I have an 08 Acura TLS and noticed that the A/C is blowing warm now. I took it to an Acura dealer and they said a rock has hit the condenser and it needs to be replaced. They want $695 to replace it and it's obviously not under warranty since it was caused by a rock.

They recommended I talk to my insurance company because it could be covered under comprehensive coverage due to the flying rock. Has anyone else experienced this? Are there cheaper options?

 

That would have to be one heck of a rock to make the fluid leak like that. What did the Acura dealer say was the pressure on the high and low side of the system?

 

They didn't tell me. I may pick the car up and have a look myself before considering the insurance. I've wondered if this dealer is sketchy and didn't want to take it to them in the first place (but it is waaaay closer than my preferred dealer). Their sales dept is really sleazy so I guess it wouldn't be too unlikely that their service dept would try a few things.

 

yea that is crazy... ive never heard of a rock doing that.... i had a new at the time dodge ram quad cab that the air went out ended up being that the wiring in the dash got pinched and didnt allow the connection to happen when turning on the air so it only blew warm air. not to say this has happened with yours but you never know... id like them to show me the hole in the condenser before i replaced it.

 

Yes, I picked up the car without them doing the work. I'm going to investigate more myself and if it's not obvious, have someone else take a look. They just said the pressure was low but that the compressor and everything was turning on during the tests.

 

Maybe see if there are any specialist shops in your area?? Ones that deal with only Hondas/Acuras if you end up having to go this route again.
It also couldn't hurt to do an internet search of said shops to see if anyone in your area did a testimonial or something regarding the business. Good luck bro.

 

i wrote my comment below without actually reading your post. if its rock damage i cant help, but if its not read my comment and good luck

check the wire that connects to the valve that changes the system from hot to cold. mine slid off so it was stuck in the cold setting in the middle of the winter. the wire has a metal loop at the end and it slides on to a plastic nub that controls the valve. i just bent it a little and slid it back on. has been good for about 8 months now. the valve is near the firewall and right around the centerline of the car

 

It can happen. Rocks can get up in there and cause a puncture. Take a look at any car, chances are that the fins are bent up a bit.

They should be able to show it to your when you pick the car up. If they cannot show you, then they are not being honest. If the compressor is turning, then it should be getting cold. The compressor will not turn (low pressure cutoff switch) if the system is too low. If this is the case, they had to test the compressor by bypassing the factory wiring and connecting directly to a 12v+ source.

A/C is an easy job that any reputable shop can do. If you do need a condenser, then they will likely charge you for a receiver/dryer too, but this is fine and necessary. ...and new refrigerant.

There are some stop leak products that actually work, but some say that they can cause compressor and seal damage over the long haul. This might be OK if you are just in the car for a little bit longer, but I would not do it to my TLs which I plan on having for 8-10 more years. That being said, I used some stop leak on my 1972 olds that is the older type of refrigerant (R12) knowing that when it quit that I would have to buy all new stuff anyway... that was 11 year ago in 2000 and it is still blowing cold.

 

Don't use any stop leak products.
Having said that, yes, a rock can penetrate the condenser, in fact, had it happen to me many years ago. I did the jon myself, but insurance is the way to go.