How to Replace the A/C on the Interior of a Civic

A broken air-conditioning unit can make driving during the summer months unbearable. One of the problems that can cause a Honda Civics AC unit to fail is a blocked cabin filter, which has to be replaced from the car's interior. A cabin filter that is blocked with dirt and debris may limit the amount of cooled air that flows through the vents from the A/C. If the problem persists, it may be related to the inner workings of the A/C unit itself.

Instructions

Replacing the Cabin Filter

1

Remove the triangular panel located on the passenger-side dashboard.

2

Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the three screws that are located behind the panel.

3

Remove the plastic stoppers that are located at the back of the glove box. There should be stoppers on both sides of the glove box. To remove a stopper, press it until you feel it pop. The stoppers should be easy to pull out.

4

Pull the trim panel out, starting from the passenger side. (Do not try to remove the panel on the left side -- it is not meant to come out.)

5

Remove the metal support bar by unscrewing the screws and the 10mm bolts, then lift it up one end at a time.

6

Remove the glove box by pulling it outward. If it does not loosen easily, pull it upward first, then outward.

7

Remove the narrow access door, which should have a tab and a hinge.

8

Remove the cabin filter, or the two small cabin filters, and clean out the air box.

9

Place the new cabin filter in the air box and reassemble the dashboard.

Replacing the Air Conditioning Unit

10

Remove the kick panel to get to the cars fuses. The kick panel is the lowest plastic panel located underneath the steering column.

11

Remove the air-conditioning fuse -- there should be an illustration on the kick panel that shows which fuse to select. The fuse will need to be replaced if the U-shaped filament is broken. Replace the fuse with one that is the same color and that has the same amp number.

12

Use a 1.25-millimeter socket to loosen the A/C adjuster bolt, then move the A/C toward the engine block.

13

Free the drive belt from the pulleys and spin the pulley on the A/C. There should be resistance when the pulley is spun -- if there is no resistance, the pulley is worn and should be replaced.

14

Inspect the small air-conditioning radiator for any cracks, leaks or rust. This radiator will be located on the front of the large engine radiator. The small radiator will need to be replaced if it appears worn.

15

Replace any hoses that are connected to the air conditioner.