'17 Civic: Dealer says A/C Compressor, Condenser, & Evaporator are all leaking

[Nessism1]

Car has 34,400 miles on it. Never abused, nor even driven hard, other than most of the miles are city miles.

The 10th Gen Civic is a nightmare of A/C problems. Honda extended the warranty on the condenser and compressor seal to 10 years.

My car was recharged with dye two years, 10,000 miles, ago. Using a UV light, I see dye on the compressor, mostly behind the clutch, so that's the seal. Nothing on the condenser, that I can see. And of course, the evaporator is difficult to inspect. I'm searching online to see if I can verify the dealerships findings.

Evaporator replacement costs about $2000, which I'm not keen about. Problem is, I can't get the warranty replacement compressor seal and condenser unless I also replace the evaporator, which I'm not convinced is actually leaking.

I called Honda and the CSR was very nice, but told me there is nothing they can do. No goodwill either.

I'm tempted to buy a new compressor and slam it in myself. I know that's leaking. Anyone know which aftermarket compressor brands are high quality?

BTW, the dealer service writer told me to go find a shop and get a note that says they replaced the evaporator. If I get this, he will then fix the compressor seal and condenser under extended warranty for free. My days of having friends in the business are long passed, or I'd go this route.

 

[oil pan 4]

Definitely sus.
I would say replace compressor and see if it holds a nitrogen charge.

 

[JavierH19]

Honestly just top off the freon maybe with some stop leak and dump it. Better luck on the next purchase.

 

[dogememe]

I find it odd they are unwilling to replace the known bad components under warranty unless you pay for an expensive repair out of pocket.

How did they determine the evaporator was bad? Sniffer machine? Visual inspection? Make them show you the results of that. If they can't, call Honda back and raise a stink - respectfully of course.

 

[2010Civic]

Honda definitely doesn't make them like they used to.

 

[Gladtojoin88]

Id try another dealer

 

[Nessism1]

I find it odd they are unwilling to replace the known bad components under warranty unless you pay for an expensive repair out of pocket.

How did they determine the evaporator was bad? Sniffer machine? Visual inspection? Make them show you the results of that. If they can't, call Honda back and raise a stink - respectfully of course.

The service writer said they remove a panel of some sort on the interior, then they can check the evaporator. I'm pretty sure this is BS, because the evaporator case is sealed up tight, with no access panels. To change the evaporator, it's necessary to split apart the entire case.

 

[The Critic]

I find it odd they are unwilling to replace the known bad components under warranty unless you pay for an expensive repair out of pocket.

You cannot charge a system with refrigerant if you’re aware of a leak. It is against federal law.

Therefore, the dealer has every right to decline this repair.

Evaporator leaks are fairly easy to verify with dye.

 

[The Critic]

The service writer said they remove a panel of some sort on the interior, then they can check the evaporator. I'm pretty sure this is BS, because the evaporator case is sealed up tight, with no access panels. To change the evaporator, it's necessary to split apart the entire case.

Yes, after adding dye, you can snake an inspection camera inside the box to inspect.

Evaporator leaks are very common on 1234yf Honda’s.

 

[Nessism1]

Yes, after adding dye, you can snake an inspection camera inside the box to inspect.

Evaporator leaks are very common on 1234yf Honda’s.

I asked for evidence, a photo, and they couldn't provide any.

 

[dogememe]

You cannot charge a system with refrigerant if you’re aware of a leak. It is against federal law.

Therefore, the dealer has every right to decline this repair.

Evaporator leaks are fairly easy to verify with dye.

Right, I totally understand that But is the evaporator actually leaking? There should be some proof however they diagnosed it, and based on the fact they can and will not provide it, we are presumably doubting that?

 

[The Critic]

I asked for evidence, a photo, and they couldn't provide any.

Right, I totally understand that But is the evaporator actually leaking? There should be some proof however they diagnosed it, and based on the fact they can and will not provide it, we are presumably doubting that?

It isn’t standard procedure to provide a photo of a leaking a/c component.

 

[dogememe]

It isn’t standard procedure to provide a photo of a leaking a/c component.

Fair enough, but if the customer is requesting one, could one not be provided? You could use a smartphone or camera to take a short video of the inspection camera showing UV die or sniffer machine beeping or whatever they are using.

 

[Nessism1]

It isn’t standard procedure to provide a photo of a leaking a/c component.

So people are supposed to blindly trust the dealer and pay $2200 for the evap replacement?

The compressor seal was puking. Easy to see. The condenser is easy to see, and no dye present, but the dealer said it's leaking. That's my tip off that these guys are just looking for money...

 

[The Critic]

So people are supposed to blindly trust the dealer and pay $2200 for the evap replacement?

Most people do not ask for pictures of worn or broken parts when their shop or dealership calls with findings.

Since this was probably written up as a warranty ticket, the tech isn’t getting paid for a diagnostic anyway, so good luck getting him/her to disassemble your car a second time to get these pictures.

 

[dogememe]

Honda definitely doesn't make them like they used to.

Honda hasn't made good vehicles or cared about their customers for at least a decade lol.

 

[clinebarger]

Honda definitely doesn't make them like they used to.

Honda has always had less than stellar A/C reliability &/or performance.

 

[clinebarger]

Haven't replaced many Honda Evaporator Cores or Evaporator Cores in general, Some Ford & Chryslers have pattern failures.

 

[mcrn]

Honda has always had less than stellar A/C reliability &/or performance.

I have noticed the poor performance in almost all Hondas I have been in except a friends 2015 Accord. It was ice cold. I like cold AC's and this was almost too cold.

What manufacturers do you think generally make the best performing/most reliable? This is a big consideration for my next vehicle.

 

[CDX825]

If the evaporator is actually leaking and there is UV dye in the system it will run out the bottom of the evaporator box with the condensate water. So you should be able to see traces of dye where the evaporator drains if its actually leaking.