'04 Air Conditioner broken
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
I took my car to Acura after I heard a loud clicking noise going down the road the other day. I looked at the a/c compressor and a huge hole was in the side of it. I read on this forum that people had gotten help with acura client services so I figured that was my best bet seeing as I don't have extended warranty. Took car to Acura and got a loaner car, real nice 2009 Acura TSX. Told him to call me before any work was to be done and I also had door actuator needing to be replaced and bulb for middle console. He said he would try to help me out on the a/c. So he calls me couple days later and tells me the a/c is bad and the system is contaminated, but for some reason the help he mentioned before he never mentioned again. He quoted me about $3750. I was like I gotta get it fixed but that is a little pricey. He told me he would call regional manager and call me back in ten minutes. About 2 hours later with no phone call, I go back to the dealership. I complain more about a car with less than 50,000 needing complete a/c overhaul. Asked him if I was gonna have to pay this out every 50,000 miles. He said give him a day or so. Now I am worried. I got the call couple days later. He said good news. Acura is willing to pay 80% of my bill on the a/c work, and fix the door actuator for free and the bulb would be $93.00. The grand total for my bill was $664.47. If anyone would like I could post it on the invoice page. I would have never thought I could get that amount of work done for less than a grand through Acura, especially seeing how I didn't have the extended warranty. Thanks to everyone. Saved me a load of money. I told the guy at Acura that I couldn't have had that amount of work done in a local shop for that price and he agreed.
Photography Nerd
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21,489
Likes: 11
From: Toronto
It's confirmed that my second compressor is toast. The system is still holding a charge, but they think the drive shaft in the compressor snapped after the compressor seized. It's hard to say what else is damaged in there, but I think the "Black Death" theory holds true. That is, once your compressor fails, it throws junk all through the system that no amount of flushing will ever remove. Any new compressor attached to old components will just suck up the "black death" material and seize eventually.
It's probably going to be closer to $3000 this time rather than the $2000 before because I would have to replace every line and every component in the AC system to make sure the problem won't come back.
Luckily it's fall and I don't need AC right now, but I'm thinking of just selling the car "as is" and take a big hit on the sale rather than throwing more money at it.
It's probably going to be closer to $3000 this time rather than the $2000 before because I would have to replace every line and every component in the AC system to make sure the problem won't come back.
Luckily it's fall and I don't need AC right now, but I'm thinking of just selling the car "as is" and take a big hit on the sale rather than throwing more money at it.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 19
Dan:
That is terrible. When your first compressor failed, did it also "grenade" into the whole system? The first time it failed, what else besides the compressor did you change? You left some old parts and lines there?
This "Black Death" theory has me concerned. It sounds like one of those episodes of the X Files with the Black Oil.
That is terrible. When your first compressor failed, did it also "grenade" into the whole system? The first time it failed, what else besides the compressor did you change? You left some old parts and lines there?
This "Black Death" theory has me concerned. It sounds like one of those episodes of the X Files with the Black Oil.
Photography Nerd
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21,489
Likes: 11
From: Toronto
I posted the bill back when it happened the first time, but here it is again:
They left the condenser and the lines in the car and just flushed them. I think the bill would have been about $1000 higher had they ripped everything out the first time, but I probably wouldn't be in this situation right now.
Diagnostic - $99.95
A/C (install compressor clutch, field coil, evac and recharge) - $280.00
Compressor - $782.64
Compressor clutch set - $310.25
Solenoid coil set - $124.85
O-Ring 5/8" - $6.98
O-Ring 1/2" - $6.39
Leak sealant - $40.50
Total - $1651.31 + 14% tax = $1882.49
A/C (install compressor clutch, field coil, evac and recharge) - $280.00
Compressor - $782.64
Compressor clutch set - $310.25
Solenoid coil set - $124.85
O-Ring 5/8" - $6.98
O-Ring 1/2" - $6.39
Leak sealant - $40.50
Total - $1651.31 + 14% tax = $1882.49
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
My 2004 TSX has a crack on the compressor. I ordered a new compressor with clutch and condenser. I’m going to install the part and was think should I order all the hoses and Solenoid coil or just take the car in and have the dealer install the compressor and condenser and charge me on what else I need.
not sure if this is a repost:
http://www.honda-lawsuit.com/?gclid=...FRlcagoddQHZng
I haven't had the problem yet, but I know it will happen eventually. I do have oil consumption issue like Dan however.
http://www.honda-lawsuit.com/?gclid=...FRlcagoddQHZng
I haven't had the problem yet, but I know it will happen eventually. I do have oil consumption issue like Dan however.
