that '98 Frontier), and AC was all fixed, and no more failure to crank either.
Eric, thank you for being honest with ur customers it is wonderful thing to have integrity- moral and ethics in what you offer in your business I really respect what you do and how you operate.
This video makes an excellent point, you don't have to become an expert on the subject, but educate yourself a little bit about what's going on. In this day and age, there is no excuse for ignorance
Nice fix! My mom had one of these, and the rust monster smoked the bearings in the clutch two times in 10 years. Just totally rocking and rolling and making a racket. One time it got hot enough wobbling around to chew up the coil too. I put two clutch kits in it about 8 years apart. IIRC, it was sort of a pain to find a puller that would work for me with the compressor installed, but I did manage to do it. When she sold it the nose seal was leaking pretty good, but it "worked" and with 300k miles it was probably one last ditch Craigslist sale from the scrapper. Fun car to work on though: pretty much all makes sense and you only need about three wrenches and sockets, plus that one crank holder tool.
Garrett McEwen Actually in regards to the crank holder I have this brand new never used (yet) special honda bolt remover. Next time I do one I am gonna feature it in a video. Can't wait to use it.
Been having a really bad time trying to get the a/c fixed in a 2005 Honda Civic EX. This was the exact problem and fix. Thank you so much for your time and effort!!! Saved me at least $300-$400. Thanks again!!!!
Another excellent video. After watching the video, I picked up a $100 manifold gauge set at the local auto store and found that my low pressure was down below the recommended range on a 10 year old vehicle. Symptom was that compressor was turning on and off every 4 seconds at 70 degrees F ambient temperature. Added 8 ounces of R134a and some dye. Viola, low pressure is now in recommended range for the ambient temperature, the compressor does not cycle as often, and low temperature in the cabin is now 40 degrees F which is an improvement from the previous 51 degrees F.
Another one from the UK checking your garage out and it is good to see someone putting the facts and process as it happens. The good and the bad, this is reality in most DIY or pro jobs. I have watched many of your videos and have had a good laugh at times, as I have been restoring cars with little or no knowledge and your videos are a life saver at times. I am currently restoring a BMW Z3 2002 2.2i and sorting out the problem with the A/C not working, I am gradually sorting this out with your tips. I like how your family are involved in your life and I find them great. The important years are here and now. You will reflect on this as your get older, believe me... I only wish if I could turn back time, they are golden. Keep up the good work, find time and don't work all hours, this will be my tip to you. Regards
Seems like we are getting more videos, more often from you. And its AWESOME! I really hate the opinion a lot of mechanics have when it comes to TH-cam/forums. I pulled the trans and changed the clutch in my fwd ford, solely from a step by step w/ pics a member posted on a forum. If it wasn't for people like you & others, people like me would be screwed & broke.
Darren G. Sometimes you see "repair attempts" and it's painful to look at, let alone go through and redo stuff. Basically you can do more damage than good if you don't know what you're doing. There are people who follow directions well and are good with their hands, but some shouldn't be allowed more than to fill it with gas and check the oil. For example I was working on a Pacifica where the owner was really concerned with his transmission oil and was paranoid of it being low. The transmissions in that year don't have dipsticks so you have to use a "special" one and a chart to measure the level. I measured the level, and let's just say I pumped about 8 quarts out of it! The tranny had like double the amount required because he must have kept adding blindly.
We've been chasing AC issues with our 2003 civic for a while and it turned out that the ac clutch gap was too large and removing that shim fixed the problem. Thank you for sharing this!
I love doing HVAC because it is something of a mystery how it works to most people. You would be surprised how many technicians in HVAC that struggle with refrigerant related problem.
I just did this exact same process with my 2010 Fit! Compressor wasn't kicking on and I needed to remove the shim. The clutch face was crusty so I ran it over the wire wheel (I did both faces) It was kind of exciting seeing you going through all the same steps (no recharge for me, don't have the equipment) to get the a/c working again. Excellent confirmation that I did it right. This was really a great example of "if Eric O can do it, you can do it" Thanks!
Ola sou o cara do Brasil que tinha te perguntado sobre o barulho na suspensão do RAV4. Eu consegui resolver o problema do barulho. Era a mola que tinha furado a borracha e estava encostando ferro com ferro. Gosto de seus vídeos, apesar de não entender o idioma assisto muito deles. Valeu continue a fazer vídeos explicativos sobre mecânica.
This just helped me fix my girl’s cousins honda. They said the compressor was bad and I just check all the boxes from this video and it works. Saved em a whole lot of money. Thank you.
hands down one of the very best youtube channels. I always look forward to your videos and my wife even watches them. we both laugh. she was yelling at the screen for Vanessa to honk the horn since you were messing with her. Great great videos keep up the phenomenal work.
Had a 09 uk civic in today ac not working. serviced the the gas it was low. Regased. Still no chill Checked the compressor relay it was blown/faulty, replaced relay still no chill. Tapped the clutch boom. Removed the shim happy days. 3 faults on the ac. Top tip eric remembered this vid when you released it. 👍👍👍👍👍 Regards kinger uk 6/7/18
i think I have watched this video 4 or 5 times over the course of 3 years. it never gets old. having a 270K mile 2005 civic daily driver with no AC problems I expect some trouble soon.
When the compressor is mounted low the clutch bushing gathers road grime. Try an air gun and spray lubricant first. If the clutch slips from the lube it clears up in seconds. Also... for a ballpark figure on the high side reading... take the outside temp. multiply by two and add fifteen percent of the total. So 100 degrees should net a high side reading around 230 psi . Any higher means fans are weak or condenser is dirty. A bad orifice or expansion valve is usually beyond DYI. Great vid BTW.
*Awesome fix!* Oxide is a great insulator (weaken) from direct metal contact with magnetism (as you just discovered). Having a "short AC usage season" isn't always the case for not needing the system to function properly in cool (or cold) weather. As with many cars (even my '89 Buick) when *"MAX Defrost"* is commanded- the AC compressor will kick on, and with the temperature valve in "heat" position- it will shunt the cold air to outside, and use the heat of the condenser to warm the radiator more quickly, and also use the system to dehumidify the air for a "defogging" effect. It's about the same principal as a "preheated" O2 sensor; it fools the rest of the system into thinking the engine is warmed- and then it runs accordingly.
