2003 Pilot-Rear A/C controls for back seat passagers not working

[The_one530]

My back seat passagers are not able to use their controls and the air does not even work in the back. The light works on the nobs but no air is blowing. I checked all the fuses but nothing. Honda tells me that it needs to be replaced because a lot of them have had that problem. Yeah, right after my warrenty is up. $630 dollars to replace my center arm rest with A/C controls and head set controls, I don't think so. I think it's something electrical because the light still works on the A/C gears. Anyone have this problem? If enough people tell me they have had this problem I just might have to have it replaced.

[tim.s]

The transistor that controls the blower for the rear A/C is probably burned out (somewhat common on the 03 model). See here for some details. The TSB with instructions to diagnose can be downloaded here.

The transistor is easy to get to and remove (no tools needed). If the resistance between pins 3 and 4 is high (open), the transistor needs to be replaced. I think it costs around $60 and you can get it on line. (more details here or use the search function.)

[tfrain]

Originally posted by tim.s
The transistor that controls the blower for the rear A/C is probably burned out (somewhat common on the 03 model). See here for some details. The TSB with instructions to diagnose can be downloaded here.

The transistor is easy to get to and remove (no tools needed). If the resistance between pins 3 and 4 is high (open), the transistor needs to be replaced. I think it costs around $60 and you can get it on line. (more details here or use the search function.

I've been meaning to ask this - is this still applicable to 07 models? I remember reading about the need to pop that panel off at the driver side console and clean off the filter or screen to keep this from burning out - does this still need to be done or did Honda fix that?

[tim.s]

Originally posted by tfrain
I've been meaning to ask this - is this still applicable to 07 models? I remember reading about the need to pop that panel off at the driver side console and clean off the filter or screen to keep this from burning out - does this still need to be done or did Honda fix that?

I *think* the replacement part being put in the 03's is an upgraded component. The same component is probably standard in the 04's and newer models. I don't recall anyone having this problem in an 04 or newer model.

So although you may never have the transistor burn out in your 07, it wouldn't hurt to pull the panel and clean the filter periodically.

[tfrain]

didn't know if the design still included that filter setup or not. I'll prob. change it when I do the cabin filter.

[The_one530]

Well, Thanks to this forum, I saved over a hundred dollars on fixing it myself and not the lame dealership. The step by step instructions were great. Replacing the rear power Transistor was the ticket. The kids loved having the air back during our long drive over Memorial Day Weekend. Thanks agian.

[Slayder]

The actual bad component is the thermal cutoff fuse that's inside the small housing.

Once you remove the part from the car, take it apart and in the front of the board there is a small axial component that looks like a fuse, it's soldered to the board.

You can purchase a new part from mouser dot com (part # N109) and replace it yourself with a total cost of under $8. Very little soldering skills required.

Here is a 03Pilot file I created, I hope it's easy to understand.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me a email.

-Dan

[Slayder]

Updated...

[d.helinski]

Just Wanted to say thanks to all in this thread. I was able to fix my no rear AC problem on my 03Pilot. All details supplied were right on. Thanks



http://members.cox.net/d.helinski/Te...one_wiring.htm

Need Help with TelCo wiring?

[Peter S]

How awesome is this! EXACTLY what I was coming here for! I didn't see it before and just bought a new motor for the rear TODAY!!!! OMG! hopefully they'll take it back!

thanks for the help!

[nighthawkpilot3]

Well folks, I fixed the rear AC this weekend. Special thanks to Slayder here. I did find that you can obtain one at Radio Shack for $1.49 plus tax. They call it a fuse instead of a cutoff, but I am sure it does the same thing. It is 128C instead of 114C so I hope that doesnt cause a problem. The other capacities/ratings are the same. I dont know if the others failed because they didnt go high enough. The new one is larger and wont fit under the board, so I had to put it in front. That meant I had to modify the cover. I broke away the front part of the cover where the tab is and put electrical tape around it, and put a good twist tie on to hold the tape in case the heat makes it slide off. It works great so far. Hope it will stay that way.

[Canes Fan]

I too want to thank Slayder for the information provided. I fixed mine this weekend.

Cary NC Dealer cost for Module - $110.00
Part from Mouser.com $ .40 - Don't forget to order some extras too
Shipping/Handling for part $3.75
Total cost to repair $4.15

Total Savings (PRICELESS) $105.85
(in our pocket instead of the dealers)


Thanks again to everyone on this forum for your help.

Canes Fan

[Slayder]

Good to hear that my time wasn't spend for nothing

[TKnighton]

Thank you all for this wonderful site for exchanging information on the Pilot. I followed the directions on how to replace the thermoresistor and I replaced it with the 128C instead of the 114C that was recommended. The problem I have is that the fan is on high all the time. The only way to turn off the fan is to turn off the car; can not be regulated. I looked at the thermorestor as it is either working of not as a fuse does. I placed the heat sink back onto the peice before soldering it as so I would not blow the thermoresistor. Does the part that was soldered regulate the speed of the fan in the rear or is there something else I should check?
Thank you all in advance.
Pilot 2003

[Slayder]

Originally posted by TKnighton
Thank you all for this wonderful site for exchanging information on the Pilot. I followed the directions on how to replace the thermoresistor and I replaced it with the 128C instead of the 114C that was recommended. The problem I have is that the fan is on high all the time. The only way to turn off the fan is to turn off the car; can not be regulated. I looked at the thermorestor as it is either working of not as a fuse does. I placed the heat sink back onto the peice before soldering it as so I would not blow the thermoresistor. Does the part that was soldered regulate the speed of the fan in the rear or is there something else I should check?
Thank you all in advance.
Pilot 2003

If you hit "AUTO" it will regulate itself depending on the temp inside the car (sensor by the drivers knee). If you want to regulate it then hit the "Rear Manual A/C" button and then turn the knob on the rear A/C, that should work. Good luck and keep us updated.