A/C explosions:Recall, need more info?

Sunday, March 18, 2007, our 2003 Honda CR-V Air Conditioner seized up,
causing the AC electromagnetic clutch to explode, sending the parts
through the lower front shrouds and onto the street.

Honda dealer where we bought it with a 1 year warranty, Dec, 2005, says
bring it in Tuesday for their assessment, and to file forms for a
potential help from Honda Motors.

You see, internal contamination on this tested and "Honda Certified"
Used Honda, is the only thing that could have caused this.

It has been running nice and cold when we used it, and was fine as we
were going down the road, until the sudden 'explosion' happened!

Word is that the entire system gets changed out! Dealer states if it is
in the criteria of failure Honda has been suffering, Honda will "help us
out'.

Hmmmm. Their "bad" problem, and I pay? I think the jury is out on that
for the nonce, and the attorneys are waiting in the wings.

Anyone with any experience of having their Air Conditioning go entirely
bad due to internal contamination should comment here. Did you pay?
What percent did Honda offer you?

TIA

 

I dunno about internal contamination being the root cause. The compressor on
our '85 Volvo seized and smoked the clutch (smelled like brownies baking,
actually.) The system had never been opened except for one evacuation and
charge.

However, now there probably are shards of compressor running around in the
system :-(

Finally, have you determined it was the compressor seizing that was at
fault? Normally, the clutch just burns up when that happens. Yours really
sounds more like the bearing seized, which locks the outer pulley regardless
of whether the clutch is engaged. If the system gets changed out it would
be the compressor; it just seems odd.

Mike

 

Can you find out for us what years were affected?

Mike

 

Our HUGE local dealer service department states it seems a common
problem, and one tech. mentioned a total recall, while a second tech.
wants to diagnose first. Both stated that Honda Motors has been picking
up the tab, for entire system replacement!

I suspect contaminated products, not properly made, such as weak hoses,
that let some internal part slough off and the grudge breaks out, making
he compressor seize up!

But, want others with Hondas that have had this to comment, though yours
is appreciated...

I have been an AC and Vehicle Service Tech., and an electronics systems
(Cryptograpic systems since 1965 - USAF retired)technician, and computer
Technician (since 1969, USAF) and also have owned, and managed several
automobile dealerships and service garages since 1988, in Florida.

This is a tough environment for AC, especially mobile systems on cars
and trucks ( maintained those, refrigeration and cooling systems in the
Air Force for Mobile Communications Centers and on special vehicles).

But, this was an instant and complete total distruction, which I have
only seen maybe twice, in my life. Never on such a young system, though!

Thanks!

 

Linuxiac wrote:

-----------------------------

Sign in (put your location in your details) and SEARCH at
www.hondasuv.com You won't even have to ask.

'Curly'

 

Yes, Of Course! will report back! Dealer Service scheduled to look at
it Tuesday... April 3, 2007. Also, will put this up on the SUV forum for
Honda CR-Vs...

 

motsco_ wrote:

thanks, and I tried to post, but am not permitted yet.... so, here's my
notes! please post if you want to, over to HondaSUVs...

I LOVE HONDA Motor company, and all the wonderful Hondas I've owned
since 1969!