My AC stopped working at the end of the summer, so I had the dealer check it out today during a service. Tech said the condenser had been hit by something, which voided the extended warranty, and a new condenser would be on the order of $1,050.

Is this something that could be fixed cheaper by an ind. mechanic? Or am I stuck with the dealers?

 

Definitely could be fixed for much cheaper elsewhere. Go get quotes from other shops, and while you're at it have them check again to be sure that is your problem.

 

Two days after buying it (used), my wife's 2007 Honda Odyssey took a rock in the condenser. It was $50 to diagnose the A/C problem, which pinpointed the hole. I then searched locally and online and found the condenser ranged from $200-$700 (independent shop sourced to dealer bend-you-over-to-not-use-lube prices). Add labour on top of that.
I went to www.rockauto.com and got a brand new one delivered to me here in Canada for under $120 all-in (taxes, duties, shipping, etc). Top-quality part, 5-year warranty, and knowing an indie mechanic to put it in for a cash deal helped too ($150 included the new refridgerant, all labour, and an hour of shop-talk with him, LOL!).

Search around, $1050 is WAAAAY overpriced.

FYI: Rockauto has them for a 2004 TSX (just guessed on your model year). Ranging from $91 to $127. The brand I got for my wife's Odyssey was TYC -- they sell a TYC brand one for the TSX for $95 there. Great price. Includes the dryer, which is important (although I think all of them will come with it).

 

Thanks for the info, I do see a few online for under 150 ('06 by the way). Dealer said I must have hit something, but there's no damage to the grill or radiator block, hmmm.

 

Condenser is in front of the radiator = first to get hit. It could have been a smallish rock that hit the 'sweet spot' at a weld between the dryer and the condenser, like on my wife's van. Couldn't see the damage but the tech showed me the leaking tracer-dye they used. It was in a very hard-to-see spot but was consistent with a rock hitting a spot that had a weak weld.

Don't bother with the $150 option - go to Rockauto and get the <$100 "TYC" brand one - LIFETIME warranty too! bring it to any indie shop with AC machines and you're golden.

 

Thanks!

 

The Ody is even more prone than the TSX to this issue. The best solution is either an aftermarket grille (reduces airflow, but was never an issue on our Ody) or just buying a roll of plastic gutter guard and attaching it with zip ties to the crossmembers in the opening on the bottom of the bumper. With a black mesh, it'll stop most impacts (smaller one will get though, but should do too much damage) and be almost invisible.

[http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CFUQ8wIwAA#

 

LOL that's exactly the stuff I used the same day I got her condenser replaced. About a dozen black zip-ties, 30 minutes, and a pair of scissors... and that baby was installed! I didn't bother to remove the bumper. I just cut it to size (with 1" or a bit more on each side for fudge-factor), slipped it under/in (can't remember), and started strapping it in. Worked a charm, and looks like it was installed at the factory.

 

Did you check the comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy? This should be covered same as glass breakage.

 

Thanks for the info everyone. As luck would have it, my radiator went the day before I was scheduled to have the condenser put in at my mechanics. He found a hole in the radiator that lined up perfectly with the hole in the condenser. Was shocked that it took this long for the radiator to give out. Condenser labor plus a new radiator/labor was about 55% of what the dealer wanted just to put in a new condenser. I'll be buying some gutter guard this weekend.