Don't bother...I operated my A/C in manual mode since new (July '04) and just had what others have described as a 'blown compressor' happen to me on my way home tonight. Sounded like the A/C was dumping it's guts.

Dan - Did you ever take yours in for repair? I plan on taking mine to a 3rd party tomorrow. Hoping to save some cash so I can still get the iphone on Friday!

 

I've been too busy to bring it in so far, but it's scheduled for diagnostics on Thursday. I'll update you on the details later.

 

too busy to bring it in? In So Cal, there is no such thing as "too busy to get my ac fixed"

 

Guys, it does not make any difference, if you run auto mode or not. Maunual mode or not, once you turn the ac on, the compressor still cycles on and off. All car ac's do that. Once the pressure reaches a certain point the compressor kicks out. I am like the other fellow, I don't use ac much, only in very hot weather. For me 90 or above. Will that prolong the AC? who knows, but I will probably find out. Hopefully on the 06 the compressor has be redesigned.

 

If it's going to do it, I'd prefer it go now while it's at the dealer getting the console lights fixed.

 

So here's the update:

No surprise, it's the compressor/clutch/solenoid assembly. $1698.71 including labour. I'll get a full breakdown of the bill tomorrow when I pick up the car.

Just for some bonus fun, I noticed that I had a couple oil drips on my garage floor recently so I had them take a look at it. I had my oil changed less than a 1000km ago, so I figured the lube shop I went to just didn't tighten the filter or the oil plug. Well, it turns out both were leaking because they didn't replace the crush washer and they tore the gasket on the filter when they installed it.

I prefer to do my own service for exactly this reason. I know these oil shops don't hire the most skilled mechanics in the world, but how hard is it to screw on a filter and replace a washer?? Idiots.

 

I have a nice 2007 TSX with a 5AT for a loaner. It's a totally different feel driving an auto around town, but it's still a nice car. The bluetooth link is the nicest feature so far, but I also like the trip computer. Power wise, I really can't feel much difference (probably due to the transmission) but the VTEC switchover is much more pronounced in this car. It feels more like the old integra switchover.

 

I, too, had a 2007 AT for a loaner this week. Nice car. I did feel a small power difference, but the bigger thing I appreciated and noticed was that the seats felt more bolstered, and the leather felt softer. Not sure if it was my imagination, but I don't think so. I didn't really want to give it back....had just 4100 miles on it. I also didn't feel that the A/C sucked the life out of the car while it was on. In my '04, I feel like I lose about 50 hp when using the A/C.

 

Dan, is that CAN or US dollars? Still debating on getting the extended warranty, as I don't want to have to shell out $1500 or so for a major repair after my warranty is up.

 

It's in $CDN, but they're almost at par these days...

 

Here's an interesting tidbit of info: I spoke with my dad who is a p.eng at a major refrigeration company about my a/c and he said the problem we're having is very common throughout the industry. Apparently there are only 3 or 4 companies in the world who manufacture a/c compressors for cars. Acura, VW/Audi, and Nissan (along with others) use the same compressors so they're likely to have the same problems we're having.

He advises anyone who has had their compressor replaced to hold on to their receipt. If there is a worldwide problem with this model of compressor, we might be entitled to a refund at some point. I'll keep my fingers crossed, but who knows what might happen.

As far as I can understand, apparently much of the problem stems from the new refrigerant (r134a) which doesn't contain the same lubricants that the older r22 refrigerant had. Many compressors that run r134a wear faster than ones that run r22.

 

That is interesting. But, it's one thing for parts to wear out, it's another when it's going to cost me $1700 every time it does this. That is not cool at all....

Whatever company manufactures this part should be held liable. $1700 is nothing to sneeze at. I'm betting it comes from China.

 

My update is kind of incomplete at this point. I got the car looked at yesterday by a 3rd party mechanic. He confirmed it was the compressor. He was having a hard time locating a compressor other than through Acura. He is trying to save me some money. He said he has one more source to try but he is out of town until Monday. He told me of an instance where this guy got him an a/c blower for an Acura for $175 when it was going to cost $400 from Acura. New and still in a sealed box. Needless to say, I am going to wait to see what he finds out on Monday. Will keep you all updated.