Eric..... Once again you have taken the time to share valuable information with us. Thank-you! I never would have attempted such a job before now, but I'm motivated and determined to improve my ac situation as it's been 80 to 95 degrees here this week in Ottawa, Ontario. I am mechanically inclined so I will now tackle this job on my 03 Civic coupe thanks to the encouragement offered by your video. Sharing your valuable information can and usually does instill confidence in others to take on such tasks. If you were to take this vehicle into a Honda dealership they would soak you for more than $700 to fix this problem and would more than likely replace the whole compressor rather than service it. I have watched several of your videos and find them very informative. Perhaps one day, I will drop in and meet you and your charming wife. Paul........Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Another great video. I have run into something similar with electric PTO clutches on zero turn mowers. These clutches have 3 bolts with springs. As they wear you can adjust the gap by turning the bolts. I would have never guessed though that A/C clutches worked in a similar fashion and could be fixed like you fixed this one.
thanks for telling and demonstrating the trick to solve the issue. I was told by Honda to get replace the whole compressor costing around 1000$ and1500$ for my civic 2006 with current value around 4000$ :) . then my mechanic gave me estimate for repair around 400$ with 2nd hand compressor. I was about to go with my mechanic for repair. but luckily I saw your video and applied the trick and its works now everyday without any issue. thanks again to you and to your helper, as for testing purpose I used a 2nd person too. great people great work and great help.
thank you! im going to advanced auto school and you really are a good teacher ive learned some stuff i can go and show off in class lol thank you and god bless you guys are awesome!!
Had same problem with 2004 Civic with 210 miles. Hardest part was removing the AC clutch. Finally removed with neighbors pneumatic drill. I removed the shim, cleaned the surface on compressor and clutch and reinstalled the clutch. Cold as a polar bear's pj's. Thanks for the video and your honesty.
@Shannon Helton In parts of the country where the AC goes unused for 6 months (or more), the seal on the compressor shaft can harden up and leak a little.
1999 Honda Crv with a/c clutch not engaging at all. I confirmed all electrical components were properly working. I followed your video and removed the shim and A/C clutch now engages. I know I'll have to replace the clutch assembly eventually but for the moment it's pumping cold air. Great vid, thanks
@@humanonearth1 i'm little late to respond, but it's just that he acknowledge that he should "technically" be torquing it to a specific spec. When mechanics in TH-cam video don't torque the bolts, it triggers some keyboard warriors.
Car manufacturers don't just pull the numbers out of their backsides :) If they give a spec to something, it's better to follow it, or you might end up getting something loose or breaking something due to over tightening. Obviously some things are more forgiving about "Hnnggh, torqued" than others.
Hey brother. Still hoping you check your messages frequently and the channel is growing. I found this video today (Jul 2017) and, after some basic diagnostics, found that my 2007 Honda Fit had the same issue. I followed your video up through removing the shim and, like goddamn magic, it worked again. I can't believe a small shim could make all the difference. My A/C has been broken for over a year, and in less than 45 mins I had it working again like it was brand new. I thought for sure I would be shelling out $1500+ for it. Anywho...I needed to come back to say thanks brother. Driving 45 minutes back home from work in 90 degree heat won't be a complete disaster everyday anymore. Thanks for what you're doing.
Thank you so much for posting this! I've got an '03 Mitsubishi outlander that is doing this exact thing and wanted to know what was wrong before I took it into the mechanic. Awesome as always!
Two things: I'm impressed that there are techs out there who can still fix things and aren't just throwing parts at problems because "who cares it's the customer's $$"; and secondly, I'm not sure you know what "torque to factory spec means" - is it possible you missed class the day that was covered? lol
Great Video! And I also agree with many others, Most shops would have put a new compressor and such on that car, I know why you have a busy shop, great to know that there are honest shops out there. All the best to the family, God Bless
South Main Auto Repair If the service manager of a major dealership ever heard that come out of one of his technicians mouths that technician would be pushing his toolbox down the street immediately.
Well, I think many places skip the diagnosis part of it, or take the shortcut. And the philosophy "If something is broken, you have to change it". Call it the clutch, and change it. The time has past from when you could get a caliper repair kit "anywhere", now all shops (maby except yours?) would change the caliper almost without thinking. A friends petrol car had high emissions, the shop said replace the cat, that MAY cure it. I knew the service history of the car was so so, recommended spark plugs, oil+filter and airfilter. After that it passed with flying colors. I believe many technicians sit behind their fancy computers and forget the basics. They don't care about the cost, it's not their problem. Their problem is that something is broken, they have to fix it...
So I've been without A/C. Took it to a couple of shops and it was over $800.00. Did my due diligence (mind you, I have no mechanic experience) and by process of elimination It came down to exactly what Eric described on this video. Thanks for saving me $800.00 Eric. Mechanics are hating you right about now!
I'm a youtube watching DIY at home, and i do fairly well, especially when the good guys like you explain the issue I have. I was able to diagnose a faulty magnet 🧲 by ground testing, did the repair myself. I asked a Honda dealer mechanic if he replaced clutch coil magnets he said "Never. Always the compressor". I did the job, $35 ebay coil, done! Next was the fans and their diagnosis, your video on that topic really helped! Also changed out the ETC, and dye test showed me the leak, just a discharge line, easy, and likely just the O-Ring, need to figure out how to pinpoint that. Subscribed For Life!!!
I second the notion of you being a great and honest technician. I can honestly say there are very few techs that would have gone that far. That customer would have been priced a new compressor, receiver/dryer and ac flush...Great job Eric! One question tho', even at such a small amount, would the refrigerant loss be considered a "Leak" or do we just file that small amount as "Acceptable" for older vehicles?
TheTexasCoder I consider it a "normal" loss , shrader valves, compressor seals etc... they all tend to weep over time and I feel it is "Acceptable" for older vehicles. IMO
July 2020 and this video is still relevant. Worked on my 2011 Honda Civic. Kept turning off after 20 minutes of driving from cold start. Saw your video and followed you to till the end. Even got the chrome package after the wire brush and torqued it to “spec”. ;) fantastic video my friend. Drove my car for a good hour and it never once turned off. The plate looked really close to the clutch but it worked wonders after removing that washer. Definitely saved me a trip to the mechanic and save me some money. Thank you 3000!
This is a very common problem on Hondas. Most of the other suggestions you find on the internet will tell you to change the AC relay in the fuse box. While that may indeed be the issue (as you pointed out in another video with a white Honda truck), many times that does not fix the problem. Certainly in the case of my my wife's 2011 Insight it did not. I am anxious to test this on her car this weekend but this looks like a very good possibility and a VERY clever fix. Thank you so much!
This was the exact same issue I had with my 2004 Civic, found this video, did the repair and it's still working perfect after 2 years!! Thank you for the video cause Honda diagnosed it originally and said the compressor needed to be changed..
