AC clutch not engaging
 

Hi Guys, its summer and its getting pretty hot. I have this 92 civic had d16z6 swap last march, changed ecu as well of course. Its not retrofitted yet and has r12, if im not mistaken.
I just noticed that A/C clutch is not engaging. And would like to ask, what should I look into first? Or do I need to consider converting it to r134?
Any opinions is very much appreciated.
Posted via RS Mobile

does the condenser fan come on? If it does then there should be enough refrigerant in the system to "cycle on" and i'd look at the compressor relay or the compressor clutch itself or somewhere along that line. If the condensor fan doesn't come on, then it sounds like the refridgerent has leaked out and the system is empty or very low

Yes, the condenser fan turns on. I also tried spinning the ac clutch by hand just to make sure that its not seized or anything.
Would like to confirm if this relay that we are talking about is the one near the driver side headlight by the rad support?
Posted via RS Mobile

if the clutch spins by hand, then the clutch bearing is ok. It doesn't tell if the compressor itself is seized or not. At this point, we'll assume its ok.

Are there 2 relays by the rad support? (been so long, i can't remember). If there is, then one is for rad cooling fan and the other is condenser fan. I think the compresser clutch relay is in the fuse box (underhood) the diagram should show a snowflake. If there is another relay thats the same in there, then swap it and see if it turns on


edit: just had a peek at the diagram. the 2 relays at the rad support are for the condensor and for the compressor. try switching the plugs around and see what happens

Yeah. There are two relays by the rad support.
Just tried switching the plugs like what you have said, nothing happens to the ac clutch. Still not engaging.
What does this tell me?
Posted via RS Mobile

if you swapped connecters and the condenser fan still comes on and the compressor doesn't, then the relays are ok. i'd look at the single wire going to the compressor. see if there is power there when the a/c is "cycled on". If theres power there, then the compressor clutch and or field coil is toast. if no power then problem in that wiring circuit