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SUVs Honda CR-V Honda CR-V AC Compressor Problems
1373 messages, Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 9:46 AM
You are in the Honda CR-V Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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I recently purchased a used 2002 Honda CR-V because I thought Honda made a reliable vehicle. This is the 3RD Honda I've owned and all of them were purchased used. My wife has a 2003 Honda Odyssey van that we purchased used with over a hundred thousand miles on it and it is still running fine after putting and additional 24000 miles on it. However on this CR-V the AC compressor blew about 2 weeks after I bought it. I had it diagnosed by a local AC repair shop and they verified the compressor was completely locked-up, and the mechanic informed me that Honda should have recalled these vehicles and repaired them when this problem first started showing up. He said the condensing unit flues are too small and causes the compressor to have to work much harder to keep the freon flowing thru the system because the condenser isn't capable of cooling the freon as efficiently as it should and this causes the compressor to fail prematurely. I then took it to the local Honda dealership and informed them that I had it diagnosed already and the compressor was bad and the condenser and other components would have to be replaced and I had already worked out a deal with the Honda Parts Manager for a discount on the parts. I left and was called later with an estimate of $2800.00 for the repair. I said what?? What about the discount on the parts? The service writer said the the entire AC system would have to be replaced because bits of metal were all in the hoses and components. Then I said how much is the parts and was informed that the bulk of the charge was labor and the parts even discounted were about $1200.00. I informed him that I had researched this problem on the internet and he said he might be able to get me some assistance from Honda. I told him that I realized that I had made a big mistake in buying that car and if I had researched it thoroughly I would never have bought it. He is supposedly working with Honda America to get me some assistance and hopefully they will cover some of the cost, I informed him that if they don't I'll just buy the parts and repair it myself, the only thing I can't do is evacuate the system. I'll post what happened later. |
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The AC blew in 102 degree weather; the shop that works on my car replaced it for parts only because they'd only fixed it 14 months previously, and they felt bad that it was out of warranty. The car was making a noise that sounded like idling problems so he returned the car yesterday. They tried to reset everything using the computer but it failed. Today, they say it's the compressor and that they'd been getting bad parts lately. It looks like this is becoming an issue. Anyone know what's going on? |
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| My compressor failed on Sunday 60 miles from my home outside of Phoenix. It was 114 degrees, there was an accident that kept traffic still for about 45 minutes, and I had a puppy and a small child with me. I could not pull over as that would have prolonged our getting home and on a winding road, that would have been dangerous. Even with water and the windows open, my daughter was beet red and the dog was panting wildly. My hands were tingling and while I maintained my composure, I grew more and more concerned for them as we stayed in traffic awaiting the road to clear. Once in town, I was able to stop for water and ice, but you can imagine at 114 degrees outside, what that drive felt like. My daughter was lethargic the next day despite my attempts to keep her hydrated. Their little systems can't handle that type of heat so well. She did get better and I later received three different quotes with the last one giving the best quote (with persistence.) The service manager said this was a known problem and they wouldn't turn any CRVs owners away. The compressor failure took out the whole AC system which will cost me ( w/ the discount) $1,250 plus tax. The Honda rep I spoke with was unkind and unsympathetic and would not give the full name of her superior nor would she let me speak with him. I was calm but firm in that I still did not understand why Honda has paid for this repair in full for some, but in part, or not at all for others. I am supposed to get a call within 2 days but will let them fix it at the $1250,.00 and hope for more resolution later on. I am grateful for something, but am horrified my their lack of empathy and their lack of consistency in dealing with this compressor issue. If the flues are too small, then they should recall the CRVs and fix them, or simply fix the systems at no charge when the issues come up. They also said they're hard to maintain in Phoenix. That response was also very confusing. Again, if that's the case, we should know this up front or they should fix the issue so it can handle the Phoenix heat. | |
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Replying to: alana50 (Jul 14, 2009 12:26 pm) It sounds like this was an AC shop, not a dealer? Do you know if they used a Honda OEM compressor, assuming that was one of the parts replaced earlier?
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Replying to: steve_ (Jul 14, 2009 2:58 pm) |
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Replying to: steve_ (Jul 14, 2009 2:58 pm)
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Replying to: dwkinsey (Jul 14, 2009 9:21 pm) |
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Interesting.... Just read on the Mazda forum regarding some Mazda3's having issue with their air conditioners (Compressors - 06 model) that are out of warranty and the cost to replace is around $1,550.00. Tells me that if one does keep their cars longer, it might be wise to get the extended warranty to cover the high cost. |
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Replying to: blueiedgod (Jul 14, 2009 8:56 am)  Actually, the nice thing about the CR-V design is that I only need the sledge for 2007 and later. Before that, they fry themselves. 
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Been following this board since my extended warranty ran out last year. Got 5 year 100,000 miles thinking my wife would hit the mileage soon. Now have 89,100 on my 2003 CRV. The A/C is cooling fine, but have noticed the compressor rumbles noticably especially when idiling. My question is there an advantage to replacing now over waiting until it goes out? Will more parts have to be replaced? I am under the impression that if you replace before it goes out, you still should replace some of the other parts, but which parts? I guess it is pay now or pay later, but how much more later. I asked my mechanic about it last year(shop works only on Honda and Acura) and he said to bring it in if it started making more noise than normal. If I take it in while it still works, what can they check? By the way, the mechanic did say that he keeps compressor parts stocked for the CRV's since he sees he replaces about 3 a year in his shop. He said the compressor is quite pricey and said it could be upwards of 1,200.00 with labor. Not sure if that included any other parts. |
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