If your working on class 7-8 truck with a similar problem, you will usually hear the complaint as the A/C system works great for half an hour and then quits. After checking the amperage draw, and clutch gap you would assume it is working properly. As the coil heats up it can short half the coil out. With large semis and medium duty trucks the cost of a clutch is usually 2/3rd is 1/1 as the cost of the complete compressor and clutch assembled. Since these trucks can run 800,000 plus miles the preventative aspect of doing the complete compressor and clutch, vs the down time and flushing and replacing a condenser, txv etc.. it's not worth it. As for a car though I agree it is 100% worth it. It was nice to see that you purged the hoses properly to achieve the correct charge vs just pulling them and leaving a charge in the lines. Props!! Now if you could add the superheat and subcooling measurement to it, you just might make everyone's head spin a little. lol
Great as always. I've been trying to figure out what's wrong with my AC in my Jeep with no success. Taking it to a shop this week to let the pros take a look. I think it's awesome that you mentioned Ratchets&Wrenches. He does a great job explaining various concepts. He's even got a few Subaru head gasket videos which I know your a big fan of......
I'd been having bad ac/idle problems, and when I first got my car I noticed the condenser fan wasn't running. replacing the relay made it work. then it blew out again a couple days ago and I finally checked it today to discover it and made the decision to replace the fan with a junk yard score. So far, my problems with the IACV kicking up the RPMs, seen to have been fixed. The bad condenser fan was causing a power draw on my whole system and affected everything. Now, thanks to this video I can go to the next step of making sure the freon pressure is right and that the clutch is enganging working as it should.
Thank you! I have a 2003 Honda Civic with 153k. Just got a new alternator. Now A/C suddenly blowing hot. Actually started blowing cool, then warm, then hot. A/C working fine last week. A/C repaired two times already, last year and 4 years ago.
Dont if you notice it. the gauges , low pressure went from pressure to vacumm clutch didnt disengage...was thinking cicling switch or clutch stuck close..i guessed was the clutch...always great videos man!!!long time no see ..hi vanessa...no back ground music...hope next time..lol..
Stenio Fernandez Well that can mean only one thing. The only pressure switch on the system is in the receiver and is on the high side. Make sense? No low switch at all on these.
Very interesting video and must look up the basics.If you think the a/c season is short in NY try coming over to the Emerald Isle,although most uptodate cars now have a/c as standard.The Honda Civic are a pretty decent car to drive.
I wish I knew a mechanic like Eric O. I went to get an estimate on a clutch assembly for my 2005 Honda Accord and they wanted nearly $1200 to basically redo the entire system. Ran without AC for two years in Texas summers and sold the car.
Thanks to this video I was able to rehab a rusty clutch plate and pulley and get the AC going again in my "new" 2002 Civic. Also enjoyed the humor in it. Off On Off On......payback is rough!
Less than 10% of the shops in America would have let this guy out the door without a new compressor. Eric, you are an honest man my friend.
SATAMAN Schmidt really ya think so? Why do the extra work if it is not needed?
South Main Auto Repair Let me see Eric if I can simplify this for you. TO SELL PARTS AND MAKE MONEY. I think that about covers it. I've got 16 +1's so far so apparently I'm not the only one that thinks this to be the normal situation.
Well... I have to be able to sleep at night ya know.
SATAMAN Schmidt The "Dealership Experience." I don't want to digress but here goes - I was reading up on Ford Evap Codes and consumers are typically charged a $100 to $125 diagnostic fee and then $300 to $600 for the repair (R&R of the filler tube). And they seemed universally unhappy about this experience - Go Figure!
***** Man I need to up my rates from the sound of it. Especially if it makes people HAPPY :)
It's fun watching the old videos! Eric wasn't so comfortable yet, but he knew he was on to a good idea.
I have been a mechanic for going on some 40yrs and I always consider myself as a servant to my community and there has been lots of horror stories about how we rip off the community but you and your diligent efforts to resolve people's problems gives us all the good name thank you Eric for being a hard-working smart and wise mechanic!!!!
This video saved me the $1200.00 that the Honda dealership quoted to replace the A/C clutch. I was afraid to take the shim out, the plates feeler gauge was tight at .20. So I filed a little on the center of the outside plate that contacted shim. I polished the surfaces up a bit and put it back together. This was on a 2006 Civic with 227,000 miles.
Thanks a million for this channel!
I like how you didn't slam or dismiss the owner's efforts for trying to diagnose or learn about the problem on his own. Good job on the repair and I learned something! Thanks!
Plus it's nice as a DIY you dont have to go through the hassles of appointments, dropping off, bumming rides, etc. I can do a fix in say 1 hour that would be an all day ordeal going to a shop.
A customer shouldn't feel bad to say "this is what I found in my research" and honestly if a shop or dealership wants to be a c*ck sucker I'd take my business elsewhere. Happened to me and I'll never use that dealership again. *COUGH* Bill Rapp Syracuse
@Robert Slackware A proud "know-it-all" doesn't like being shamed, especially in front of a large audience. Good job! Going berserk on you only validated his ignorance. Lol
@Robert Slackware I just can't even take him serious! He has such a grandiose opinion about himself, while lacking so much self awareness. He's just embarrassing!
Thank you so much for posting this video!!! I also have a 2003 honda civic and the a/c hasn't worked since I got it. I don't know much about working on cars, but after watching this video I decided it tear it apart and try to fix mine the same way you showed on the video. I did it! My a/c works every time now. I have 3 young kids and can't afford to take it to a shop. I cannot thank you enough for making this video! I use to not go anywhere with the kids when it was hot out, now I don't have to worry about the kids getting too hot!!❤❤❤
Hi
I used to know a Amber Williams lmao
Congrats! South Main Auto is one of the best automotive channels on TH-cam.
I know how old this video is, but I can’t help but comment that it never ceases to amaze me how many times Eric’s repairs include no new parts, just some investigative prowess. 👍👍☮️
An honest Mechanic, Diligent and cares about family and viewers, Excellent video as always.
It's guys, not just mechanics, but GOOD PEOPLE, like Eric and RnW that make TH-cam worthwhile and give mechanics a good name. THX YOU GUYS.
I have been without my AC for a few years in my 2001 LX and this was the key to it all! Fixed it this fine Sunday afternoon and on a great day to test it. It was almost 90 where I live so I could get a great test of it. I had never thought about the clutch itself not engaging (Like your customer, I am not a mechanic but more than willing to tinker and educate myself). I darted out to my garage when I saw you nudge the clutch plate and tried it and damned near screamed out loud with happiness.
Long story short, got the coolant topped up and am pushing 50 sitting idle in the garage and 42 out on the road at 30 mph. THANK YOU greatly for posting this video!
