[oddy05]

So our 05, 60k Ody is at the dealer getting a oil change, brake seal recall, alignment, and tranny fluid drain and fill.

We drive down the street, park and eat and get back in the van to head home. Immediately we notice the A/C isn't working very good, but is slightly cool. A couple miles down the road it is ambient temperature.

I turn around and head back to the dealer, and they are closed.

Am I paranoid, or is this pure coincidence? I'm not sure how anything we had fixed had anything to do with the A/C system, but it literally quit working within 2 miles of the dealership. No A/C issues to date.

I'm trying to read these threads about the condensor and I'm not sure what I am looking at when people say "it is spinning"...

When I turn the A/C on, I hear the engine pitch change. Is this the condensor kicking on?

Yet when I hook up the low pressure hose gauge, it reads >100 with the A/C on full blast.

I pulled the fuse for the clutch, and it appears intact. Of course it is Saturday and I'm going to have to wait til Monday to call the dealer...

Any pointers? Or threads/videos with pics?

Thanks!!

 

[txn]

Are you saying you saw > 100 psi on the low pressure port ??
I am no A/C expert but the low pressure port should be between 30 and 40 psi, depends on ambient temp.
If you saw 100 psi on the low port, you have to bring it to the pros.

 

[oddy05]

Yea, I agree. I'm guessing it must be the compressor based on what I've read here. Considering we run it on max 9 months a year here in FL, I'm guessing this is a reasonable time frame for one to go...

I'll update once I get time to take it in.

 

[txn]

I live in very hot TX and I expect the compressor to last 10+ yrs.
So far, my 12+ year-old cars are still cranking on the original compressors.

Unfortunately, your van happens to have a compressor with an earlier-than-average failure.

 

[oddy05]

Clutch and coil for compressor. Total to replace clutch and coil with recommended schraeder seals and valves replacedor whater... $980.

No seals, just clutch and coil... $760.

10% off and free rental for one day.

Reasonable? Or go elsewhere?

Thanks!

 

[stevescivic]

wow that is pricey.

Is the compressor clutch and coil at least new? Shops in my neck of the woods often use remaned parts but they also charge a lot less than $980.

More in the realm of $650 ish is what I think is reasonable.
You might be better off replacing the entire compressor with a complete remaned unit for that price b/c your van is already 6+ years old and since you're in Florida where the temps and humidity are quite extreme 8 out of the 12 months in the year that your compressor could very well be on its way out too. I think they do need to remove the compressor out of the van to replace the clutch and coil assembly so why bother with that when you can buy a remanufactured unit and drop it in. You could also do the work yourself permitted you get a shop to properly discharge the system and work quickly to pull the part out. Shrader valve replacement is easy and you can do it yourself once there is NO refrigerant in the system. All you'll have to do after you've replaced the parts is to take it back to the shop to have it properly
evacuated and re-charged.

If you do decide to do it yourself (relatively easy I think on the van) that you also replace the dryer assembly. Shouldn't be too pricey but at least then you know your repaired system is "dry" so it cools properly. Moisture in an A/C system is bad and leads to future failures.

I have no personal experiences with failing Honda factory issued compressors but from what I've read it seems that the Odyssey compressors live a relatively short life compared to other vehicles.

Just a thought to consider.

 

[cnn]

...No seals, just clutch and coil... $760.

The problem is: Honda dealer usually removes the AC compressor, thus the need to discharge and recharge R134a, adding to the labor costs. So $600-700 is about right.

However, there is a way to replace the Stator and AC Clutch without the need to remove the AC compressor from the car.

Take your time to go through the thread below.
Pay attention to posts by "geobrick", "DirkDaddy" and myself "cnn".
Very easy DIY using simple tools (serpentine belt removal tool, 10-mm wrench/AC pulley held by old rubber belt, circlip remover):

The bottom line:

Stator: $56
AC Clutch: $128

http://www.odyclub.com/forums/52-2005-2010-odyssey/93901-05-compressor-clutch-troubleshooting.html

 

[JamesInLV]

I live in very hot TX and I expect the compressor to last 10+ yrs.
So far, my 12+ year-old cars are still cranking on the original compressors.

Unfortunately, your van happens to have a compressor with an earlier-than-average failure.

Agreed. My 1999 Toyota Landcruiser spent 10 of it's 12 years in Las Vegas. Perhaps not as harsh as Texas (very low humidity in Vegas) but lots of usage and still going strong without a single problem. My '07 Odyssey being my first Honda has not given me many good feelings about getting another Honda.