Honda Repair: AC fan, honda civic ex coupe, intermittent connection


Question
I have a 1998 Honda Civic Ex Coupe with about 68-69k miles. The issue is the AC fan will not work all the time. Most of the time it doesn't work, but *sometimes* it does. In all but one instance the fan, when it's actually on, stays on the entire time the car is on. The exception was when I had the vent open and the AC turned on, when I stopped I noticed the fan had started. The fan has to be switched on for the AC to come on, this is how I usually have to operate here in Texas with out my fan working. The AC is OK and is cooling, it's just my fan that is spazzing out. It's a crap shoot.

At about 14-15k miles, about year after I bought it, this happened and I took it to the dealer since it was still under warranty. They said it was a loose connection. They didn't say what connection though. It's not under warranty anymore and I'd like to do as much as possible myself. Your input is greatly appreciated and valued. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Well Jeremy, this one is tough to answer over e-mail.
It sounds like you've got an intermittent connection problem, or possibly a bad control panel.
If you have a 12v test light, or a digital multi-meter, you can check the motor quickly. Anytime the key is on, there will be battery voltage at the motor connector. The panel controls the ground side, by way of a solid-state resistor. Also, if the a/c compressor kicks in with the fan speed switch, it's not the panel. It may be the resistor.

Good luck.