Parking a vehicle for at least 3 months

UPDATE #7

I found a local garage to replace the already purchased alternator and serpentine belt this morning. Ironically the shop had a Toyota in for a seized alternator, also from sitting. On my way there I was surprised how well the vehicle drove with the rusty rotors, no pulsation and quiet. I was also pleased to find out that there were no flat spots on the Michelins but the low tire pressure icon did illuminate. After the repair, on the way home I heard what sounded like a large rock in my left front tire, but when I stopped to have a look, it picked up a partial wheel nut tin cap while at the shop. Unfortunately, the CEL also came on and the A/C would not work. I did a visual inspection of the A/C parts and nothing abnormal was to note. I wonder if an o-ring dried up while sitting because it did work before I parked it or, the compressor connector got bumped while the alternator was being installed. Tomorrow I will head over to return the alternator core and get it scanned for codes.
 
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UPDATE #8

I returned the alternator core this morning and had the ECU scanned for codes while I was there. A P2422 (EVAP CVS Stuck Closed) code was present so, I will begin looking into that a little later tonight. I checked the fuses and relay for the A/C and they're OK, so Monday I will take it in to have it looked at. I also finished vacuuming the seats and the interior one more time.
 
UPDATE #9

I picked up the Honda today from a local shop that performed an A/C system diagnosis. After a recovery, vacuum and recharge, the system was still not blowing cold air, so the shop owner called to the tell me that a TXV is required.
 
Thermal Expansion Valve. It controls the flow of refrigerant to the evap.. It's part of the evaporator behind the dash. I know when I did the whole entire replacement of my a/c on the civic, I replaced the version mine has.

also.. has the shop also recommended replacing the a/c drier? Anytime my a/c system has been opened I always replace it. Went with the aftermarket it's just a big desiccant, cheaper than Honda too. I think mine was from 4 Seasons.
 
Well, I'm back in sunny SoFLo and our Honda has stopped blowing cold air again. After the initial diagnosis of a faulty TXV in August, I had the Honda delivered to the local dealer, suspecting an incorrect diagnosis for a faulty TXV, for an A/C system inspection in November. No fault was found and the system was recharged without incident until now(y). A quick visual inspection, and I notice some oil stains and dye in the area of the compressor hose connections. Thankfully the compressor is engaging and therefore, I may invest in a can of R134 and dispenser to top off the system.

Just to update the other issue I was having, a P2422, my testing in January revealed a faulty charcoal canister and I replaced it with a used one (last one in Canada) and no more P2422, new ones were on backorder and expensive!
 
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Topped up the A/C today and it works great. Now, let's see for how long, because I would like to have the oil stains investigated.
 
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We arrived in not so sunny SoFlo on Boxing day and it was damp, 15c and raining. Yesterday, the Honda started without a hiccup but we had no heat and whoever put it in storage 4 months ago, did not fill the fuel tank :mad: , I always fill the tank when I do it. I quickly suspected a stuck blend door actuator from sitting too long. I reached under the dash and helped the actuator along, success(y).

Tires were a little low, the TPMS icon was lit, so today while at Costco, I topped up the tires. Coscto now has free self serve tire inflators outside and there was a line up as they opened for business this morning. We went in, shopped and then as my wife checked out, I went back to the tire inflators to have a look, no line up. While I waited for one of the two inflators to become available, it was clear that the users needed help, so I asked, and they obliged. After helping both users and then filling my own tires, we were on our way home.
IMG_3324.jpeg
 
GSCJR said:
UPDATE #7

I found a local garage to replace the already purchased alternator and serpentine belt this morning. Ironically the shop had a Toyota in for a seized alternator, also from sitting. On my way there I was surprised how well the vehicle drove with the rusty rotors, no pulsation and quiet. I was also pleased to find out that there were no flat spots on the Michelins but the low tire pressure icon did illuminate. After the repair, on the way home I heard what sounded like a large rock in my left front tire, but when I stopped to have a look, it picked up a partial wheel nut tin cap while at the shop. Unfortunately, the CEL also came on and the A/C would not work. I did a visual inspection of the A/C parts and nothing abnormal was to note. I wonder if an o-ring dried up while sitting because it did work before I parked it or, the compressor connector got bumped while the alternator was being installed. Tomorrow I will head over to return the alternator core and get it scanned for codes.
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I hadn’t tracked this thread. Are you letting the alternator charge the battery when you start the car the first time after sitting?


IMO that’s a big no no and will cause alternator failure. It’s been said that alternators are for topping off a battery, not charging one. If you don’t charge the battery before starting, you’ll do your alternator in.

Same with AC. My old Mercedes said to run the R-12 AC at least once a month to ensure the oil circulates and the orings and hoses stay sealed. Those old systems had lesser quality orings and non-barrier hoses so they relied upon the oils to help keep the system sealed. Newer R-134a systems use barrier hose and better orings, but IMO there’s still something to be said about running the system often.
 
GSCJR said:
Vehicle will be in an apartment building parking garage. Any suggestions? This is the first time I've had to do this.

So far I have installed a new battery and a quick disconnect on the ground cable. I don't think I'm allowed to use the nearby electrical outlets for a minder.

I will clean the interior and wash the exterior. Should I apply anything to the exterior paint? The location is along the ocean coast and the covered garage is open to outside.

I will over inflate the tires, fill the fuel tank and plug the tail pipe.

Am I going overboard? Do I need a fuel stabilizer too?

BTW, the engine oil only has about 3k kms on it.

Am I forgetting something?

Thanks in advance.
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Throw a bag of mothballs in the car and another under the hood to deter mouses.
 
I haven't used the A/C since my last visit (August 2022) and it wasn't blowing cold when I tried it last night, so I topped it up again. I'm going to have the dealer replace the o-rings for the compressor hoses, recharge it, and a diff service too.
 
Yesterday I took the brakes apart during the "excessive heat alert" in SoFlo, because the LF wheel was hot after a drive. They were sticking from sitting since March, but I worked under a canopy outside our parking garage which made it bearable. I cleaned and lubed the pads but it wasn't good enough, so today I had to remove them again and ground off the rust; it's hard when you don't have all the right tools.
I did a rear pad slap and I also topped off the A/C again, plus a can of oil charge for good measure.
 
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