not sure if this is a repost:
http://www.honda-lawsuit.com/?gclid=...FRlcagoddQHZng
I haven't had the problem yet, but I know it will happen eventually. I do have oil consumption issue like Dan however.
http://www.honda-lawsuit.com/?gclid=...FRlcagoddQHZng
I haven't had the problem yet, but I know it will happen eventually. I do have oil consumption issue like Dan however.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Great website. Wish I had found it sooner. Last summer my 2004 TSX A/C did the grenade thing. Acura ponied up for $2000 of the $3600 repair bill. Now I am fighting with rear suspension camber issues. Found a lot of good info on this site and just need to see if the Acura dealer figures it out even though I gave them the service bulletin I found on this site.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
Great website. Wish I had found it sooner. Last summer my 2004 TSX A/C did the grenade thing. Acura ponied up for $2000 of the $3600 repair bill. Now I am fighting with rear suspension camber issues. Found a lot of good info on this site and just need to see if the Acura dealer figures it out even though I gave them the service bulletin I found on this site.
Unbelievable.I have an appointment Monday morning to get it checked out. If it's the compressor grenade issue, my 04 TSX and I might be parting ways.
Timing couldn't be worse. We're going on vacation next weekend and were supposed to take my car for the road trip (NY to SC). Our other car has 106k on it. I'm pretty frustrated right now, especially after just fixing the suspension last month.
it's a car-drive it
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 262
From: North Carolina
LuvMyTsx- Hoping it will be a easy-no expense fix. Where is SC are you going. Best day to travel on 95 is sunday and be careful in VA-lots of cops patroling looking for speeders.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
LuvMyTsx- Hoping it will be a easy-no expense fix. Where is SC are you going. Best day to travel on 95 is sunday and be careful in VA-lots of cops patroling looking for speeders.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
From: NC
Why haven't any of you changed the receiver dryer? It acts as the systems filter. As far as camber goes,buy some camber kits. I had Acura replace my camber arms and I still ended up installing rear camber arms. Fighting with the dealer is useless call American Honda. The number is in the back of the owner's manual.
it's a car-drive it
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 262
From: North Carolina
I live about 90 miles north of Myrtle Beach-so we go there a lot--it is a tourist place with lots of sovenier stores.
Last edited by nj2pa2nc; Apr 23, 2010 at 12:33 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
How ironic. Last month, I had the rear camber problem, and then yesterday, I noticed my A/C was warm.
Unbelievable.
I have an appointment Monday morning to get it checked out. If it's the compressor grenade issue, my 04 TSX and I might be parting ways.
Timing couldn't be worse. We're going on vacation next weekend and were supposed to take my car for the road trip (NY to SC). Our other car has 106k on it. I'm pretty frustrated right now, especially after just fixing the suspension last month.
Unbelievable.I have an appointment Monday morning to get it checked out. If it's the compressor grenade issue, my 04 TSX and I might be parting ways.
Timing couldn't be worse. We're going on vacation next weekend and were supposed to take my car for the road trip (NY to SC). Our other car has 106k on it. I'm pretty frustrated right now, especially after just fixing the suspension last month.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
Just talked to the service advisor. The relay is on backorder.
This is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because I had too much stuff to try to get done before the end of the week before leaving for vacation, and this was adding to my stress level, but now I don't have to deal with it until the part comes in. But it's also a curse because who knows how long I'll go without A/C, and now we're taking the other car on our road trip, and it has about 110k miles.
I was told the part will be about $27 and labor will be about $58, so it's not bad, just a huge annoyance during a ridiculously busy time period for me.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 19
That is good news LuvMyTSX.
It did not sound like it was the compressor problem since you never heard any kind of noise.
It's also good since that hopefully means you will moderate these forums for a long time to come. You were considering selling the TSX if it was the compressor problem. Who the hell is going to take your place as moderator?? You do good work here.
It did not sound like it was the compressor problem since you never heard any kind of noise.
It's also good since that hopefully means you will moderate these forums for a long time to come. You were considering selling the TSX if it was the compressor problem. Who the hell is going to take your place as moderator?? You do good work here.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
That is good news LuvMyTSX.
It did not sound like it was the compressor problem since you never heard any kind of noise.
It's also good since that hopefully means you will moderate these forums for a long time to come. You were considering selling the TSX if it was the compressor problem. Who the hell is going to take your place as moderator?? You do good work here.
It did not sound like it was the compressor problem since you never heard any kind of noise.
