FiftyFive

Has anyone recharged their A/C? Mine needs to be recharged and I don't feel like paying ~$150 to get it recharged. I know I need 134a refrigerant and a gauge..

Has anyone done this? Is there a write up anywhere?

Thanks!

FiftyFive

So I recharged it with one of those AutoZone cans and for a little while it blew very cold. Today I checked it again and it is blowing out warm air again and I hear some sort of hissing noise from behind the glove box.

Does anyone think that the Expansion Valve needs to be replaced? I checked the pressure in the system and it seems as if it is low again after being fully charged yesterday. So I'm guessing either a leak or the expansion valve is stuck and the R134a is being vented into the atmosphere to keep from damaging the system.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

FiftyFive

Well, the MDX is in the shop today after I unsuccessfully tried to recharge the AC. I will report back with what they found.

FiftyFive

So it turns out that my A/C condenser is busted and will need to be replaced. They quoted me $705. I think I am going to source a condenser online and replace it then have them recharge it.

Anyone ever do this before? Thanks

FiftyFive

Found an OEM replacement Delphi condenser. It should be coming in today. I have a service manual and will attempt the install this weekend. Looks pretty straight forward.

The A/C system isn't holding any pressure so I think I should be ok there. I'm going to put the condenser in, pressure test, and hopefully be able to charge her back up.

Mechanic Quote: 705
My cost so far: 130

007Acura

Good Luck with the repair!

twenty02_vnz

I think we're on the same boat. Where is this condenser located? Please post some pix? TIA.

- vince

FiftyFive

The condenser is the smaller radiator looking thing in front of the actual radiator.

I'm gonna swap it out today, I'll take a couple pics of it.

Are you going to have to swap out yours also?

FiftyFive

Here is a pic out of the service manual, to get to it all you have to do is remove the front bulkhead cover. After that it's just removing the brackets. Removing the two lines on the left hand side of it (make sure there is no pressure in the system when doing this), and lifting up.

Majofo

fifty.. this thread is more like your journal than a discussion. Keep us updated. Condensers are susceptible to leaks.. hopefully all the lines are okay and troubles gone after this.

FiftyFive

I actually replaced the condenser pretty easily, put some oil in the system and charged it using 134a refrigerant. Its been about a week and its still holding pressure and blowing very cold.

Took a ~6 hour round trip to PA this pas weekend and was delighted to see that it blew cold and stayed cold the whole time. I think it is fixed.

Mechanic quoted $705
My total cost $165

Majofo

vybzkartel

Nice!

You did exactly what I would have done. You saved yourself over $500!

FiftyFive

Yea, and honestly I was a little worried about it at first but it is such an easy job to replace the condenser.

poohlikeshunny

I just picked up an 03 touring that may have a similar problem...how would you replace the condensor if there is still pressure in the system? I put a gage on a bottle of r124a onto what i believe is the low side...by removing the blue cap to the left of the engine cover.

ls973800

FiftyFive, I'm glad to hear that your system seems to be working properly once again. You didn't mention if you pulled a vacuum on the system after your repair. It's very important to do this to remove any moisture in the system and to insure you have no leaks.

Dirt, moisture, the wrong amount or type of oil, etc can all lead to further major problems in the A/C system, including the damaging of the compressor. Hopefully you won't have any problem.

Any one who is planning on working on a system which still has some pressure in it must remember that venting the refrigerant to the outside air without capturing it is a violation of federal law. That's why special equipment must be used by trained technicians.

I'm all for saving money on my own repairs or seeing someone else save on theirs. Just make sure you aren't creating any other problems or violating any laws.

Artbuc

Haven't done this on my 2010 X (I would hope not!) but I have done it on my 99 Avalon. Forgive me if I am telling you stuff you already know but here are the key things I had to learn: make sure you add back the right type and amount of compressor oil - info should be in the FSM, you don't necessarily have to replace the drier/filter, but you should hold full vac (2 stage vac pump is nice here) for at least 45 min to make sure all moisture has been boiled out, make sure system hold vac for 30 mins before charging, weigh out charge delivered with a postal scale to make sure you add just the right amount. Finally cover new condenser with plastic gutter guard to minimize the chance of future road rock damage.

twenty02_vnz

Thanks FiftyFive!

How's is the ac now? Hope you did not sell your MDX yet.

- vince