Jason Price m
Never run your engine in a garage with the garage door closed
@@michaelcallaway6962 no shit
@@Bobbyjwmwb I see no harm in him encouraging safety. He may have saved the life of a young, broke, individual trying to fix his own vehicle in his parent's garage, who may never have been informed of this.
@@jglow22 I suppose
dude, I haven't had AC in 5 years, watched this video, removed the little washer and it's fixed! Thanks! And I'm not much of a handy man.
It's been quite a while now. How long did it last?
dudeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.my car hasnt had A/C for over 2 years !!!....i did what u did in the video and fixed it no problem....saved me a butttttload of money.....much appreciated my good sir !!!
You just saved me big time with working on my wife's '09 civic. Did exactly as you did with taking a shim off and wheeling back the rust, worked like a charm. THANK YOU.
Integrity all the way Eric. I hope he sees this video and becomes a life long customer. This video gives us faith that there are still honest technicians out there. Totally concur with you on the Ratchets and Wrenches channel-a great tech just like yourself!
Jimmy Mac Yeah I thought so, he really does a great job .
I’ve taught myself many things about my car I’ve never knew before just by watching videos by really good you tubers. I thank all of you cause I learn something and get experience doing it I even tackled some of the repairs myself and felt good afterwards that I actually fixed a problem.
Eric, you are the master mechanic and above all very honest. Another crooked mechanic would have said to this customer, "you need a brand new compressor and everything that comes with it. "
Thank you Dr. O. Just got a 2009 Honda Fit for our daughter for her Sweet 16 birthday. Everything was fine except that the AC would cut out once it has been running for a while. Nudge the compressor clutch plate with a long pry bar and the compressor started to run again. So, perhaps the SMA cheap fix will fix this problem. Took 15 minutes to remove the nut and clutch plate, (10 minutes to jack up the car and place them on jack stands, 4 minutes to remove the push pins and 1 minute to zip off the nut with my impact driver and remove the clutch plate). The shim was very thin so I did the SMA fix and replaced the clutch plate without the shim. Ran the engine for 15 minutes and the AC kept on pumping cold air all the time. Hopefully, this is the fix, if not I will replace the clutch assembly with a new clutch assembly. Thanks again for making this great video. Save me $1000 by not having to go to a shop and have a new compressor installed.
So if I only charge you $500 for the advice you're still ahead haha!
I'm, already a Patreon member of your channel, and I sent you some swag sometime back.
I also found the broken CV shaft video helpful, as this Honda Fit suffered the same fate. The CV axle snap where the rubber vibration damper was located. The previous owner thought the trans was trash because there was a loud bang and the car would no longer move. He was going to junk it, but my brother convinced him to give him the car. I looked at the car prior to it being towed to my brother house and saw that the driver cv axle was snapped in two. I used two of your famous expressions "Well I'll be jigger". "There's your problem Lady" the axle is snapped. Replaced both axle since we were planning to give the Fit to my daughter for her sweet 16 birthday. Another SMA helpful video. Love your channel.
I was only joking! Thank you so much for the support and I am glad the videos have helped!!
I knew that. I have been with your channel when you had less than 30,000 subscribers. You were a lot more rigid/serious in your early videos compare to now.
My son had a 2000 Honda Accord V6 when he was attending University of Florida. He called me and said the A/C sometimes blew cold air and then it would suddenly quit. I did some research and found that Honda compressors had the arrangement described by Eric with an adjustable air gap. With a lot of miles, the air gap got too large. My son's Accord had over 150,000 miles on it. Since he was hundreds of miles away I had to find someone in Gainsville Florida to adjust the air gap. Jerry's had good reviews so I recommended them. My son went and met the owner who not only agreed to adjust the air gap for a nominal fee but agreed to credit that fee for a new compressor if it didn't work out. Six years later the A/C still worked great. While Jerry's did not make big money that day on my son, they did maintenance and repairs on my son and his wife's cars for the next six years. Shops and people are so short sighted trying to maximize income without regard to repeat customers and referrals. Nice job Eric. I agree with Sataman Schmidt, over 90% of shops would have simply slapped on a new compressor.
The 99 dislikes are from lazy and crooked mechanics! Your videos are great and as always I learned somthing new. Thanks!
ya gotta remember that for all the schooling that mechanics go to, someone had to graduate last in their class. same with doctors lol. Note: you don't have to go to school/college to learn alot of things, you just have to be Honest with what you do with it.
Great work
@Sean Steele I get what you're saying, but just because someone isn't interested in ac systems and magnets, doesn't mean they should thumbs down a video.
Ya he’s a good guy but don’t you think his being so popular and sponsored doesn’t have an effect of being extra nice!
This is the most fun I've ever had watching an AC repair.
I wish my assistant smiled like that when I drag her into the garage. Great video!
I'm a licensed refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic and I learned a lot. You're great Eric!
Mitch
+Lorell Zadow Oh wow! Cool!
wow my first shout out that I know of :-) thanks Eric O. love your channel and glad to see it has been steadily growing. Keep up the great work bud, love the humor and the funny one liners too. Thanks again, cheers.
RatchetsAnd Wrenches Well give credit where credit is do right? You deserve it man you do a great job on your channel!
+South Main Auto Repair Aw, that's cute. Hugs. I love both channels. Yes, Ratchets and Wrenches' AC series is outstanding.
Ratchets And Wrenches
Ratchets And Wrenches air conditioning
@@SouthMainAuto thumbs p for kudos to my man in SoCal. He even showed us how to make a *real* california burrito. Spoiler alert, it contains fries!
If he can help, maybe we can help. There is always a blessing in helping. Helping is a gift.
Sweet fix dude! Just did one of these Civic A/C clutch jobs earlier in the spring. The old clutch friction surfaces looked pretty lathed, but the magnet coil was still perfectly good! I bet most shops would just install a whole new Reman junk compressor in there instead of doing this 5-minute free "no parts required" fix...
motoYam82 yeah what the heck ya know. Like I say it may last the rest of the life of the car for all we know? Might better give it a go right?
Was waiting to see what the final clearance measured or what the shim measured... and what the proper spec. was...
Yep, would've been nice to know the final clearance. Based on the original being what, 0.025 inches? I'd say that after taking that shim out it was damn close. But that's ok, as it's only gotten bigger since then (rust doesn't count - it tends to grind itself off or grind off good metal on the other surface...)
Eric, awesome (old) video and awesome diagnosis / fix.
Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics 🖕🖕🖕
78° & 74% humidity? That would be a great day here in the deep South! I've seen days of mid to upper 90's with the heat index of 115°!!! Even 80° here can feel like 100° at times when the dew point gets above 70°. Great video sir.