It's also good since that hopefully means you will moderate these forums for a long time to come. You were considering selling the TSX if it was the compressor problem. Who the hell is going to take your place as moderator?? You do good work here.
Thanks! I'd definitely stick around even if I went with a different car. I rather like it here.But yeah, I'm relieved. I wasn't mentally ready for a big purchase on such short notice anyway. Don't want to do something I'd regret.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Diamond Bar, California
a/c issue
yes. same issue with pacman. it happened to mine around 85k. the a/c compressor unit was exploded in the back of the unit, so it is not from the rock hit it from the road! it is a poor design that the shell piece exploded and a big hole.. metal piece is still inside the compressor and a/c freon leaked all out. that was y a/c was warm air instantly. i replaced everything on the safe side to avoid issues later. my friend charged me 220 with freon and all labor only. i got the oem parts for him to install. nowadays, it seems like old cars are better built and better quality. new ones are due to competeion and to be able to play into the game.. it seems like they go down on quality and make it not to last so u will get new one soon. the best ones i seen are 90-93 accords. those can go 300k. i have 93k on mine now. and engine oil are eatting at 2500 miles so i change oil and oil filter every 2500 instead of adding oil. at 2500 miles the engine oil dipstick will be in the middle between min and max line.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
At last, my A/C relay is finally in. I have an appointment Friday at 8am to get it fixed.
My service advisor also mentioned the power steering hose recall, but said they do not have any parts in yet and to let him know when I get my letter. Too bad I couldn't do both with one visit. All these trips to the shop are really aggravating and time consuming so far this year.
My service advisor also mentioned the power steering hose recall, but said they do not have any parts in yet and to let him know when I get my letter. Too bad I couldn't do both with one visit. All these trips to the shop are really aggravating and time consuming so far this year.
it's a car-drive it
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 262
From: North Carolina
At last, my A/C relay is finally in. I have an appointment Friday at 8am to get it fixed.
My service advisor also mentioned the power steering hose recall, but said they do not have any parts in yet and to let him know when I get my letter. Too bad I couldn't do both with one visit. All these trips to the shop are really aggravating and time consuming so far this year.
My service advisor also mentioned the power steering hose recall, but said they do not have any parts in yet and to let him know when I get my letter. Too bad I couldn't do both with one visit. All these trips to the shop are really aggravating and time consuming so far this year.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 14,667
Likes: 13
From: NY
Our central air in our house stopped working on Saturday when the temperature was in the 90's. Luckily it is under warranty- the repairman came on Monday and said one of the sensors on the condenser was no good-had to order the part. They will be back on Friday-luckily it has been cool and we are able to have the windows open and the ceiling fans on.
We drove right by you last weekend. Going home, we took 17 to 140 to 40 and then 95.
BTW, I can't imagine doing that drive every few weeks. 2 weekends in a row was quite enough for me. And I didn't even do any of the driving!
it's a car-drive it
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 262
From: North Carolina
That's rough. Yes, it's actually cold here (27 last night!!), so no A/C in the car hasn't been a terrible ordeal just yet. I'm glad it will be fixed on Friday though, before it gets hot and I have to suffer.
We drove right by you last weekend. Going home, we took 17 to 140 to 40 and then 95.
BTW, I can't imagine doing that drive every few weeks. 2 weekends in a row was quite enough for me. And I didn't even do any of the driving!
We drove right by you last weekend. Going home, we took 17 to 140 to 40 and then 95.
BTW, I can't imagine doing that drive every few weeks. 2 weekends in a row was quite enough for me. And I didn't even do any of the driving!
I am driving to NJ on Sunday so I can take my mom for her 3rd chemo treatment the next day. My husband is driving up on Wednesday. We are going to his high school class sunday brunch gathering on the 23rd. I am driving back to NC on June 6th. He is heading back sooner. I prefer the drive from NJ to NC-when I get to Fredricksburg I know I am done with DC, Baltimore, etc. Heading north it is just the beginning.
Oh yes I hope you have a nice time in Mrytle Beach (Mayfest)
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
latest victim
I too just lost my A/C to this same problem! I had the same issue that PacMan did. I'm hoping Acura will cover the cost of the parts. Does anyone know if its happened again after replacing the entire A/C system? I just don't want this to happen yet again!
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Who did you contact at Acura to try to get them to pay for t he A/C issue? I'm in the midst of it now. Not enjoying this. Reading all this, makes me think I'm going to sell the TSX i love this car, but wow it sounds like there are so many problems with it, its just not worth it
i love this car, but wow it sounds like there are so many problems with it, its just not worth it
