Hi,

MAKE/MODEL: 2003 Accord EX 4 door Sedan

I'm at a bit of a loss as to what I should do so I wondered if any of you could help me. I read that the 2003 accord has an exposed A/C condenser which is easily hit and fractured by pebbles which can results in a leak.

So A/C stopped blowing any cold air at all. When I turn the fan on I don't hear the compressor/condenser or anything engage. In Memphis, TN.. this is torture with no A/C.

day 1:Jiffy Lube: There was no freon in the system. Had it recharged - compressor still wouldn't turn over

day 2: Auto shop: No freon left 24 hours later, obviously a leak. Shop I took it to recommended new compressor/clutch + receiver drier for a grand total of $1300.

Could either of the above components being faulty result in a leak? I read the compressor clutch does not turn on if there is insufficient pressure?

Should I get a second opinion or buy the parts elsewhere and get someone to install them? I don't trust the shop I went to

Thanks for your help, I'm completely retarded with anything mechanical

 

I would take the car back to the place where you spent the $1300 and see if you still have freon (technically it is R134a) in the system.

If it is gone, then you have a leak. Have them put the freon that has a fluorescent dye to try to locate the leak. There are not a ton of places where the system could leak. The dye should identify the source of the leak.

 

I haven't spent the $1300 or got anything replaced yet. There is definitely a leak as all the freon has left the system 24 hours after a refill. I guess freon with a dye is the best course of action.

Thank you so much for your help, any more suggestions from anyone will be hugely appreciated

 

I misread your post. I thought that you already had the work done.

Have it charged with freon + dye and find the leak. We can give you advise when the leak is located.

 

Compressor & clutch seems like BS to me. There's plenty of other places that are more likely to leak.

Only replace the compressor if they ACTUALLY FIND THE LEAK and it turns out to be in the compressor itself.

When the system gets air inside for any length of time, it's not a bad idea to replace the receiver/dryer. But it sounds like a day or so is OK. If you leave the system open for weeks, you'll definitely need a new receiver.