Great video. Great detail. Never would have guessed a shim on the clutch would be the problem. You saved this owner several bucks, thanks for being up front and honest.
Yeah its been my experience that 99 % of the shops out there wouldnt even tell you about removing the shims but rather try to push a whole new compressor on you. I didnt realize you could even buy just the clutch disc and stator till I started watching ETCG videos on A/C clutch repairs. He does a great video on replacing an Acura RL clutch disc only but does talk and show the little shims that adjust the gap. People make it always sound like its a low charge but sometimes its something more like in this case. Great job Eric O.
"Colder than a polar bear's pajamas..."
I lost it there man! Your humor and down to earth ways are only some of the reasons you and your channel are in my top five channels!
Keep it up bud! Thanks for the teachings and the entertainment!
***** Haha Glad you enjoy!
My 2010 Equinox, at 90,000 miles, has the same problem; the OEM GM A/C clutch kit was available online from Am..... for less than the after market kits they also sell. Thanks for a very thorough examination of this customer's problem and the shout-out to Ratchets and Wrenches, which I also follow. For those trying to figure out how the typical car A/C system works, the guy at the R & W channel has gone to the trouble of making large diagrams of the typical system, with all the various high and low pressure sensor/switches, the relays and fuses, and the involvement of the ECM in controlling the flow of current to the compressor, and explains the theory of how everything is supposed to work. You, Eric, have shown us how theory and practical experience translates into making a quick, solid diagnosis and repair. I particularly appreciate your comment on the average annual loss of the R134a, the effect of which explains how a problem that seems to appear suddenly can actually be the result of normal, accumulated annual losses of R134a, when a person does not have his or her A/C system checked every few years. Also, thanks for pointing out the measurement of the clutch clearances and the importance of those very thin, easy-to-lose shims in maintaining the clearances in these systems.
Eric, thanks for all the great info and humor. I just did this repair to my '04 Civic....at a campground with a grill bush! It took me longer to get the jack out and tire off than to fix the clutch. "Torqued to spec." Love it.
YOU Sir, are an awesome mechanic! Always thinking out of the box. You must have a large and well satisfied customer base.
I make my living as a Heavy Jet Mechanic where the quality and precision of my maintenance is not the goal it is the legal standard. After 35+ years wrenching large jet aircraft of all shapes and sizes it is easy to recognize an awesome wrench when I see one. I am not permitted to deviate from the standard. In the case of the A/C clutch, where you repaired it and extended it's life I would have had to replace it, but that is the difference between your car and your airplane. Your dedication to your customer is admirable.
G'Day Mate!
I know it's been three years, but thank you for keeping us safe in the skies.
Another great repair... Your customers in upstate new york are certainly blessed to have you Dr. O
Yes sir, same here. Bought a used Saturn and the a/c went out. Checked everything and the clutch was a problem. Double checked the electrical and found the power was not getting to ground after the system closed the clutch circuit. Took the clutch off and found the fusible link blown in the clutch. Impossible to get a replacement link so I had to buy a used compressor just to get a working clutch . After changing it out and proper gap the a/c was cooling it almost like new! I agree with another commentator that most shops would have charged me for a compressor replacement and a full redo of the system. Cost me $55 for a compressor with a working clutch. Love your site and all the info from your vids. Keep up the good work.
Eric, I had the exact same issue in my 2005 Honda Civic LX. I appreciate the video, and the knowledge. I just pulled the clutch on my AC Compressor a little over an hour ago, cleaned it up, removed the shim and it started spinning! I bought the car for $500. It was turned in to the dealership my gf works at because the AC didn't work, and the guy said he was going to be charged over 1G at different garages to get it fixed, (plus some other work which would cost him even more) so he traded the car in for something new. When I got it, it only blew hot air. I figured, for $500, I can't really complain, and I've been trying to figure out why it wasn't working for the last month. Bought a can of R134 and the gauge said it was full. So I assumed the compressor had failed, and was locked up.
Then I saw your video, I put the car up on jack stands and whacked the compressor with a rubber hammer and it started spinning! Since I was able to get it spinning, I grabbed my gauge and checked the pressure and at that point, there was nothing in the system at all, so I started filling it up. Within a couple of minutes the AC was blowing cold. I turned the AC off and on like in your video, but after it turned off, it wouldn't turn back on. So I grabbed my impact, pulled the clutch off, and removed the shim with a strong refrigerator magnet. Took my wire brushes with some brake clean and cleaned up the clutch assembly (off the car obviously) then reinstalled in. Now it works each and every time I turn the AC on.
So again, thank you for the video, this helped me out a lot, and saved me $190 for a new AC compressor - - at least for now :)
Way to go Roger! This is what keeps Dr. O making videos i'm sure.
You saved my summer!!! I have complained to my Honda Service team about poor AC cooling, and after seeing this video, I insisted they evacuate the system to see how much Freon was actually there. 2004 Civic SI a Florida car, it is 98F, 77% humidity here in Tampa Bay today. There was less than 20% of the required Freon, no wonder it was not cooling....After putting the correct amount in the system it is frosty now!!!! I mean ice cold 40F- 35F in Florida mid summer..Thank you very much for the tip....
I really enjoy your videos I have been wrenching on cars for almost 40 years and the way steps you take on diagnosing and even when you found the problem you still dig deeper taking measurements (corvette hot no start) as someone else mentioned you would make a great teacher.I have been to tech schools but I know i would learn more just watching your videos.Thanks for the time you take to make theses videos to help others.
I'm in the Arizona desert. In 2019, the AC on my 1998 Nissan Frontier (260K miles) was operating intermittently. A few years before, I had wired up a dash light to show me when the AC compressor clutch was getting positive voltage; So when it stopped pushing cold air into the cab and that light remained on, I immediately pulled over, left everything running, saw the AC clutch was not engaged, so tapped it with my softball bat (similar to what Eric did) and it engaged. So I knew what my issue was; after removing the center bolt, I used three 5mm bolts to extract the AC clutch drive plate, and then removed the thinner of the two shims. That fixed it, and I didn't even need to pull the AC belt off to do the repair.
This summer, similar happened on my 1988 Mazda truck, which also had been experiencing some "failure to crank" issues. I pulled over, saw the AC compressor on it was not engaged, did the tap with softball bat again and it engaged. So as I drove home I figured it also had an air gap/shim issue. But when I got home, I noticed that its alternator was not operating, and its warning light was not lighting up. Shop tested my alternator (was bad) and I installed a lifetime warranty O'Reilly alternator since I've had good experience with one that '98 Frontier), and AC was all fixed, and no more failure to crank either.
