Hi folks! The AC in my 2012 TL (owned by me since 11k miles and currently has 115k miles) stopped working. I suspected an issue with the compressor as I couldn't hear it cycling, so I took the car to the dealer and they did an AC diagnosis which found that the compressor is shot. They quoted me 2k to replace with OEM compressor (labor + parts) or 1k to go with an after market compressor. OEM comes with 1 year warranty and the after market doesn't come with any.
1. I am a noob when it comes to cars, and I distrust dealers, so first thing I'd like to do is confirm that the compressor is dead and not just a cheap relay/fuse. Is that doable by someone with basic electrical & tool skills?
2. Is it reasonable for the compressor to fail after 10 years & 115k miles? I live in upstate NY, so the AC is only used 4-5 months each year. I'd imagine this would fail much earlier in a hot climate.
3. Is 2k for OEM compressor replacement in line with that others have paid? Dealer estimated the job will take 3.5 hours
4. Should I go with OEM or after market? Maybe I can buy the parts from a reputable manufacturer and just pay the dealer for the labor?
5. Is this a sign of more things to break? It only takes a few more 2k repair jobs to replace the entire car. I'd like to keep the car to 200k miles without breaking the bank.

Your feedback & help is appreciated

 

I'd take it to an independent auto A/C shop for a second opinion, and hopefully a lower price if indeed the compressor has failed.

 

That's a fair point. I made an appointment at an independent shop for later this week. I'll update with that they find.

 

Find a good a/c guy and they can use the same parts for way less. If you have a mechanic that lets you bring your own parts I suggest the following as I had the same issue around 120K miles. My compressor died and sent metal through the system. Replaced the compressor, condenser + receiver/dryer, metering valve, schrader valves (low and high side) and new suction hose. Once metal gets in the system it can send metal particles throughout the system.

 

The independent mechanic I have will let me use my own parts but it wouldn't come with any warranty. Do you recall how much replacing all those components cost and were they Acura parts or after market? Have you had any AC or other issues with the car since then?

 

Try Services in online forums for local dealers/independents

Current
2013 TL SH-AWD Advance - Full Tint/Bra, Full Weathertech - Awaiting Big Brake
2017 Accord Touring - Full Tint/Bra, Full Weathertech - Awaiting Big Brake, 3.7L Intake/Manifold installs

 

115K miles is WAY early for an AC compressor to fail. But anomalies in manufacturing exist. And things happen during a car's lifespan, so its not totally impossible.

Have a shop check it out and give you a reason WHY they think the AC compressor is to blame.

BTW, your AC compressor is used virtually any time you use the climate control. Its automatically cycled on/off to dry the air out. Otherwise your windows would fog up.

 

Denso compressor from rockauto, same with the condenser. I got the A/C lines, PAG Oil and metering valve though oemacuraparts.com ; Tim is the man there and I've been buying stuff from him since close to 2007!

 

Thanks all for the feedback. I chickened out, mostly because this weekend is going to be a scorcher and have family visiting, so I talked down the dealership quote and went with them. The independent shop had quoted me around $900 to replace the compressor without replacing any other parts (stator set, o-rings, etc..), which the dealer recommended. If I had the independent shop replace the same parts, cost would probably be $1100-$1200 and the dealership ended up costing $1687 (down from 2k after 10% service & $100 part discount). Extra couple hundred for the convenience of having it done before the weekend.

@BROlando Interesting. I do use the climate control system all the time, so that makes more sense.

@csmeance I found the compressor & stator set on oemacuraparts.com for about 25% less than dealer price & confronted the dealer about it. They said no way those are original because they can't get them at that price and that they'd lose money if they sold the compressor at $682. I call BS so they gave me a $100 additional "discount" as consolation.

Lesson for others: Source your own parts and use an independent shop.

Fingers crossed this is the last major thing that goes bad for the next 2-3 years. Last year was expensive with the water pump/timing belt service and this year with the AC debacle.

 

Good luck with the repair. If you don't want the A/C active all the time when you have the climate control on auto, just push the A/C button to turn it off. Other climate control settings remain in effect. You should see a little bump in city mpg too as a bonus. Where I live, there's often no need to run the A/C all the time, especially outside of summer.

 

Despite the higher cost, you get the dealer backed warranty on the repair and piece of mind knowing they are acura parts. Those prices are real and it's because they are selling lots of parts directly to consumers and cutting out the dealer. The profit margins dealers make on parts is INSANE! Google the part numbers and you'll see legit acura dealers selling parts at amazing prices.