89 Civic A/C Problems

[vwcrewcab]

Hi,

I just bought this Honda last week, and the previous owner said the Air Conditioner works great for 5 to 10 minutes, then quits.
Sure enough, not every time, but when you first get in, it will blow very cold air until the engine gets warmed up, then it blows ambient air. While the a/c is running, the sight glass is clear, so I do not think the charge is the problem. The compressor is not turning either when the engine warms up. I am thinking there is a switch or relay someplace that is malfunctioning, but my basic Haynes manual does not have much information at all about this system. I just spent minimal money on this car after losing my job in the airline industry, and do not have a lot of spare cash. Any help would be much appreciated. Many thanks!

[mrob]

If you don't get any help on this forum, check here,

http://www.aircondition.com/wwwboard/

[i_a_n112784]

That little round glass thing is supposed to have alot of bubbles flowing through it...if it is clear, it needs to be charged, and there may be another problem. Getting the system charged isn't too bad if it has been converted to 134a, if it is still R-12, it will need to be converted which may be expensive.