I haven't seen that one yet, and certainly not on an 06.

 

What do you mean "center register?"

The fan speed will vary in AUTO, depending on external temp and internal temp. Lately, in NC, it's been pretty high. What happens when you set the temp to "Lo" (p. 163)?

When was the last time you have the a/c system checked during regular maintenance?

 

It is an "old timey" way of saying vent(s).

 

i never knew what center register was myself until you explained it

 

dwest1023 or any 2006+ Tsx owners:


"My TSX is an 06. When I first got the car the A/C worked very well. Now it seems is not quite as cold even thought the center register read 38 degress. I also noticed that the fan speed seems to be lower in the auto mode with the temp set at 71. I barely hear the fan running at all. Is the problem me or the car?"


I have a 2005 TSX. I only have a display that gives me the exterior air temperature reading. Not the interior. Do owners of 2006, 2007, and 2008 TSXs have displays that give you guys BOTH the exterior and interior air temperatures?

 

Oh, he's talking about internal diagnostic sensors. I remember it from the Easter egg thread:

28. On non-NAVI vehicles, holding the AUTO and DUAL climate control buttons while starting the car initiates an interface to diagnostic sensors. Cancel this mode with the AUTO button or turning the ignition off. Cycling through the sensor with the REAR DEFROSTER button:
1. In-car temperature in Celsius
2. Ambient temperature in Celsius
3. Solar radiation sensor: Dark=00, Flashlight=04, Cloudy=10, Sunny=65
4. Engine coolant temperature
5. Evaporator (?) outlet temp in Celsius
6. Driver’s air mix opening (low value indicates cooler air distribution, higher value indicates warmer air distribution) in % of opening
7. Passengers air mix opening
8. Vehicle speed in Km/h (2004-2005 MY; later years shows 00 for 0-9 km/h, 01 for 10-19 km/h, etc.)(this may be used by the HVAC system to adjust fan speed based on general car velocity)
9. Vent air out temperature

 

Add me to the list of 2004 TSX's with the A/C issue. I noticed a clanking noise in the engine when the A/C was on. Ten minutes later I heard a noise which sounded as if I drove over something metallic. I assume that was some part(s) of the A/C falling off as instantly the air coming out of the vents got warmer.

Since that happened, I called my dealer (Park Ave Acura) and they have no knowledge of this issue. I also called Acura Customer Service and received the same message. Customer Service suggested I first take the car to the dealer, get the problem officially diagnosed and then call back Acura while the car is at the dealership.

Somehow I suspect this is not going to be an easy fight.

 

"No knowledge"......... yeah right.

Good luck.

 

Please check out our A/C repair invoices thread. Acura knows about it... maybe your dealership specifically doesn't, but I call because we have a N.J. dealership invoice just posted. Either way, you now have info to help your fight. Once you get the work done, make sure to scan and post in the invoice section as well, to be a benefit to the next AZ member.

EDIT: If they don't know about it, tell them to call Bridgewater or Lawrenceville dealerships... we have their invoices.

 

Well i decided to get the relay and just give it a shot instead of forking over serious $$ for a diagnostic. I put the new relay in and got in the car, turned on th a/c and I had cold air coming out the passenger side!! driver side was a little warm so i hooked up my freon gauge and now it was giving me a good reading and said it was low. so i filled it up and now it works like a charm!! Thanks guys! this place just saved me LOTS of $$$$$!!!

 

Hrm. Checking freon level ... is that a routine maintenance item? I don't find it mentioned in, e.g. the 2007 manual, or the more detailed 2004 OM "Maintenance" section. My impression is that if you're in a hotter clime, one might get it checked yearly. I'm going to ask my AAA station to do it along with the A1 oil and tire job in a coupla weeks.

 

In low mod, the fan goes high as its suppose to. I had my system vacuumed and recharged and it seems better. I guess it needs to be checked once in awhile.

 

Most folks do not get the A/C checked unless there seems to be a problem. There is no recommended maintenance other than to use the system once in awhile to keep things lubed.

 

Welp. If you've been lurking around the "A/C Repair Invoices - Post them up" thread, you've seen my $4k RO for the entire A/C system replacement posted there. Luckily, I only had to pay $100. The rest was covered by an extended service agreement.

HOWEVER...

