Hi all, first time on this HondaTech site. I have a 2010 Civic that's having an AC issue. When I press the "AC" button on my dash, the compressor clutch isn't engaging. I've checked pressures and it looks like I have sufficient pressure. I even tried recharging the system before I realized that the clutch wasn't engaging.
One question I have - if the compressor is bad, will the clutch still engage? I want to verify that it isn't the clutch.
Another question - is the clutch going out common?
Another question - can you replace the clutch without removing the radiator? Can it be replaced without removing and recharging the refrigerant?

Thank you ahead of time!

 

@ACmech52 can probably tell you the answers to your questions.
My guess is that the clutch will turn on even if the compressor is seized cause the system doesn't know if the condition of the compressor
Other guess is that you can probably replace the ac clutch without replacing the refrigerant.

The ac clutch went out on my CRV. Bought a new compressor cause I could not do the work myself.
Garage insisted on replacing the compressor and not just the clutch.
Also, clutch not so easily available.
Cost was nearly a grand for parts and labor.