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How to Bypass the A/C Clutch Relay with a Paperclip (Emergency Method)

Model: Honda Civic MK 8 - Years 2006-2012
Part: Fuse box

The video shows an emergency procedure to bypass the air conditioning compressor relay on a Honda Civic, in order to manually engage the clutch for recharging the refrigerant when the system is empty. The goal is to overcome the catch-22 where the compressor won't activate without refrigerant, but you can't recharge the refrigerant without the compressor running! Locate the relay box: to bypass, insert the paperclip (but an electrical wire is safer) into the two output terminals of the connector. The YouTuber recommends doing this with the engine off; with the bypass active, the compressor will engage, allowing the refrigerant to be recharged. Be very careful as this is a risky method that can generate sparks, and it is only a temporary solution; the underlying cause of the failure must still be repaired.

Posted on 13 April 2026 by ScegliAuto

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by ScegliAuto

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