My A/C failed on the way home today. This is especially disappointing because the ENTIRE SYSTEM was replaced as of June 2nd! As soon as it stopped working (during my commute home) I called Glen (my service advisor) and gave him the bad news. He was like "What the hell, we replaced everything!" So, they gave me a loaner RDX and I will know more sometime tomorrow.

I have a feeling something broke, as when the A/C was on I could feel the car intermittently surge. When the car would surge, the blower motor would slow down for a split second. I popped open the hood when I arrived at the dealership and there wasn't anything obviously out of place. Sooo...we'll see!

Aggravating!!!!!

 

^

 

More like San Jose basin in the middle of summer.... I used to fly around there in a little Citabria Belanca. HOT. I feel your pain....

 

Haha, yeah. I had to do my commute plus time to get to the dealer with no A/C. From Menlo Park to San Jose (to drop off a co-worker) then to Los Gatos (I take my car to Los Gatos Acura). Boy was it fun! At one point, the car's outside temp gauge was reading 108.

 

So, the dealer called me today to confirm that the NEW A/C compressor that was just installed (along with the rest of the system) has failed. They ordered another compressor and expect it to arrive in time to install it on Wednesday.

Maybe we should log this stuff. I'm on replacement A/C system 1, and will be on replacement compressor 2.

 

DAMN!!! You're on your third compressor now??!!??!!...Has Honda just ignored the issues w/the compressor manufacturer and continued to sell and install the faulty compressors???...This sucks!...Makes me want to dump the car for something else...Maybe a Lexus since I know dozens of friends and family who have Lexi and haven't had any major issues (even when they have issues, service always takes care of them)....

 

There is, the thread for posting repair records . If you can host images, post a pic/scan of your invoice(s) with personal address and at least the last 5 digits of your VIN obscured. If you need photo-editing or hosting help, ask me or moda_way.

A few more owners' invoices for this and we'll have a compelling argument to Acura's "we have no knowledge of this problem" claim. Your invoices, with two back-to-back replacements of the compressor , would be superb.
________________

Oh wait, you did . Keep posting!

 

^ Don't worry. I'll definitely be posting the second invoice!

 

Yep yep. I'm not going to go too crazy over this yet. The dealer I take my car to has been very accommodating and pretty good about the whole situation. When I mentioned A/C compressor problems BEFORE mine totally blew up, my service advisor had said they haven't done very many clutch replacements on TSXes yet (maybe he was lying, maybe he was telling the truth...I don't know). It was a major bummer to have the new A/C compressor go out, but it could be a coincidence and that I just happened to get a bad one . I really don't know. If I continue to have A/C problems, then I'll start to really get upset. Even though I said this with the last repair, hopefully this A/C repair is it! Only time will tell.

Hopefully keeping a record of the various invoices will help other people when they encounter the same problem. I'd hate for many others to get stuck with a $2k-$4k repair!

 

^ I meant to say "compressor" where I said "clutch" .

 

Well I don't own a TSX, but I thought about getting a CPO TSX, but I guess that is not such a good idea! I hope Acura/Honda smartens up on this issue! I had the exact same issue on my brand new 2001 Accord V6 at 78000km (18000km over) and had to pay $600 out of pocket after all considered goodwill! Secondly, my dad's 1999 Odyssey (first year of the big Odyssey w/3.5L V6 Engine), we bought an extended service plan knowing it was a first year model; however that being said, same clutch/AC compressor failure at between 130000 to 140000km (ext warr. to 160000km/100000mi). sorry for the ranting but we are on our 4th Honda (we do respect that their engines and gas mileage are acceptable and they have good ergonmics), but I think Honda/Acura have slacked in quality! I'm currently looking at other cars, thought about a 2004+ (current body style) TL, but any more crazy issues/failures are not worth taking on. Mercedes C class here I come?

Anyways, good luck to anyone and everyone who have had their AC/clutch/compressor replaced. The biggest issue in my opinion as per my experience with the 2001 V6 Accord, is that transmissions and AC system are repeat failure items meaning that it's like Acura/Honda use the same crappy components to replace the same crappy components which failed in the first place!

