Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

2003 Honda Insight. LSS the condenser fan motor is drawing too much current and blowing the fuse that also feeds the compressor clutch. New parts not available and I have to go on a 2,000 mile round trip drive soon. Can it be driven with the fan disconnected if I only use the a/c above say 50 mph? I can find a used replacement or fab up a universal fan later when I have more time.

Wow. A ZE1 still on the road. How many miles do you have on it?

I don't know what Honda used for a compressor on that car, but given the low production numbers and age of the car I think I would treat the rest of the system gently. Since you have no way to watch the high side pressure while driving I think I would just roll the window down.

Take Honda's hint with the blown fuse and fix it right.

On a 20-year-old vehicle, there might be other things wrong with the system than just the fan. Rather than risk no A/C on a very long trip, why not visit your local car-rental agency and rent a vehicle from them? Then worry about fixing the '03 Honda Insight when you return.

Excellent idea, John. Could save the lad a lot of walking
Also, without a condenser fan, your pressures will skyrocket at stop lights and stop signs, and in traffic. You are gonna trigger the HPCO or blow a hose.
You've been here before, you already knew the answer

JohnHere wrote: ↑Tue Aug 08, 2023 2:33 pm On a 20-year-old vehicle, there might be other things wrong with the system than just the fan. Rather than risk no A/C on a very long trip, why not visit your local car-rental agency and rent a vehicle from them? Then worry about fixing the '03 Honda Insight when you return.

That defeats the whole purpose of the car. I'm driving to pick up a part and expect to spend around $100 on gas. If I rent something, the gas bill probably doubles, plus the cost of the rental, and I'm likely at $350. Might as well ship it.

tbirdtbird wrote: ↑Tue Aug 08, 2023 2:59 pm Excellent idea, John. Could save the lad a lot of walking
Also, without a condenser fan, your pressures will skyrocket at stop lights and stop signs, and in traffic. You are gonna trigger the HPCO or blow a hose.
You've been here before, you already knew the answer

I did post,

atikovi wrote: ↑Tue Aug 08, 2023 12:22 pm Can it be driven with the fan disconnected if I only use the a/c above say 50 mph? I can find a used replacement or fab up a universal fan later when I have more time.

$100 on gas for a 2K mile trip.....remarkable

I assume that the part you wish to drive 2K miles for is NOT for the fan for the 2003 Honda???

By the way: folks do add aftermarket fans to their vehicles, I'm not sure why a mechanic or you couldn't add a complete new fan and control to your Honda.

Correct. And I'd rather keep it original with a used oem fan if possible instead of making something fit.

Okay...renting a vehicle is out of the question, and originality is important in this instance. But a used OEM fan from a salvage yard or auction site can be "iffy" as well.

Perhaps check around for a reproduction of the original fan. Everything will line up (at least it should), it'll look original, and it'll be a completely new unit, giving you peace of mind.