Air Conditioning - Honda Pilot

Maknessa · 01-09-2012, 02:59 PM

Two summers ago my AC quit. Its gas had leaked out. I have the full Honda Care extended warranty, so I took the 2006 Pilot to a dealer for repair under policy. Dealer claimed he could not locate the leak. Policy does not cover cost of recharge without repair, so I was stuck recharge cost. Dealer installed a dye for leak tracing in case problem recurs. Last summer during extremely hot spell, AC started intermittently blowing hot air then only hot air. When ambient temp is lower, AC works fine. Classic case of leak of some but not all gas. Need to take Pilot back for repair. Fear: Dealer will again tell me he cannot find leak and charge me for AC recharge. Question: How long will the dye remain seeable by technician with proper light? Has too much time passed such that dye traces disappeared? Note the engine (hence AC junction points) has not been washed. In other words, how permanent are the dye traces at the leak point?

jcantanixon · 01-10-2012, 02:31 PM

The dye should be visable. Before you go back to the dealer, maybe pop the hood and take a look.

Maknessa · 01-10-2012, 05:11 PM

My understanding is that the dye is not visible to the naked eye and that a special light, like a blacklight, is required. Am I mistaken?

Thank you for your response.

N_Jay · 01-10-2012, 05:26 PM

Maybe a good local AC shop will do you a favor and take a quick look around.

All in good will.

If the system has a leak, I would go back to Honda to cover the previous filling.

NJGuy · 01-11-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maknessa

My understanding is that the dye is not visible to the naked eye and that a special light, like a blacklight, is required. Am I mistaken?

Probably right. My dealership said that you need both the special light (blacklight I think) and some special glasses/goggles to see the dye.

If you want to take a look yourself, I've seen those kits with both the light and glasses sold in auto parts stores.

94eg! · 01-11-2012, 09:26 AM

A large leak will be plainly visible with the naked eye in daylight. Since yours is small, I'm guessing you would definitely need glasses & UV light, and probably check it in the dark. You can get all that stuff at Autozone for a few $$. Good luck.

01-09-2012, 02:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Maknessa Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Air Conditioning Two summers ago my AC quit. Its gas had leaked out. I have the full Honda Care extended warranty, so I took the 2006 Pilot to a dealer for repair under policy. Dealer claimed he could not locate the leak. Policy does not cover cost of recharge without repair, so I was stuck recharge cost. Dealer installed a dye for leak tracing in case problem recurs. Last summer during extremely hot spell, AC started intermittently blowing hot air then only hot air. When ambient temp is lower, AC works fine. Classic case of leak of some but not all gas. Need to take Pilot back for repair. Fear: Dealer will again tell me he cannot find leak and charge me for AC recharge. Question: How long will the dye remain seeable by technician with proper light? Has too much time passed such that dye traces disappeared? Note the engine (hence AC junction points) has not been washed. In other words, how permanent are the dye traces at the leak point?

01-10-2012, 02:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
jcantanixon Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 916 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The dye should be visable. Before you go back to the dealer, maybe pop the hood and take a look. __________________ Current: 2008 4WD EX-L NAV - OEM Tow Package - OEM Running Boards - Sirius conversion using OEM headunit and antenna - Vizualogic A-1250 Dual DVD Headrests - RGB converter for DVD on NAV screen - Hitch-Haul - Air Lift 1000 - USA-Spec PA15-HON2 - DEI 452T Auto Locks - Thule Crossroads and Cargo Box - Michelin Latitudes Old: 2005 EX-L NAV

01-10-2012, 05:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,555 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Maybe a good local AC shop will do you a favor and take a quick look around. All in good will. If the system has a leak, I would go back to Honda to cover the previous filling. __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

01-10-2012, 05:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Maknessa Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My understanding is that the dye is not visible to the naked eye and that a special light, like a blacklight, is required. Am I mistaken? Thank you for your response.

01-11-2012, 09:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
94eg! Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 654 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	A large leak will be plainly visible with the naked eye in daylight. Since yours is small, I'm guessing you would definitely need glasses & UV light, and probably check it in the dark. You can get all that stuff at Autozone for a few $$. Good luck.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Piloteers.org Advertisement