 

I know as of late Toyota has been having major issues with V6 Camry 5 speed auto transmissions and with the new Tundra truck's reliability (made in a new plant in Texas), but having owned a brand new (leased) 2005 Solara xle V6 to replace the Accord, I got 80000km of trouble free driving and unbeatable gas mileage which is 20% better than the Accord's. The hint being get any Toyota other than the 1st year new Camry V6 with auto transmission and 1st year Tundra.

...and ACURA - Honda, Will you find new suppliers, I am tired of hearing LOUSY SUPPLIERS and failures of parts coming from those 3rd parties which work to not only tarnish the ACURA & Honda name but also limits the customer to proprietary garbage replacement parts all over again! Hinting @ the transmission 2nd gear (due to outsourced bearing failure), A/C comp/clutch and the non-NAVI radio displays on 2003-2007 TSX/Accords; am grateful to have a 2006 with Navi for this very reason; rather than pay for a new radio, rather pay for an upgraded one lol!

Mercedes seems to be having their act together as of late! I am really liking them based on my mom's GL SUV, rear view cam no issues and passenger reverse mirror tilt works like a charm as well, truck has 11000km (7000mi) on it, so far nothing other than fogged up license plate lenses. Anyways, I am planning on a new C Class or maybe a 2009 TSX if no issues come up.

 

You're going to have a very hard time finding a 2004 TSX as a CPO ... and the a/c problems seem to be predominately with 2004 models, though many 2005s are over the 50,000 mark. YMMV, but seems only 2004 models have regularly reported problems like the a/c, the center console lighting, and the headlight moisture intrusion. (Mod correct me if my memory is faulty.)

So don't walk away thinking the entire 1GEN TSX line is a bummer....

 

It's only been the 2004s that have had such problems. Subsequent years have been much better. Personally, I'd go 2006 or newer for the additional features.

Oh, and MB is not exactly the model of reliability....lol. I'd stay far away from the C Class if I were you.

 

Question for the 04's with AC problems. I have an 05 with about 59,000 miles, this weekend It was too hot in Cali. so I had my AC on, and sometimes when I would come to a complete stop my AC makes a weird noise, a whoooot sound.

When your AC's were about to die, did any of you notice that noise?

 

When mine kicked the bucket, it was sudden. I didn't get a warning of impending A/C failure.

 

Update (long post):

First, thank you to everyone on the board for participating on this thread, providing guidance, and for posting their respective invoices.

I took my car to the dealership again and had them officially diagnose the problem. The service manager was reasonably friendly but unwilling to acknowledge that the issue may be a systematic problem with TSX’s. I printed out this thread and tried to get him to at least understand that there ~25 people who have had the exact same issue. His comment was that 25 out of “hundreds of thousands” does not constitute a “common problem.” I also conveyed to him how I had an issue with my center console lights and was out in front of that issue as the TSB was not released until a few years later. I also asked him if I could speak to the factory representative to which he told me that the person is extremely busy and unlikely to show up for 6 weeks!!! At that point I knew he was lying to me but I was trying remain cordial to keep my chances of getting help high.

He called back later in the afternoon and gave me the expected diagnoses that the compressor, clutch assembly and other related parts needed to be replaced. He then told me that he spoke to Acura and that they would be willing to cover some portion of the bill which would leave me with ~$850 to pay out of my pocket.

I then called Acura myself and was assigned to Leon Jones, a regional representative. Leon was extremely friendly and took the full details of my issue. He also gave me a fax number to send him a copy of this thread. Specifically, he asked me if I get my car serviced at Acura and if I have owned other Honda/Acura’s in the past.

A few hours later, Leon called me back and told me that he spoke to the dealership and that the original offer from the dealership is the best they could do. He also told me that prior ownership (I had a 98 Integra before this) and service history is the most important factor they assess when determining assistance from the factory. I pointed out that other owners on this board were able to get the full amount of the repair covered to which he replied that factory assistance is determined on a case by case basis. In my case, the car is in the last month of the warranty from a time perspective but is 23K over the mileage limit.

I guess I feel fortunate that I’m only out ~$850 but I still have a bad taste in my mouth with regards to the car. Like others, I chose the TSX over other potentially more “fun” to drive cars largely based on a perceived superiority in quality and longevity.

I suggest that people try and get assigned to Leon Jones as he at least has some context on the issue and has acknowledge this thread. Perhaps Acura will acknowledge this issue if enough people call to complain.