Eric, thank you for being honest with ur customers it is wonderful thing to have integrity- moral and ethics in what you offer in your business I really respect what you do and how you operate.
j georges It is the only way to roll
This video makes an excellent point, you don't have to become an expert on the subject, but educate yourself a little bit about what's going on. In this day and age, there is no excuse for ignorance
Nice fix! My mom had one of these, and the rust monster smoked the bearings in the clutch two times in 10 years. Just totally rocking and rolling and making a racket. One time it got hot enough wobbling around to chew up the coil too. I put two clutch kits in it about 8 years apart. IIRC, it was sort of a pain to find a puller that would work for me with the compressor installed, but I did manage to do it. When she sold it the nose seal was leaking pretty good, but it "worked" and with 300k miles it was probably one last ditch Craigslist sale from the scrapper. Fun car to work on though: pretty much all makes sense and you only need about three wrenches and sockets, plus that one crank holder tool.
Garrett McEwen Actually in regards to the crank holder I have this brand new never used (yet) special honda bolt remover. Next time I do one I am gonna feature it in a video. Can't wait to use it.
Cool! I look forward to it.
Been having a really bad time trying to get the a/c fixed in a 2005 Honda Civic EX. This was the exact problem and fix. Thank you so much for your time and effort!!! Saved me at least $300-$400. Thanks again!!!!
Another excellent video.
After watching the video, I picked up a $100 manifold gauge set at the local auto store and found that my low pressure was down below the recommended range on a 10 year old vehicle. Symptom was that compressor was turning on and off every 4 seconds at 70 degrees F ambient temperature. Added 8 ounces of R134a and some dye. Viola, low pressure is now in recommended range for the ambient temperature, the compressor does not cycle as often, and low temperature in the cabin is now 40 degrees F which is an improvement from the previous 51 degrees F.
Sandbag1300 Nice, Sounds like a confirmed fix!
Another one from the UK checking your garage out and it is good to see someone putting the facts and process as it happens. The good and the bad, this is reality in most DIY or pro jobs. I have watched many of your videos and have had a good laugh at times, as I have been restoring cars with little or no knowledge and your videos are a life saver at times. I am currently restoring a BMW Z3 2002 2.2i and sorting out the problem with the A/C not working, I am gradually sorting this out with your tips. I like how your family are involved in your life and I find them great. The important years are here and now. You will reflect on this as your get older, believe me... I only wish if I could turn back time, they are golden. Keep up the good work, find time and don't work all hours, this will be my tip to you. Regards
Seems like we are getting more videos, more often from you. And its AWESOME!
I really hate the opinion a lot of mechanics have when it comes to TH-cam/forums. I pulled the trans and changed the clutch in my fwd ford, solely from a step by step w/ pics a member posted on a forum. If it wasn't for people like you & others, people like me would be screwed & broke.
Darren G. That is why I do it. I try to help when I can because I like to be helped too.
Darren G. Sometimes you see "repair attempts" and it's painful to look at, let alone go through and redo stuff. Basically you can do more damage than good if you don't know what you're doing. There are people who follow directions well and are good with their hands, but some shouldn't be allowed more than to fill it with gas and check the oil.
For example I was working on a Pacifica where the owner was really concerned with his transmission oil and was paranoid of it being low. The transmissions in that year don't have dipsticks so you have to use a "special" one and a chart to measure the level. I measured the level, and let's just say I pumped about 8 quarts out of it! The tranny had like double the amount required because he must have kept adding blindly.
Dan.vaku that kind of falls in line with rust though; People screwing things up, keeps cars coming through the shop, no?
@@SouthMainAuto Amen sir! What goes around, comes around.
Yeah, screwed then broke, then too broke to be screwed again.
We've been chasing AC issues with our 2003 civic for a while and it turned out that the ac clutch gap was too large and removing that shim fixed the problem. Thank you for sharing this!
J Lauren Well there ya go :)
I love doing HVAC because it is something of a mystery how it works to most people. You would be surprised how many technicians in HVAC that struggle with refrigerant related problem.
Joe Shearer It'S ***MaGiC*** haha
I just did this exact same process with my 2010 Fit!
Compressor wasn't kicking on and I needed to remove the shim. The clutch face was crusty so I ran it over the wire wheel (I did both faces)
It was kind of exciting seeing you going through all the same steps (no recharge for me, don't have the equipment) to get the a/c working again. Excellent confirmation that I did it right.
This was really a great example of "if Eric O can do it, you can do it"
Thanks!
Ola sou o cara do Brasil que tinha te perguntado sobre o barulho na suspensão do RAV4. Eu consegui resolver o problema do barulho. Era a mola que tinha furado a borracha e estava encostando ferro com ferro. Gosto de seus vídeos, apesar de não entender o idioma assisto muito deles. Valeu continue a fazer vídeos explicativos sobre mecânica.
This just helped me fix my girl’s cousins honda. They said the compressor was bad and I just check all the boxes from this video and it works. Saved em a whole lot of money. Thank you.
hands down one of the very best youtube channels. I always look forward to your videos and my wife even watches them. we both laugh. she was yelling at the screen for Vanessa to honk the horn since you were messing with her. Great great videos keep up the phenomenal work.
jon dukeminier Haha that's great thanks , I will share that with Vanessa.
Had a 09 uk civic in today ac not working. serviced the the gas it was low. Regased. Still no chill
Checked the compressor relay it was blown/faulty, replaced relay still no chill. Tapped the clutch boom. Removed the shim happy days. 3 faults on the ac. Top tip eric remembered this vid when you released it. 👍👍👍👍👍
Regards kinger uk 6/7/18
20:37 "Torqued to spec, let's see what happens" I love it!!
i think I have watched this video 4 or 5 times over the course of 3 years. it never gets old. having a 270K mile 2005 civic daily driver with no AC problems I expect some trouble soon.
I see your a Honda man. Nice to see a fellow import man.
argonian bilbo That I am... I do like my Hondas
When the compressor is mounted low the clutch bushing gathers road grime. Try an air gun and spray lubricant first. If the clutch slips from the lube it clears up in seconds. Also... for a ballpark figure on the high side reading... take the outside temp. multiply by two and add fifteen percent of the total. So 100 degrees should net a high side reading around 230 psi . Any higher means fans are weak or condenser is dirty. A bad orifice or expansion valve is usually beyond DYI. Great vid BTW.
quick, easy, low cost repair...love it!
So, I tried exactly what was recommended and my AC came back to life. The clutch kicked in like a pro! The AC is ice cold now! Thanks!
*Awesome fix!*
Oxide is a great insulator (weaken) from direct metal contact with magnetism (as you just discovered).
Having a "short AC usage season" isn't always the case for not needing the system to function properly in cool (or cold) weather.
