My brother recently purchased an rsx-s and the AC isnt working. Im new to the K series but it doesnt look as bad compare to working on the J series. I can confirm that the compressor is bad. Even tho the clutch engages the compressor is not cycling the freon. I confirmed this by looking at the Low side gauge, its needle was just shaking dramatically and im NOT talking about how it fluctuates when its low on freon. Also when the AC is turn on the compressor makes a continuous ticking noise in sync with the needle movement.

For now I have ordered a new AC compressor, and would like to know the easiest way to remove the compressor.

From what ive seen on youtube and other honda forums there is 2 ways??
Front bumper and radiator OR power steering and alternator.

Doesnt look like there is much love for the rsx in this forum, but im a TL guy so im using this forum instead.

 

Update:
I Purchased a AC Kit, two hoses (low and high), and coolant. Total came out to be $395.99 shipped. AC works and is ICE COLD.
*Expansion Valve was not installed*

Part numbers are listed below, from RockAuto
UAC KT1954A
UAC CN3060PFC
UAC CO10726AC
UAC EX9702C
UAC RD10038C
UAC RS2563
UAC RO0900B
UAC HA111582C
UAC HA111586C
AISIN ACB003

Tools you need:
10mm, 12mm, 27mm (wrench, ratchet& sockets), extensions, adjustable wrench, hose clamp pliers, clip remover, jack stands, jack, serpentine belt remover tool, AC gauge kit, Vacuum pump, Freon and probably some more little misc stuff.

This covers removing the AC Compressor & Condenser, it will be reverse order for re-installing if that is all you need to do.
-First, jack up the car. secure the vehicle on jack stands and chuck the rear wheels.
-Pop the hood, and start removing any clips and screws and fog light wires that hold the front bumper. Once that is removed, drain the coolant from the radiator.
-Loosen the hood latch and move it to the side, since it will be in the way of removing the radiator.
-Once the radiator is drained, start removing the condenser (***Make sure the freon is evacuated at a shop, in my case there was none.***) do this by removing the (4) 10mm screws, 2 holding it on the frame and 2 from the lines.
-After removing the condenser out, remove the top hose clamp and take off the hose from the radiator. then take off the upper radiator brackets.
-You can then tilt the radiator and remove the coolant reservoir and the left passenger side fan (should have 1 wire connecting), as well as remove the bottom hose and clamp.
-This will expose the AC compressor enough without removing the whole radiator out. (If you want get cardboard and cover the back side of the radiator so you wont damage it)
-Unclip any electrical wiring going to the radiator (should be 2, one on top right and one next to bottom hose.) & unclip the ac compressor wire.
-Next you will need the serpentine tool to remove the belt.
-Once the belt is off the compressor pulley, you can start removing the (2) 10mm bolts holding the AC lines on the compressor. ( you can then remove the lines if you are replacing the ac lines).
-Next you take off the compressor by removing (4) 12mm bolts. (try not to strip the bottom bolts)
-Once you have the compressor out, you need to prep the new compressor which should come with instructions on how to prep it.
-Installation is the reverse order.


Removing the Dryer:
-Start by removing the battery and the battery tray.
-This will expose the dryer, you will need to remove the (2) 10mm bolts and unclip the wire and remove the sensor with a 27mm socket.
-Then loosen the dryer from the clamp and pull the dryer out.
-Prep the New dryer according to the instruction manual.
-Install the New dryer into the clamp, and make sure it lines up with the piping.
-Install the sensor and ac piping
-install everything back in reverse order.

*Make sure to fill the coolant and burp the system.*

Filling the AC with Freon:
-Once you have everything back on get the AC gauge and vacuum pump connect them properly and connect the low side and high side to your vehicle.
-Next, you watch this youtube video:
Once you did that the AC will be ICE COLD, Enjoy!

 

Thanks for the great write-up. The price for all the parts seems very reasonable. I have one 2002 RSX-S daily driver with 251K miles on it which still blows cold air and runs strong. My second 2002 RSX Type-S is a theft insurance buy-back car that I originally purchased new. The information you provided will come in handy when I finally get a drive train to put into it.

 

Solid job!!! Props to you!!! Thanks for sharing!!!