Acura
800-382-2238
Leon Jones, case manager, eXt: 115004

 

So ... if I haven't owned a Honda previously for 20 years, then my chances of getting a factory repair would be diminished? That's . Someone buying an Acura for the reliability, then faced with a common problem, does NOT want to hear, "Well, other people have owned Legends and Integras and CLs, but you haven't ... so we're less willing to help you."

I think my next car (5-10 years hence) will be a Lexus or Infiniti. I actually started looking for a Lexus, and was lured over to Acura by coworkers who've owned several. Hmph. (To their credit, they did warn me away from used CLs with the strongest possible language.)

 

So if prior ownership is a factor, wouldn't they want to KEEP customers who don't have experience dealing with Honda/Acura by giving them the incentive of great accommodations? The TSX is my first import, and my first from the Honda family. The reliability experience hasn't been great. If owning non-Hondas/Acuras beforehand equals worse treatment from Acura, maybe I shouldn't consider Acura for my next purchase (whenever that may be).

I'm almost tempted to leave Leon a voicemail.

 

FYI, I was at the local Honda dealership yesterday getting the A/C charge on the wife's 01 Civic and I asked the tech if he'd seen any CRVs or Elements come in with A/C compressor failures (since we share the same basic motor). He looked at me as if to say, "How the fk do you know about that." His actual response was, "Well, ya know.... if I had to count how many I've done last summer and the few this summer, it is easily over 10 and counting. Most are the CRVs though... only a couple of elements." I did ask why no TSB and the obvious was his response, "Well, everyone would be in here then if they heard a tiny noise at all." That isn't entirely true since TSBs are not publicized like recalls, but this is more evidence that the K24's compressor has a high failure rate, not just on our cars. Thought you all might find that interesting coming from 1 tech at 1 Honda dealership. More power to our arguments with Acura.

 

LOL. Good sleuthing. My guess about the CRV's being in more often than the Element is that the CR-V simply outsells the Element by a large margin, so there are more of them on the road that can have the potential problem.

 

I think what Leon was getting at is actually that they look to see if you service your car at an Acura dealership on a regular basis instead of taking it to a private mechanic. I'm guessing they want to see that you've spent money with Acura instead of an outside place. It's still crappy, though. Where you service your car shouldn't matter whether or not they help you out with a major repair that shouldn't happen in the first place.....you still bought a car from them.

 

Well my '04 6MT with 113K km had the compressor grenade on Tuesday. Thanks to this thread I already knew what was up, so I took it to the dealer yesterday. They came back with an estimate of CDN$4152 plus tax!!!!!!! They said they entire system needed to be replaced because of the mysterious metal particles in the system. Well last night I could see that they did not even open up the system to comfirm this, I guess they are just making an assumption. Anyway, I get on the phone to Acura Canada, and like the last few posts, I have owned Honda's/Acuras consistently for the past 17 years. Well Acura would do nothing to assist. I told them about all the examples on this forum and the response is "I don't see a TSB on it" therefore no problem. They were not interested in helping at all, nor keeping a long term customer. This on a problem plagued, low VIN '04. Already had the clutch m/c and complete pedal assembly changed, and I have the oil consumption issue (~1L per 1500km), now the A/C problem. So I'm a little disgruntled.

The price jump from the ~$1900 quotes to the much higher ones seems to be the addition of the condensor, evaporator and hoses. How has peoples experience been with replacing just the compressor and clutch and not the condensor. evaporator and lines?

Dan Martin - Could you tell me where in Toronto you had this work done, since they only did the compressor for you?

 

^ Ouch.

The fact that they continue to ignore this huge problem really pisses me off. Why the hell won't they just do something about it?? For God's sake!

 

I picked up my car today. I'm officially on my 3rd compressor! I will post the invoice soon. We'll see how long this lasts.

 

I have the roughly the same mileage, and have had the same issues as you in Toronto as well. Another concern is that we don't use our AC's as much in Canada as in the US and there might not be as many cases of 04 TSX AC failures to warrant a TSB or recall...

 

i'm getting worried about these numerous 04 problems, so in addition to getting my 60K service which costs $475, the acura dealer checked my a/c. they said that my a/c was at a bit high temp at 44F, instead of 38F, so they will recharge the system for another $150.