Part two: We sort the broken glovebox and fix the ailing airconditioning system.
PART TWO: Andrew Everett replaces the smashed glovebox and sorts out the non-functioning air-conditioning.
When we discovered the airconditioning in our Civic wasn’t working we envisioned hours spent tracing electrical faults in the control panel or fixing a seized compressor. The actual cause was far simpler than that – a hole in the condenser, most likely caused by a stone.
We also replaced the damaged glovebox lid and removed the roof bars – the latter had been attached for years and made a whistling noise when travelling at speed. They also reduce fuel economy, so we’ll store them away until we need them.
Fault-finding
The first step in our aircon fault-finding session was to check if the drivebelt was attached. It was. Next, we investigated if the compressor had seized. It hadn’t. The digital climate display panel showed that the aircon was switched on, but the compressor didn’t kick in and no cold air was being emitted from the vents. Could it need regassing?
We took it to an aircon specialist that hooked up their recharging machine, which does both R134a (which our Civic uses) and 1234YF gas. A vacuum operation was carried out to remove any condensation and moisture that could have frozen and blocked the system, as well as reveal if there were any leaks. Our car was showing a leak, albeit a very small one that could well be the compressor seal which, once exposed to the R134a, would quickly reseal after a dry spell. The system was recharged with the full 450 grammes it requires and, once switched on, ice-cold air blasted from the vents. Some dye had been added and we quickly traced a tiny leak in the condenser, most likely caused by a small stone.
We evacuated the system, drawing all the R134a back into the recharging machine, before ordering a new condenser from our sponsors, GSF Car Parts. These usually retail at about £180, but an online discount offer brought the price down to just £75.
Owner’s manual
Don’t you hate it when there is no owner’s manual with a car? Trying to set up the bass and treble on the Civic’s stereo system without one is impossible! For £15, we bought a complete handbook pack – the handbook, various booklets and a leather folder – on ebay.