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Wed 4 Jul 2007 21:18

Civic air con dead! - mal

Hi, we have a 2003 Civic old shape and today during a drive in what was a hot spell I noticed the air con was not working. I switched it off and there was no difference in the temperature of the vents.When I arrived home I sat with the car at idle, air con switched off, when I switched it on there was no load placed on the engine at all and the rev counter remained steady, the air did not get any cooler.
There has been no gradual warming up of the air con temperature, this has happened from one day to the next.
I rang the Honda dealers who have serviced the car from new and he said it might need re-gassing at £70 but if that fails then it might be the condenser at approx. £300.........after I regained my composure he said if it was the latter they would request some goodwill from Honda.

Any clue as to whether it will need re-gassing or could it be the condenser?.

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Wed 4 Jul 2007 21:52

Civic air con dead! - Armitage Shanks {p}

If it needs re-gassing where has the gas gone? At least, I suggest you have a leak in the system, and if you are lucky it won't be the condenser.

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Wed 4 Jul 2007 22:49

Civic air con dead! - pinkpanther_75

As far as I understand Air-con systems normally loose around 10-15% of their gas each year. The aircon gas contains a lubricant which is essentiall to keep everything running smoothly, once the level falls below a certain level (?? pressure) a failsafe kicks in which prevents the compressor engaging, thereby protecting the compressor from seizing.

I wouldn't take it to a main dealer for re-gassing, instead look around for a local specialist who will probably charge in the region of £40-50 to check over the system and regass it. He will also add a dye which will make it easier to trace any subsequent leaks.

The chap who regassed my last car told me the aircon system should be serviced / regassed approximately every 2 years in order to keep it in good working order.

As far as the condensor goes £300 sound a bit steep but I guess this is from a main dealer.

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Thu 5 Jul 2007 09:40

Civic air con dead! - Dave N

Probably condensor is rotten. Honda have extended the warranty to 5 years on these, so have a word with your dealer.

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Thu 5 Jul 2007 10:11

Civic air con dead! - RichardW

Dave will know ^^ :-))

But, in general, if it's gone totally U/S in 4 years there's a hole in it - regassing is futile....
--
RichardW

Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....

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Thu 5 Jul 2007 10:48

Civic air con dead! - Saltrampen

When I had my old 02 civic it was the condenser - it went after the 4.5 years - at the time honda did not seem to have extended the warranty - it is a case of hassling the dealer and seeing what they say. They may ask for proof of a full Honda service history.
Honda can charge up to £700 if you have to pay, an independent wil charge £300 - £400 probably.
There is very little protection (er none?) between the condenser and stuff being flung up off the road. Many cars at least have a mesh between condenser and bumper intake.

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Thu 5 Jul 2007 11:27

Civic air con dead! - Armitage Shanks {p}

How can a 'Full Honda Service history' possibly affect the corrosion experienced by an a/c condenser? It isn't in the service schedule SFAIK. More warranty weasel words I'd say!

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Thu 5 Jul 2007 13:58

Civic air con dead! - Saltrampen

I assume it may come under one of the many "Check operation of" listed on dealer's service sheet. Agreed if it is damage, servicing makes no difference and it is the dealer weaselling out of it. the only strange thing is that these civic condensers seem more likely to go after 3 - 4 years, you'd think if it was purely damage it would go anytime. Maybe the fins/metal of the condenser corrode and weaken making it more susceptible to damage?

But I know some dealers insist on FSH before they do anything under warranty and it is probably written into the warranty regardless if it is a service inspection item or not.

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Fri 6 Jul 2007 19:20

Civic air con dead! - mal

Probably condensor is rotten. Honda have extended the warranty to 5 years on these so

have a word with your dealer.

I was happy to be informed of this today when they confirmed it needed a new condenser.

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Fri 6 Jul 2007 19:22

Civic air con dead! - mal

Just as well I had continued with the servicing after the standard warranty expired.

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Sat 7 Jul 2007 18:54

Civic air con dead! - mal

Is the condenser the bit that is exposed on the front to flying stones and looks like a radiator?

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