1997 HONDA CIVIC Repair

A/C Service Tips and Precautions
The air conditioner system uses HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and polyalkyleneglycol (PAG) refrigerant oil*, which are not
compatible with CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and mineral oil. Do not use R-12 refrigerant or mineral oil in this system, and do
not attempt to use R-12 servicing equipmenU damage to the air conditioner system or your servicing equipment will result.*Sanden SP-10:
. P/N 38897 - P13 - A0lAH: 120 ml 14ll.oz, 4.2lmp.oz)
. P/N 38899 - P13 - A0l | 40 mf 11 1/3ll.oz,1.4 lmp'oz)
Use only service equipment that is U.L. listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove R 134a
from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner ref;ige;ant and lubricant vapol or mist can irritate syes, nose and throat, Avoid
breathing the air conditioner refrigerant and lubricant vapor or misl.
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
R-'134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed
ai.
!@@ some mixtures of air and R-t3ila have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures and can result
in tire or explosion causing iniury or property damage. Never use compressed air lo pressure tesl R-134a service equip-
ment or vehicle 8ir conditioner systoms.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and Iubricant manufacturers.
L Always disconnect the negative cable from the battery whenever replacing air conditioning pans.
2. Keep moisture and dust out of the system. When disconnecting any lines, plug or cap the fittings immediately; don't
remove the caps or plugs until just before you reconnect each line.
3. Before connecting any hose or line, apply a few drops of refrigerant oilto the O-ring.
4, When tightening o. loosening a fitting, use a second wrench to support the matching fitting.
5. When discharging the system, use a R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station; don't release refrigerant
into the atmosphere,
6. Add refrigerant oil after replacing the following parts:
NOTE:
. To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to the container once dispensed, and never mix it with other refriger-
ant oils.
. lmmediately after using the oil, replace the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash
it off immediately.
Condenser .......2o ml (2/3 fl.oz, 0.7 lmp.ozl
Evaporator .,.,.,. i[5 m{ 11 213 tl.oz,1,6lmp.ozl
Line or hose ..... 10 mf (1/3 fl.oz, 0.4 lmp.ozl
Receiver/Dryer 10 m{ (1/3 fl.oz,0.'l lmp.ozl
Leakage repair 25 m{ (5/6 fl.oz, 0.9 lmp.ozl
Comptessor ... For compressor replacement. subtract the volume of oil drained trom the
removed compressor from A, and drain the calculated volume of oilfrom the new
compressor: A - Volume of removed compressor: Volume to drain from new
comoressor.
A: SANDEN 130 mf l/t 113 ll.oz, 4.6 lmp'ozl; DENSO 140 mf {4 213 ll'oz, 1.9
lmp.oz),
NOTE: Even if no oil is drained from the removed compressor, don't drain more
than S0 m{ 112Ell.oz,1.8 lmp.oz) fromthe new compressor.
REMOVED NEW
COMPRESSORCOMPRESSOR
*DENSO ND-OlL 8l
. P/N 38897 - PR7 - A01AH: 120 ml (4 fl.oz)
. P/N 38899 PR7-A01:40mf (1 1/3fl'oz)
rereW W0000
22-22
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Tol l00l
| | lffi 1 onrrrutrc I
fi+-sAME
LEvEr...+jEf,voLUME
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^

