Topic: 2002 honda civic lx - a/c control switch problem

[friendlygiant]

I have a 2002 honda civic lx that I just bought second hand.  I just noticed that when I run the defrost fan setting the a/c comes on!  If I shut the a/c off, switch the mode selector to foot or panel or something other than defrost, the a/c stays off and switches on and off normally, as you would expect.  However, with the a/c off, when I switch the mode selector to defrost, the a/c turns on too!!

Does anybody else have this problem?  anyone know how to fix it?

[ArticSteve]

It's actually programmed that way.  Pain in the butt.  Can be re-programmed by the user.  Find a Honda BBS and the procedure will no doubt be there.

[PJungnitsch]

I believe it is designed that way because the A/C dehumidifies the air.

[dorin]

Yup.  It's not a bug, it's a feature.  My 2006 Mazda3 does the same.

[dr_spock]

That's the way it is supposed to work.  I reprogrammed mine for the A/C not to come on when the defrost is on.   It's a Honda.   

Instructions are in the FAQ on HondaTech:

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=556968&uid=999427633&dir=1&postid=21826666#21826666