Now it's on to buy the iphone!

 

thanks for the update, does AC compressor cover under major component warrenty in Canada? 1700 is expensive to me
did the lubricants dry up overtime or not enough lubricants? many R134a refill kit sold in parts store show having some sort of lubricants and i wonder if charging it every 10k miles helps.

 

Here's the final tally for the repair:

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

 

First off, hello to everyone and hooray for my first post! I'm new to the AZ boards...am a long-time member of Honda-Tech and some other boards. I've only owned my TSX for about 2 weeks, and I love it, except for this A/C issue.

As for this thread's OP (and alot of you), I bought the car used 2 weeks ago and just last week the A/C went out. Kept going warm, and finally the dreaded loud *pop* sound/no more cold air. Got under the car and sure enough...the clutch had sheered right off the compressor! Nearly $1400 later and I ended up with new compressor, coil, clutch, and recharge. I was going to do the work myself, but by the time you figure in parts, having a mechanic evac and recharge the system, and tons of my time, it just made sense to pay a few hundo more and have it done. Sucks having to spend all that after only having had the car 2 weeks, but that's used cars for ya

Anyway, just thought I'd post and add another to the list of major A/C problems. My car is out of warranty, but does anyone think I could do anything to get ANY of my repair bill recouped? Complain to Acura or something possibly?

 

Add my A/C compressor to the long list of failed compressors on this thread. At about 65,000 miles the compressor on my '04 TSX grenaded sending particles of metal throughout the A/C system. Having worked on A/C systems in the past it didn't take long to figure out what the problem was. I proceeded to take the car to the local Acura dealer. I told the Service Manager that the compressor had seized up and I wanted to know if there was anything Acura could do for me even though the car was out of warranty. He stated that they would need to look at the system to determine exactly what was wrong. Two days later I was quoted $2,500.00 for repairs to the system. The Service Manager had contacted Acura concerning a "goodwill" offer to help with the costs. He said Acura was willing to pay half of the bill or $1,250.00. I declined his offer because I felt this amount was still way out of line. Why should I pay that much for something that Honda / Acura has had so many problems with? I will repair the system myself at about $800.00 in parts. A/C compressors should not fail after only 3 years or 65,000 miles, there is a definite problem here and Acura knows it but wil not admit it.
The same problems have been seen on Honda CR-V's for several years now, it is posted all over their forums.

 

i only have the A/C on for a few month of the year, i dont run it in auto mode. will that make my A/C system last longer? thanks.

 

Welcome. I think it wouldn't hurt to try to get them to cover at least some of the costs. Ask and (hopefully) you shall receive.

 

Yeah that's what I was thinking, too...might as well try. I'm still new to having to deal with dealerships (every other car I've owned has never been in a dealership for service since I do all my own work)...who would I try and contact about this? Should I first call that Acura Customer Service/Satisfaction # that's in my owner's manual before going in to the dealership to complain?

 

I'd probably call the service advisor/manager at the dealership you plan to go to and tell them your situation. You just bought the car, and the AC went out and you're wondering if they can in any way help out with the cost of repairs. If that doesn't work, then I'd probably try Acura customer service. If you have several dealers in your area, try each of them until you get someone who will help you out.

 

Cool, I'll keep everyone posted on if I get any help from Acura or not.

 

I doubt it. The A/C compressor will even cycle on and off in the winter when you are using your front window defroster. This is because A/C systems help to pull moisture from the air thus helping to defog/defrost the front windshield. In addition running the unit in the winter months every once and a while helps to circulate lubricant through the compressor and other components. In reality you should be able to run it whenever need be to make you comfortable without worring about your compressor blowing up. Acura is Honda's premium car line in North America. These cars should come with a top notch A/C system up to the task!

 

Bad news for me...no luck with the 3rd party parts order. So, my mechanic is ordering the parts from Acura: compressor - $501; clutch set - $199; Coil - $90; Dryer - $50; Expansion valve - $82. He said there would be a 'little bit' of labor cost and the freon cost. Add in tax and I am looking at a total bill around $1100. This is utterly and totally BULLSHIT!!! No way that Acura should let this p.o.s. part any where near their reliable machine.