A/C System Service
Pressure Test Chart
NOTE: Performance Test is on page 22-24,
Test resultsRelated symptomsProbabl€ causeRemedy
Discharge (high)
pressure aDnor-
mally high
After stopping compressor. pres-
sure drops to about 200 kPa
{2.0 kgflcm,,28 psi) quickly, and
then falls gradually.
Air in systemRecover, evacuate, and
recharge with specified amount.
Evacuation: see page 22-45
Charging: see page 22-46
Reduced or no air flow through
condenser
. Clogged condenser fins. Condenser fan not work-
ing properly
Clean.
Check voltage and fan rpm.
Check fan direction.
Line to condenser is excessively
hot.
Restricted flow of refriger-
ant in system
Restricted lines
Discharge pres-
sure abnormally
High and low pressures are bal-
anced soon after stopping compres-
sor, Low side is higher than normal.
. Faulty compressor dis-
charge valve. Faulty compressor seal
Replace the compressor.
Outlet of expansion valve is not
frosted, low pressure gauge indi-
cales vacuum.
. Faulty expansion valve. Moisture in system
. Replace,. Recover, evacuate, and
recharge with specified
amount.
Suction (low)
pressure abnor-
mally low
Expansion valve is not frosted, and
low oressure line is not cold. Low
pressure gauge indicates vacuum.
. Frozen expansion valve. Faulty expansion valve
ReDlace the exoansion valve.
Discharge temperature is low. and
the air flow from vents is restricted.
Frozen evaporatorRun the fan with compressor
off. then check A,/C thermostat.
Exoansion valve is frosted.Clogged expansion valveClean or replace.
Receiver/dryer outlet is cool, and
inlet is warm (should be warm
during operation).
Clogged receiver/dryerReplace.
Suction pres-
sure abnormally
hig h
Low pressure hose and check
joint are cooler than the tempera-
ture around evaporator.
. Expansion valve open too
long. Loose expansion capillary
tube
Repair or replace.
Suction oressure is lowered when
condenser is cooled bv water.
Excessive refrigerant in sys-
tem
Recover. evacuate, and
recharge with specified amount.
High and low pressure are equal-
ized as soon as the compressor is
stopped, and both gauges fluctu-
ate while running.
Faulty gasket
Faulty high pressure valve
Foreign particle stuck in
high pressure valve
Replace the compressor.
Suction and dis-
charge pres-
sures abnormally
h igh
Reduced air flow through con-
denser.
. Clogged condenser fins. Condenser fan not work-
ing properly
Clean condenser.
Check voltage and fan rpm.
Check fan direction.
Suction and dis-
charge pressure
abnormally low
Low pressure hose and metal end
areas are cooler than evaporator.
Clogged or kinked low pres-
sure hose parts
Repair or replace.
Temperature around expansion
valve is too low compared with
that around receiver/dryer.
Clogged high pressure lineRepair or replace.
Refrigerant leaksCompressor clutch is diny,Compressor shaft seal leakingReplace the compressor.
Compressor bolt{s) are diny.Leaking around bolt(s)Tighten bolt(s) or replace com-
pressor.
Compressor gasket is wet with oil.Gasket leakingReplace the compressor.
22-26

A/C System Service
Evacuation
Use only service equipment that is U L.-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements oJ SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system'
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner reftig€lant and
lubricant vapor or misi can irrhaie eyes. noso and throat'
Avoid breathing the ail condhioner lefrigelant and lubri
cant vapor or mist.
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work
area before resuming servace.
R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner sys-
tems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with
comDressed air.
!!@@ some mixtures of air and R-13'[8 haYo boon
ffiiE-n to be "ombustible at elovatod pressurcs and can
result in fire or explosion causing iniury or propsrtY
damag€. Never uso complsssod air to pre3surs tost R-
1344 ssrvico equipment or vehicle air conditioner sy3-
tems,
Additional health and safety information may be obtained
from the refrigerant and lubricant manuJacturers'
When an A,/C System has been opened to the atmo-
sphere, such as during installation or repair, it must
be evacuated using a R-134a refrigerant recovery/
recycling/charging station. (lf the system has been
open for several days, the receiver/dryer should be
replaced, and the system should be evacuated for
several hours.)
Connect a R-134a refrigerant recovery/
recycling/charging station to the vehicle, as shown'
following the equipment manufacturer's instruc-
trons.
NOTE: lf low pressure does not reach more than 93 3
kPa (7OO mmHg,27.6 in.Hgl in 15 minutes, there is
probably a leak in the system Partially charge the
system, and check for leaks (see Leak Test)
1.
R6covory/Recyclin g/Chal9ing Station
22-45'

