2000 Odyssey LX a/c broken

Just found out that the air conditioning is broken on our 2000 Odyssey
LX.

I'd noticed that the windows were fogging up an unusual amount in recent
weeks, but only today, the first warm day we've had here, did I finally
try to use outright a/c and come up empty.

This is the second spring in which the a/c has failed in the van the
first time we've tried using it. Is this problem unique to our van, or
more known and widespread?

What can I do to minimize the chance of it recurring?

 

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The fine owner's manual says you're supposed to switch your AC on
occasionally during the 'off' season, to ensure the seals / pump gets
properly lubed.

If your windows are fogging too much, try turning off the 'recirc'
button. Inside air gets wet pretty quick (sweaty humans), outside air is
dry (on the Canadian prairies) at this time of year.

If your van didn't come with an owner's manual, your dealer can order
one for you.

'Curly'

 

What was the problem last year? If it was low freon then you have a slow
leak that needs to be fixed, not just refilled. If the leak isn't fixed you
can count on having it fail every spring. They usually don't drain over the
summer because of constant use.....

 

The climate control mode of choice for us all long winter is the defrost
mode, which automatically puts the a/c on (the button for the a/c lights
up; we can switch it off but choose not to). Does that count as
switching the a/c on?

We almost never use the recirc button, except in conditions of extreme
heat or cold when we're trying to quickly moderate the interior
temperature.