Now I know that Honda/Acuras do have issues with AC so Im not sure if my issue is a common one or what, but here is the deal:

2005 RL with 55,000 miles on it. I bought it 5 months ago with 50,000 miles on it. It was serviced at Acura so I have all the service records and at 49,000 miles, the AC Compressor was replaced under warranty.

However, when it is really hot out, and I first turn the car on, it seems the air that comes out is barely even cool until I drive the car around for a couple minutes then the AC blows cooler, but still.. not COLD like it does in for example my girlfriends 2003 Accord.

Is it possible I just need a recharge of the system? I would think they would have done that 6,000 miles ago when replacing the AC Compressor no? Any input is appreciated! Thanks

Tom

 

See: https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-2005-2012-76/2g-rl-c-problems-497943/

There is a tsb on this issue

I just had to replace my stator on my 2005 RL to address this same issue, intermittent a/c. It works much better now. I got the part (stator, part number is listed in that thread linked above) from the dealer for $115 or so and put it on myself. It was a bit of a chore, remove right front wheel, inner fender liner, windshield washer resovoir and pump, accessory belt, center bolt of a/c compressor clutch and then 2 c clips which required some artful bending of c clip pliers to get off. If I had to do it again, I might just pay someone to do it if I could get someone to do that specific job without wanting the $50 - 100 up front for a diagnostic fee.

 

Twstanley,
Did you have to evacuate the system? I know some compressor seals can blow if clutch removed with system under pressure. Is this compressor different? If so that would be great. I plan to do this same project this weekend. I was planning to evacuate the system and recharge. Dont want to blow the seal. Anymore guidance would be apreciated.

 

I also have an '05 RL w/55k miles and my AC is not terribly cold either. My '07 XC70 AC works a lot better, but isn't stellar.

Is "Not cold enough" air something that could be fixed under warranty? Just wondering if you guys know. If not, I'll check w/dealer next time I bring the car in.

In my previous Acura was a '97 3.2 TL and the AC on that thing was a beast. After about 10 minutes, I'd have to turn the fan down to the lowest setting so I wouldn't have to put a parka on. It was wonderful!

 

Just out of curiosity what it your temp set at?

It will certainly take a few mins for the car to cool off after a first start (esp on a hot day) but it should get cold if the climate control is set low.

 

TC101 and FatNoah
The 1st thing I would do is replace the cabin air filter. There has been numorous instances of replacing this filter making a tremendous difference. Just a thought. Easy and cheap relatively speaking.

 

Thanks Stew, I am going to buy one this weekend I think. I actually took mine out and it was covered in leaves and pollen. I dont even thikn any could pass through it bc it was so dirty! On another note, it only doesnt blow cold in some instances when its over 90 degrees so maybe I am being picky bc at all other times its fine. Either way, def gettting new cabin filter!

 

No, the system doesn't need evacuated to change the stator.

 

Oh and regarding temp setting, when my rl was having this problem it didn't matter what the temp was set to or if the system was on auto or not, you just didn't get cold air at all.

If I started up my car to go home from work (hot car, been sitting in the sun) it would be 10 minutes before (I think anyhow) the stator would have enough oomph to start engaging the a/c clutch somewhat (and it was probably engaging and disengaging constantly).

Even in the morning on the way to work, the a/c wasn't cool and comfortable, it was more intermittent, blow cool moist air, some warm moist, some cool dry air, etc...

After changing the stator cold air starts coming out right away - it might still take a few minutes to get the car cooled off, but at least cold air is blowing on me while it does this.

 

Thanks Twstanley,
I changedout my stator lastnight. Thanks for the advice. The a/c working great now.