Happy Thanksgiving!!

My '03 EX (175,000 miles) has stopped blowing cold air. The fan works fine, but it's pushing ambient air. Auto A/C guy told me that the coil has failed. I'm probably butchering this explanation, but when working properly, this coil is supposed to engage a magnet, which in turn closes a circuit and thereby gets power to the compressor. So, as far as we know, the compressor still works, it just needs power, but he is concerned that after all of the work to replace the coil and clutch, the compressor could whack out anyway seeing how it has 175K on it. I received multiple options, and am wondering if anyone has thoughts on these. All options are parts and labor included.

1 - Repair compressor (coil & clutch), $760 (concern is that compressor may not last much longer anyway, or the bearings won't handle the stress of removal and re-installation, and then I'd have wasted all of this time and money)

2- Remanufactured compressor, $900

3 - Used compressor, $600

4 - All new parts - $1120

We have two 2003 cars, and we'll probably be getting a new car soon. My plan all along was to sell my Pathfinder and keep this Accord. Should I re-think that in light of this costly repair?

Thank you very much.

 

Your prices seem unreasonable to me. A used part is about ~$200 so they are including $400 in labor. Its not a labor intensive job.

 

Thanks Moey. I'll check out the labor rate and time. Is a used compressor reliable, or am I rolling the dice again? I'd hate to go through all this for a similar problem to pop up again soon.

 

Has AC tech confirmed the coil is open?

A frequent problem is excess clutch gap which prevents compressor from engaging (inadequate field strength). A simple test is to thump the clutch plate w/ a stick w/ engine running (very carefully!) and AC On. If this causes clutch to close and run temporarily, then excess clutch gap is confirmed the problem.

Solution is to remove shims from beneath clutch plate to restore clutch gap to spec. It can usually be done w/o discharging AC, but I have not done an 03 Accord so can't be sure.

Even if open clutch coil is problem, you may want to get quotes from another AC shop. These prices appear high IMO.

good luck

 

I would get a used good compressor from a pull lot and call it a day.
Those prices are outrageous.
If you want to go with a new unit, the OEM compressor is 194.89 on RockAuto.
DENSO Part # 4711538

 

Changing the clutch/coil will have zero stress on the bearings, so I wouldn't be afraid to just replace the clutch (if that is the problem).

Do you want us to give you advice on some DIY things to try?

 

Thank you all very much! I'd love some DIY tips, although beware, I'm only moderately handy. I'll also get some other quotes. You've all been very helpful.

 

This thread may give some insight on replacement of the field coil.

https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...ssed-up-43109/

 

Following video shows basic process. Your's would be similar, but details of access and working position are likely different. Even if only change is removal of clutch plate shim, you need to access compressor clutch face.


good luck

 

Thank you, everybody, for the help. The diy info is great, although the project is, embarrassingly, a little more than I want to tackle right now. I did get another, much more reasonable estimate on repair of the coil, so that's what I'm going with. Thanks again.