As with many cars (even my '89 Buick) when *"MAX Defrost"* is commanded- the AC compressor will kick on, and with the temperature valve in "heat" position- it will shunt the cold air to outside, and use the heat of the condenser to warm the radiator more quickly, and also use the system to dehumidify the air for a "defogging" effect.
It's about the same principal as a "preheated" O2 sensor; it fools the rest of the system into thinking the engine is warmed- and then it runs accordingly.
HUBBABUBBA DOOPYDOOP You are 100% sir! It is how I sell the service in the dead of winter when people contemplate not fixing them "till summer"
yes, a/c system dehumidifys (drys) the air so you can use it in the winter to defog windshield,etc
Eric.....
Once again you have taken the time to share valuable information with us. Thank-you!
I never would have attempted such a job before now, but I'm motivated and determined to improve my ac situation as it's been 80 to 95 degrees here this week in Ottawa, Ontario.
I am mechanically inclined so I will now tackle this job on my 03 Civic coupe thanks to the encouragement offered by your video.
Sharing your valuable information can and usually does instill confidence in others to take on such tasks. If you were to take this vehicle into a Honda dealership they would soak you for more than $700 to fix this problem and would more than likely replace the whole compressor rather than service it.
I have watched several of your videos and find them very informative.
Perhaps one day, I will drop in and meet you and your charming wife.
Paul........Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Another great video. I have run into something similar with electric PTO clutches on zero turn mowers. These clutches have 3 bolts with springs. As they wear you can adjust the gap by turning the bolts. I would have never guessed though that A/C clutches worked in a similar fashion and could be fixed like you fixed this one.
Paul M yeah I have fixed a few of those on belt drive hydro units on small dump trucks and John Deere mower deck clutches and stuff here and there.
thanks for telling and demonstrating the trick to solve the issue. I was told by Honda to get replace the whole compressor costing around 1000$ and1500$ for my civic 2006 with current value around 4000$ :) . then my mechanic gave me estimate for repair around 400$ with 2nd hand compressor. I was about to go with my mechanic for repair. but luckily I saw your video and applied the trick and its works now everyday without any issue. thanks again to you and to your helper, as for testing purpose I used a 2nd person too. great people great work and great help.
thank you! im going to advanced auto school and you really are a good teacher ive learned some stuff i can go and show off in class lol thank you and god bless you guys are awesome!!
+vossen Concave Oh that is cool to hear man!
Had same problem with 2004 Civic with 210 miles. Hardest part was removing the AC clutch. Finally removed with neighbors pneumatic drill. I removed the shim, cleaned the surface on compressor and clutch and reinstalled the clutch. Cold as a polar bear's pj's. Thanks for the video and your honesty.
@Shannon Helton In parts of the country where the AC goes unused for 6 months (or more), the seal on the compressor shaft can harden up and leak a little.
1999 Honda Crv with a/c clutch not engaging at all. I confirmed all electrical components were properly working. I followed your video and removed the shim and A/C clutch now engages. I know I'll have to replace the clutch assembly eventually but for the moment it's pumping cold air. Great vid, thanks
20:36 "Torqued to spec" lol. I hope this becomes a recurring catch phrase.
Is it jokes BC he's not torquing to spec and it's not super necessary?
@@humanonearth1 i'm little late to respond, but it's just that he acknowledge that he should "technically" be torquing it to a specific spec. When mechanics in TH-cam video don't torque the bolts, it triggers some keyboard warriors.
@@humanonearth1 I think the torque is about 10 ft'lbs. Not very tight at all. I snug my ac clutch bolt to about that and it has never come loose.
Car manufacturers don't just pull the numbers out of their backsides :) If they give a spec to something, it's better to follow it, or you might end up getting something loose or breaking something due to over tightening. Obviously some things are more forgiving about "Hnnggh, torqued" than others.
The old calibrated elbow IS the correct torque spec.
I randomly discovered this channel and I really wish I had a car guy like this in my town.
Didn't know about the clutch shims. Learned a lot today. Thanks!
David Goldberg See now ya know
Hey brother.
Still hoping you check your messages frequently and the channel is growing.
I found this video today (Jul 2017) and, after some basic diagnostics, found that my 2007 Honda Fit had the same issue. I followed your video up through removing the shim and, like goddamn magic, it worked again. I can't believe a small shim could make all the difference.
My A/C has been broken for over a year, and in less than 45 mins I had it working again like it was brand new. I thought for sure I would be shelling out $1500+ for it.
Anywho...I needed to come back to say thanks brother. Driving 45 minutes back home from work in 90 degree heat won't be a complete disaster everyday anymore. Thanks for what you're doing.
Thank you so much for posting this! I've got an '03 Mitsubishi outlander that is doing this exact thing and wanted to know what was wrong before I took it into the mechanic. Awesome as always!
TheTrueCelt Cool hope it helps
Two things: I'm impressed that there are techs out there who can still fix things and aren't just throwing parts at problems because "who cares it's the customer's $$"; and secondly, I'm not sure you know what "torque to factory spec means" - is it possible you missed class the day that was covered? lol
Great Video! And I also agree with many others, Most shops would have put a new compressor and such on that car, I know why you have a busy shop, great to know that there are honest shops out there. All the best to the family, God Bless
joel mccoin No sense in sell what they don't need right?
South Main Auto Repair If the service manager of a major dealership ever heard that come out of one of his technicians mouths that technician would be pushing his toolbox down the street immediately.
It is crazy how the world works out side of Avoca, NY... Don't people have morals any more?
South Main Auto Repair Well, Mr. Schmidt is right, That is not a good thing, but it is the way it has become. Pretty sad if you ask me.
Well, I think many places skip the diagnosis part of it, or take the shortcut. And the philosophy "If something is broken, you have to change it". Call it the clutch, and change it.
The time has past from when you could get a caliper repair kit "anywhere", now all shops (maby except yours?) would change the caliper almost without thinking.
A friends petrol car had high emissions, the shop said replace the cat, that MAY cure it.
I knew the service history of the car was so so, recommended spark plugs, oil+filter and airfilter.
After that it passed with flying colors.
I believe many technicians sit behind their fancy computers and forget the basics.
They don't care about the cost, it's not their problem. Their problem is that something is broken, they have to fix it...
So I've been without A/C. Took it to a couple of shops and it was over $800.00. Did my due diligence (mind you, I have no mechanic experience) and by process of elimination It came down to exactly what Eric described on this video. Thanks for saving me $800.00 Eric. Mechanics are hating you right about now!
