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Honda Pilot Air Conditioning Problems

71 messages,  Last post on Jan 02, 2013 at 5:35 PM

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What is this discussion about? Honda Pilot, Heating / Cooling, SUV

Messages Page 8 of 8

#66 of 71 Honda Dealer botched A/C repair by ktnr

Oct 23, 2012 (12:52 pm)

According to discountacparts.com:
"Your compressor failed for a reason. The number 1 reason is contamination in the system. Cleaning out this contamination is crucial to ensuring that the new compressor is not also contaminated. Always flush and evacuate before changing parts. Always use A/C system flush solvent. If it is not perfectly clean after the flush and vacuum, we recommend re-flushing the system."
 
My Atlanta Honda dealer botched my A/C system repair by initially just installing a new compressor and running the system to note poor performance. Only then did they inspect the accumulator/drier (replacement of this part is REQUIRED by every compressor manufacturer as part of the warranty) and noted it was leaking desiccant balls and other black junk into the system. THEN they decided to flush only the evaporator line and replace the clogged dryer and also the contaminated condensor (the A/C radiator at the front of the car, often difficult to flush). This is noted right on my invoice! The invoice doesn't mention cleaning or replacing the expansion valve nor purging the other line - things any half-trained A/C technician would have done. Obviously, my new compressor now has it's oil flooded with seven years of accumulated black crud. So I just paid $1,800 for a brand new compressor which WILL fail prematurely.
 
I have a case open with Honda corporate to see what they can do given that the repair ddn't follow the Honda's - or anyone's - service procedures. You have to watch your dealer closely to ensure they perform the A/C repair correctly. The warranty on the repair will be only 90-days labor / 12 -months parts so, if the new compressor fails again within a year, you get to hassle with them all over again on the labor. After a year, you're just out another $1,500-$1,800.

#67 of 71 Honda's position on A/C repairs by ktnr

Oct 25, 2012 (6:20 am)

Honda reviewed my A/C repair bill. I had faxed them Denso’s warranty on their compressors (requires system purging and dryer replacement or the warranty is immediately void) along with industry articles describing the importance of thoroughly cleaning A/C systems to avoid contaminating a new compressor. I faxed them a copy of the Honda Service Bulletin showing the easy and very inexpensive alternative to the dealer’s suggested $480 power steering pump rebuild to cure a minor noise issue. I explained how the Service Advisor switched from protesting AGAINST additional work that would be wise (but would have required him to come in on his day off OR split his commission with someone else) to pushing unnecessary and over-priced work the next day (once he was resigned to protecting his commission by coming in on his day off, the Service Advisor wanted to make it damned worth his while). I explained how the dealer tried to charge me 8.976111 shop hours (a plugged number they made up) before they backed off their “mistake” and cut the labor charge by 40%.
 
Bottom line: Honda said repairing a contaminated A/C system just by replacing one part at a time was “proper”. The attempted over-charges and commission wrangling are solely between me and the dealership. Honda suggested I contact the dealership Service Manager again to see if he can explain what they had previously refused to explain. In a word, Honda offered me NOTHING.
 
If you’re looking for Honda dealer service in downtown Atlanta, you’d be wise to go far North (Woodstock, Georgia) or far South (Morrow, Georgia) instead. Even then, ask in advance to insure that your Service Advisor will be working the next day too in case your car needs to stay overnight. If anyone quotes you a price over the phone, get their full name to avoid hassles over service prices and commissions. Better yet, find a small, local shop who works off their reputation and repeat customers.

#68 of 71 '08 Pilot blows cold & tepid air by dogmama

Oct 27, 2012 (1:22 pm)

My '08 Pilot air alternates between blowing cold air and tepid air. The fan seems stronger when it is blowing cold air. The shop did an air conditioning service & said it was slightly low on freon. Still, the problem continues. They have no more suggestions. Help - I'm in AZ where air conditioning is essential.

#69 of 71 2011 Honda Pilot Lurching by bamonson

Nov 13, 2012 (11:15 am)

Hi,
 
I have a 2011 Honda Pilot with 9,000 miles on it. In the last few months I've noticed that at stop lights (i.e., in gear but brake applied) it will lurch forward. I thought this was just part of the engine revving to compensate for A/C on a hot day, but it also happens when the A/C is off. Anyone else experiencing this?

#70 of 71 2011 Honda Pilot: Odd odor from Air Conditioner by bamonson

Nov 13, 2012 (11:19 am)

This problem does not always occur, but sometimes when you first turn on the A/C it will produce a foul odor, which I can only compare to the smell at a hair salon when someone is getting a perm.

#71 of 71 No Heat-2003 Honda Pilot by mikewave

Jan 02, 2013 (5:35 pm)

I have a 2003 Honday Pilot and don't have any heat. The A/C works well and will blow cold air. The blower works well and will blow air, but I can't get it to blow hot air.
 
I am planning to change the cabin air filter as I expect that can only help, but was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to how to make it blow warm air again or what the scope of the problem might be? Any help or ideas would be welcomed.

Messages Page 8 of 8

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