A/C System Service
Charging
Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner refrigerant and
lubricant vapor or mist can irritale eyes, nose and
throat. Avoid breathing the air conditioner retrigerant
and lubricant vaoor or mist,
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate workarea before resuming service, Additional health and
safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant
and lubricant manufacturers.
Refrigerant capacityt 600 - 650 g 121.1 - 22.9 ozl
CAUnON: Do not overcharg€ the system; the comprcssor
will be damaged.
Connect a R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station to the vehicle, as shown, following the equipment
manufacturer's instructions.
Recovery/Recycling/Charging Station
22-46
Leak Test
Use only service equipment that is U.L,-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure io air conditioner refrigerant and
lubricant vapot or mist can itritats eyes, no36 and thtoat.
Avoid breathing the air conditioner refrigeranl and lubri-
cant vapor or mist,
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate workarea betore resuming service.
R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner sys-
tems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with
comoressed air.
@ some mixtures of air and R-134a have
been shown to be combugtibls at elevatgd prossures
and can result in tire or explosion causing iniuly orplopgrty damage. Nev€r usc compre33od air to pressure
test R-13'la servica oquipment or yohiclo air conditionor
systems.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained
from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
1. Connect a R-134a refrigerant recove rylrecycling/
charging station to the vehicle, as shown in the pre-
vious column, following the equipment manufactur-
er's instructions.
NOTE; Be sure to install the same amount of new
refrigerant oil back into the A,/C system before charg-In9.
Open the high-pressure valve to charge the system
to the specified capacity, then close the supply
valve, and remove the charging system couplers.
Rofrigerant capacity: 600 - 650 g (21.1 - 22.9 oz)
Check the system for leaks using a R-134a refriger-
ant leak detector with an accuracy of 14 9 10.5 ozlper yea. or better.
lf you find leaks that require the system to be opened(to repair or replace hoses. fittings. etc.), recover the
system according to the Recovery Procedure on page
22-27.
After checking and repairing leaks. the system must
be evacuated (see System Evacuation on page 22-451.

Troubleshooting
Tips and Precautions (cont'dl
Insert the connector all the way and make sure it is
securelv locked.
Position wires so that the open end of the cover faces
down.
After installing harness clips, make sure the harness
doesn't interfere with any moving pans.
Keep wire harnesses away from exhaust pipes and
other hot parts. from sharp edges of brackets and
holes, and from exDosed screws and bolts.
V
F6c6op€n end
Handling Wires and Harnosscs
. Secure wires and wire harnesses to the frame with
their respective wire ties at the designated locations,
. Remove clips carefully; don't damage their locks.
Slip pliers under the clip base and through the hole at
an angle, then squeeze the expansion tabs to release the
clrp.
SNAP-BING PLIERS
23-4
NOT GOOO
ll il,/
s*' -.1}8."/_Y--_Y5\
il ,,
Testing and Repairs
o Do not use wires or harnesses with broken insulation.
Replace them or repair them by wrspping the break
with electricaltaoe.
. After installing parts, make sure that no wires arepinched under them.. When using electrical test equipment, follow the
manufacturer's instructions and those described in
this manual.
. lf possible, insert the probe of the tester from the
wire side (except waterproof connector).
. Seat grommets in their grooves properly.
. Use a probe with a tapered tip.
Refer to the instructions in the Honda Terminal Kit for
identification and replacement of connector termi-
nats.

