Common failure points/leak areas for '03-'08 A/C system?

[krazykarguy]

All -

We just got into "warm" weather here in Vermont and I have recently discovered that my A/C system is no longer blowing cold air.

I set it to "LO" "A/C ON" and "recirc" on the ACC system (essentially MAX AC), and the temperature out of the vents was the same as the 65 degree ambient temperature. I also could not hear or see the compressor kicking on.

After a trip to Advanced Auto Parts, I left with a can of R-134a refrigerant with the yellow dye in it. The can only contained 11 oz of fluid/refrigerant (less than half of what the Pilot requires). Immediately after adding it, the compressor was kicking on, and the air conditioning seemed to function, albeit weakly.

Fast forward to this afternoon, I have no A/C again. Definitely leaking somewhere. Any common failure points that I should look at first? I am hoping for a failed o-ring somewhere in the system... luckily there is dye in the system now... just need to find a black light.

[rocky]

You probably took a stone in the condenser over winter-a radiator like think in front of the actual radiator.

Get a leak test first to confirm then replace as necessary.

[krazykarguy]

That's exactly what I was hoping didn't happen...

I keep the A/C off all winter long (except when defrosting), was thinking that maybe I dried out an o-ring...

[bgolfer66]

I've got a similiar issue.
What did you end up finding?

Thanks,
John

[krazykarguy]

Discovered the cause of the A/C problem - Rocky was right. However, I don't think that it was a stone impact that did it, there is no obvious damage to the condenser in that area (which also happens to be 100% behind the bumper cover).

After removing the front bumper cover for the full ability to inspect the condenser, a large glowing yellow spot appeared under the black light.

Good news - it wasn't either the front or rear evaporator unit, or leaking somewhere I couldn't see it.

Bad news - condensers aren't cheap.

[krazykarguy]

I ordered a TYC condenser from eBay two days ago, should have it early next week. It was over half the cost of the OEM unit.

I'll give an update once the A/C is up and running again.

[megatron]

Originally Posted by krazykarguy

I ordered a TYC condenser from eBay two days ago, should have it early next week. It was over half the cost of the OEM unit.

I'll give an update once the A/C is up and running again.

I'm assuming you already know this, but for others who may not, make sure if you are going to open up the A/C system to replace a condenser or any other part, that you are prepared with all the equipment you need to evacuate the system, pressure gauges to refill the correct amount of BOTH oil and referigerant that the system needs. You can't simply replace the condenser and try to add r134a into the system. There will be air in the system once you have opened it up.

[belundy]

Many autozones will "rent" you a vacuum pump.

Should also replace the dryer/dessicant while you have system open.

[krazykarguy]

A/C repair is a new one for me, so thanks for the info about running vac on the system after the repair. I had planned on swapping the part and stuffing it with R134a. Th R134a I have already purchased includes PAG oil, so that should be good, right?

AutoZone is my #2 destination after work today. #1 is the local Honda dealership to be raped for two o-rings. I'm not going to risk it with non-OEM.

[krazykarguy]

A few notes -

1.) Nobody in my area rents out the necessary tools to evacuate and re-fill the A/C system by myself. I am now forced to pay someone $100-$150 to do it, or buy the gauges and vac pump for 2-3x that for a one time repair.
2.) The parts diagram online for the Honda Pilot was incorrect as to which o-rings to use - it shows two part #'s, with different diameters. Both o-rings on the condenser are the same diameter, which means I had to re-use an o-ring on the low pressure side.
3.) I had the condenser removed and replaced in 35 minutes, which included removal of the front bumper cover. For all of you goons out there who say that removing the grille (to paint it or add some other ricey modification) without pulling off the bumper cover is quicker - you're wrong. The clips on the bottom of the grille are next to impossible to remove without the access gained by removing the bumper cover.

[maritimer]

Ditto ..... Exact same symptoms here. Went to use the AC for (what I believe to be) the first time yesterday and no cold air. No compressor engagement either and the fuses are ok. Many direct impacts to the condenser coils but 2 in particular are significant, definitely rock hits.

I picked up my '07 EXL last year and so far it's been awesome. This ac issue sucks though. I had my '01 Ody for 9 years and the ac was working as good at the end as it was the day we drove off the lot.

Thinking positively and hoping it's something covered by warrantee. Will be taking it to Honda this week.