I bet just knocking down the rust on the clutch plate would have fixed it. Very nice work! I love those clutches that just unbolt and slide right off.
m ph Yeah taking the rust off definitely helped too.
@@SouthMainAuto how did you get the rust of? Any specific cleaning agents?
I'm a youtube watching DIY at home, and i do fairly well, especially when the good guys like you explain the issue I have.
I was able to diagnose a faulty magnet 🧲 by ground testing, did the repair myself. I asked a Honda dealer mechanic if he replaced clutch coil magnets he said "Never. Always the compressor".
I did the job, $35 ebay coil, done!
Next was the fans and their diagnosis, your video on that topic really helped!
Also changed out the ETC, and dye test showed me the leak, just a discharge line, easy, and likely just the O-Ring, need to figure out how to pinpoint that.
Subscribed For Life!!!
Thank you for this video! I agree with the comments, you are an honest mechanic and we all learned big time.
Thank you for your honesty! It's awesome that you are helping people with what they need and not just what you can sell them to jack up the price.
I second the notion of you being a great and honest technician. I can honestly say there are very few techs that would have gone that far. That customer would have been priced a new compressor, receiver/dryer and ac flush...Great job Eric! One question tho', even at such a small amount, would the refrigerant loss be considered a "Leak" or do we just file that small amount as "Acceptable" for older vehicles?
TheTexasCoder I consider it a "normal" loss , shrader valves, compressor seals etc... they all tend to weep over time and I feel it is "Acceptable" for older vehicles. IMO
South Main Auto Repair how much did this cost the customer?
Could do this for less than $10 at home...
BuzzLOLOL
What was the conclusion of the video ?
Just removing the shin and cleaning the surface ?
And adding some R134A... I wouldn't even have polished the clutch surface since you don't want it to slip...
July 2020 and this video is still relevant. Worked on my 2011 Honda Civic. Kept turning off after 20 minutes of driving from cold start. Saw your video and followed you to till the end. Even got the chrome package after the wire brush and torqued it to “spec”. ;) fantastic video my friend. Drove my car for a good hour and it never once turned off. The plate looked really close to the clutch but it worked wonders after removing that washer. Definitely saved me a trip to the mechanic and save me some money. Thank you 3000!
Cool video from a honest technician - Sure wish you were based in the UK! - Thanks Eric!
This is a very common problem on Hondas. Most of the other suggestions you find on the internet will tell you to change the AC relay in the fuse box. While that may indeed be the issue (as you pointed out in another video with a white Honda truck), many times that does not fix the problem. Certainly in the case of my my wife's 2011 Insight it did not. I am anxious to test this on her car this weekend but this looks like a very good possibility and a VERY clever fix. Thank you so much!
Great job ! Your detailed video's showing each step of the way of the repair are fantastic ! What a great channel you have.
DC Rickerson Well thank you
This was the exact same issue I had with my 2004 Civic, found this video, did the repair and it's still working perfect after 2 years!! Thank you for the video cause Honda diagnosed it originally and said the compressor needed to be changed..
Well done. I learn more from your diagnostic skill that from reading Chiltons repair manuals. Thank you
+vipervette03 Sweet!
If your working on class 7-8 truck with a similar problem, you will usually hear the complaint as the A/C system works great for half an hour and then quits. After checking the amperage draw, and clutch gap you would assume it is working properly. As the coil heats up it can short half the coil out. With large semis and medium duty trucks the cost of a clutch is usually 2/3rd is 1/1 as the cost of the complete compressor and clutch assembled. Since these trucks can run 800,000 plus miles the preventative aspect of doing the complete compressor and clutch, vs the down time and flushing and replacing a condenser, txv etc.. it's not worth it. As for a car though I agree it is 100% worth it.
It was nice to see that you purged the hoses properly to achieve the correct charge vs just pulling them and leaving a charge in the lines. Props!! Now if you could add the superheat and subcooling measurement to it, you just might make everyone's head spin a little. lol
Great as always. I've been trying to figure out what's wrong with my AC in my Jeep with no success. Taking it to a shop this week to let the pros take a look. I think it's awesome that you mentioned Ratchets&Wrenches. He does a great job explaining various concepts. He's even got a few Subaru head gasket videos which I know your a big fan of......
arcdraw We all love our soobies :) I think he does a great job too.
Mrs.O became everyone's biggest fan after this one...
Awesome video Eric. Not only do I have the same gen Civic, but I learned something. Keep up the great work.
Eric your my hero, and my daughters. She bought a 2005 honda civic, same thing fixed it!!!!kudos to you Eric, Thank you.
Eric, I love your channel! You are a true mechanic and IThank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
I'd been having bad ac/idle problems, and when I first got my car I noticed the condenser fan wasn't running. replacing the relay made it work. then it blew out again a couple days ago and I finally checked it today to discover it and made the decision to replace the fan with a junk yard score. So far, my problems with the IACV kicking up the RPMs, seen to have been fixed. The bad condenser fan was causing a power draw on my whole system and affected everything. Now, thanks to this video I can go to the next step of making sure the freon pressure is right and that the clutch is enganging working as it should.
Another excellent presentation, I learn something with every video. Thank you Eric.
ManicMechanic007 That is good to hear :)
Thank you! I have a 2003 Honda Civic with 153k. Just got a new alternator. Now A/C suddenly blowing hot. Actually started blowing cool, then warm, then hot. A/C working fine last week. A/C repaired two times already, last year and 4 years ago.
Dont if you notice it. the gauges , low pressure went from pressure to vacumm clutch didnt disengage...was thinking cicling switch or clutch stuck close..i guessed was the clutch...always great videos man!!!long time no see ..hi vanessa...no back ground music...hope next time..lol..
Stenio Fernandez Well that can mean only one thing. The only pressure switch on the system is in the receiver and is on the high side. Make sense? No low switch at all on these.
It make sense now!!tx eric..
#1 auto repair channel hands down. Can't believe you don't have more subscribers.
jesus c They are coming , slowly but surely!
Very interesting video and must look up the basics.If you think the a/c season is short in NY try coming over to the Emerald Isle,although most uptodate cars now have a/c as standard.The Honda Civic are a pretty decent car to drive.
I wish I knew a mechanic like Eric O. I went to get an estimate on a clutch assembly for my 2005 Honda Accord and they wanted nearly $1200 to basically redo the entire system. Ran without AC for two years in Texas summers and sold the car.
I know Vanessa was thinking " make up your dang mind" ...off / on /off / on LOL
deepsquat600 Yeah I gotta mess with her when I can
Thanks to this video I was able to rehab a rusty clutch plate and pulley and get the AC going again in my "new" 2002 Civic. Also enjoyed the humor in it. Off On Off On......payback is rough!