t
Five-step Troubleshooting
2.
1.Verify The Complaint
Turn on all the components in the problem circuit to
verify the customer complaint. Note the symptoms.
Do not begin disassembly or testing until you have
narrowed down the problem area.
Analyze The Schematic
Look up the schematic for the problem circuit.
Determine how the circuit is supposed to work by
tracing the current paths from the power feed
through the circuit components to ground. lf several
circuits fail at the same time, the fuse or ground is a
likely cause.
Based on the symptoms and your understanding of
the circult operation, identify one or more possible
causes of the problem.
lsolate The Problem By Testing The Circuit
Make circuit tests to check the diagnosis you made
in step 2. Keep in mind that a logical, simple proce-
dure is the key to efficient troubleshooting. Test for
the most likely cause of failure first. Try to make
tests at points that are easily accessible.
Fix The Problem
Once the specific problem is identified, make the
repair. Be sure to use proper tools and safe proce-
dures.
Make Sure The Circuit Works
Turn on all components in the repaired circuit in all
modes to make sure you've fixed the entire prob-
lem. lf the problem was a blown fuse, be sure to
test all of the circuits on the fuse, Make sure no new
problems turn up and the original problem does not
recur.
3.
Wire Color Codes
The following abbreviations are used to identify wire
colors in the circuit schematics:
wHT ............................. White
YEL ............................... Yellow
BLK ............,.,...............81ack
BLU .............................. Blue
GRN .............................Green
RED .......................,...... Red
ORN ............................. Orange
PNK .............................. Pink
BRN .............................. Brown
GRY .............................. Gray
PUR .,.................,.,........ Purple
LT BLU ......................... Light Blue
LT GRN ........................ Light Green
The wire insulation has one color or one color with
another color stripe. The second color is the stripe.
WHT/BLK
23-5

Under-dash Fuse/RelaY Box
Removal/lnstallation
SRS components are located in this area. Review lhe
SRS component locations, precautions, and procedures
in the SRS section (24) before performing repairs or ser-
vice.
Removal:
1. Make sure you have the anti-lheft code for the radio
then write down the frequencies lor the radio's pre-
set buttons ('99 - 00 modelsl.
2. Disconnect the battery negative cable. then discon
nect the positive cable, and wait at least three min
utes,
3. Disconnect the airbag connectors (see section 24)'
4. Remove the driver's dashboard lower cover and
knee bolster (see section 20)
5. Remove the two mounting nuts, and pull the under
dash fuse/relay box out from under the dash'
6. Disconnect the connectors from the under-dash
fuse/relay box, and take out the under-dash fuse/
relay box (see section 24).
lnstallation:
1. Connect the connectors to the under-dash tuse/
relay box, then install the under dash fuse/relay box
in the reverse order of removal (see section 24)'
2. Install the driver's dashboard lower cover (see sec
tion 20).
3. Connect the airbag connectors {see section 24)
4. Connect the battery positive cable, then connect the
negative cable.
5. Enter the anti-theft code lor the radio, then enter the
customer's radio station presets ('99 - 00 models)'
6. Confirm that all sYstems work properly'
23-45

lgnition Switch
4.
Test
SRS components are located in this area Review the
SRS component locations. precautions. and procedures
in the SRS section {24} before performing repairs or ser-
1. i/ake sure you have the anti-theft code for the
radio, then write down the frequencies for the
radio's preset buttons ('99 - 00 models).
2. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
3. Remove the driver's dashboard lower cover and
knee bolster (see section 20).
Disconnect the 5P connector from the under dash
fuse/relay box and the 7P connector from the main
wire harness.
Check for continuity between the terminals in each
switch position according to the table.
I I :7P connector
Wire side ot female terminals
BLK/WHT {STIWHT IBAT}
7P CONNECTOR
WHT/BLK
YEL (IG2}BLK/YEL {IG1)
Wire side of female terminals
6. lf the continuity checks do not agree with the table,
replace the electrical switch.
Terminal
Position
1
(ACC)
(3)
(BAT)
5
{tG1) G2)
(1)
(sr)
o (LocK)
| (ACC)o--o
l (oN)o-o
III (START)o--o
1.
Electrical Switch RePlacement
SRS components are located in this area. Review the
SRS component locations, precautions, and procedures
in the SRS section \24) belore performing repairs or ser-
vtce.
1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the
radio, then write down the frequencies for the
radio's preset buttons {'99 - 00 modelsl.
2. Disconnect the battery negatlve cable.
3. Remove the driver's dashboard lower cover {see
section 20).
Disconnect the 5P connector from the under-dash
fuse/relay box and the 7P connector from the main
wire harness (see left column).
Remove the steering column covers {see section
11t.
lnsert the ignition key, and turn it to "0 {LOCK)".
Remove the two screws and the electrical switch
from the steering lock.
ELECTRICALswtTcH
8. Install in the reverse order of removal.
23-a9