While we are on the subject...are there any other extremely expensive surprises that you all could warn me about with our car?!?

 

 

Yes, the headunit.

It is now covered until 7 years or 100,000 miles I believe, but after that, you're screwed.

Really rethinking the extended warranty. What to do.... I dunno, part of me is thinking that if the AC goes out and isn't covered, I'll just trade in the car and forget about fixing it. Kinda sucks, but I don't feel like dealing with the AC failing over and over again, especially at $1800 per fix. Or the headunit, which I just had replaced. And now my passenger side seat heater switch is not illuminating.

 

A little offtopic, but what's the deal with your headunit?

And TSXinTN, I see you're in Nashville as well. What shop quoted you $1100? I paid almost $1400 over at Gary Force last week to get mine done. And I only needed 3 parts, too (compressor, clutch, coil)...wtf!?

I'm calling Acura tomorrow to see if I can get some goodwill help with my bill.

 

Do a search for "console lights" or "HVAC" and you'll see. In some '04s, the lights suddenly go dim and/or the radio stops working. I just had mine fixed last month. It's a PITA. At first, it was just the lights that went out on mine. Then they put the new part in and the lights were back, but the radio and CD player didn't work. They replaced the entire radio after that and all is ok for now.

 

I live in Centerville (work in Brentwood). This mechanic is just a few miles from my house. I trust him and he does good work for cheap.

I, too, am beginning the process of requesting some goodwill assistance.

 

It hit 107 today in Sactown and my A/C did a get job in keeping me cool. Was I fat, dumb and happy driving in stop & go traffic this afternoon. Nope!! All I could think about was WTF it would be like driving around without my A/C. This whole subject is a major bummer and big time downer. I think we should put our heads together and start some type of backfire here to get Acura to address this problem NOW! It's starting to work with the brakes and hopefully the blue seats. I think we should figure out how to speak in one large, loud voice and get their attention. A bad rep with the public is very bad for car sales and car reviewers.


Food for thought - Maybe an Acurazine petition with real life horror stories attached, etc.

 

FYI about the cost to replace the center console if the lights go out after the new 100K mile warranty period: they only have to replace a board now, not the entire unit. I imagine it will cost less than the $1800 or so dollars people were having to pay before they isolated the problem.

 

Maybe, if the circuit board they put in actually works. I just went through that fiasco a couple weeks ago. The circuit board they ordered for me made the lights work, but the CD player and radio quit. They sent me home and ordered a whole new radio, installed it, and now it's working again.

 

Posting a follow-up for anyone else who might have the same problem. I was finally able to reproduce the problem I was having for the dealership. It was a bad relay in the fuse box under the hood. Pohanka Acura fixed it for me right there in the little car drop-off bay while I stood there. They did it free of charge since the car was still under warranty when I first brought it to them.

 

Final bill = $1,250 + 8gb iPhone + a week vacation in FL = BROKE!!!

 

Ouch....that hurts. Hope you enjoyed your vacation, though.

 

Hey Guys:

For those of you who have had their compressors changed by Acura, what warranty (parts and labor) do they give you on the new compressor? How long is the warranty in terms of time and mileage?

 

1yr.

 

I am having a string of bad luck, I guess. Last month, my HVAC lights, stereo, and CD player went out. Maybe a week or so after I got the car back, the passenger side seat heater switch stopped illuminating. I get in the car today to run some errands, and now the damn AC is blowing warm air. WTF?!?!

I got home and called the dealership. I thought service was open till 2pm. Low and behold it's 1pm and I called at 12:55 according to my clock, and the receptionist said service was closed and to call back on Monday. Meanwhile, I took yesterday off from work and could have dropped it off then, instead of doing this during rush hour during the week after work. Ahhhhhhhh!!!!! I am so pissed right now!!

This is definitely my last first year model.

 

Alright, I thought I was going crazy for a few minutes. I got back in my car this afternoon to go to the gym, and the air was cold again. However, it only lasted about 5 minutes, then it got warm. Did it again when I left the gym. What gives?

 

Probably the relay that some folks are having problems with (Check the fuse box in the engine). Symptoms are the A/C cold air goes in and out. Hope it's not your compressor/condenser going bad, otherwise it's a huge fix.