My (AC) Air Conditioning Dilemma

[obarmuscle]

Hey everyone. Looking for some input and any help or advice as I am in a tough spot with my 2016 Civic EX.

Background: I bought the car as a "Rebuilt Salvage" with 49k miles on it in 2019. It was a great deal and I'm happy with the price I paid for it and how well it runs. HOWEVER, about 2 months later the AC started blowing hot.

2/6 -$360 - I took it to the local Honda specialist in town and they didn't see any leaks using UV dye so they put in the new freon and told me to bring it back after a week so they could check it again.

2/20 - $0 -Took it back and they inspected it, no leak visible.

3/13- $2,075 - 51,370 miles - Started blowing hot air again. They went in and put in a new AC Compressor, AC Condenser, Clutch Coil. (Warranty on parts)

7/10 - 52,290 miles! Less than 1k miles and it has started blowing hot again!!

So, I don't know what to do at this point. It's reaching triple digit temperatures here in Los Angeles, and the car is already a hot box as is.
Since the car is Salvaged I am not covered under the extended warranty although everyone here and at Honda knows this problem isn't a driver fault.
Online sites won't give me anything for it since the Salvage title - Carvana = $100 lol and Carmax offered around $4k.

Outside of the AC problem, the car is immaculate.

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[zspeed]

Is it just the driver’s side that is blowing hot air or the passenger side as well?

 

[obarmuscle]

Is it just the driver’s side that is blowing hot air or the passenger side as well?

Both sides.

 

[zspeed]

Both sides.

Did they check the evaporator as well behind the dashboard?

 

[obarmuscle]

Did they check the evaporator as well behind the dashboard?

Not 100% sure, but I'd guess that they did. I just have a feeling that one of the replacement parts is bad already...? I guess I should just call and tell them it's blowing hot again. I just can't afford to put another couple grand into this issue with no gaurantees it'll even last long enough for me to sell it.

 

[jtrader]

Oh man, that sucks. I'd grab several bottles of r1234yf and keep recharging when it blows hot. Limp along, so to speak.

It's 30 bucks a can. If it gets you through summer, well, great. If it lasts a month or so between charges you're at 360 a year if you use it every month.

 

[zspeed]

Oh man, that sucks. I'd grab several bottles of r1234yf and keep recharging when it blows hot. Limp along, so to speak.

It's 30 bucks a can. If it gets you through summer, well, great. If it lasts a month or so between charges you're at 360 a year if you use it every month.

Where were you able to find that $30/can?

 

[jtrader]

Where were you able to find that $30/can?

My local NAPA store. Sorry, just checked...it's 31.

 

[obarmuscle]

Oh man, that sucks. I'd grab several bottles of r1234yf and keep recharging when it blows hot. Limp along, so to speak.

It's 30 bucks a can. If it gets you through summer, well, great. If it lasts a month or so between charges you're at 360 a year if you use it every month.

See! This is why I decided to write about this here. I didn't think it was that cheap. Amazon has it for 30 too. Hmm maybe I'll call the mechanic and let him know the issue and then see what he says, and then order a few cans.

 

[jtrader]

Where were you able to find that $30/can?

Whoa they're having a special Buy 3 items, save 20%!!

70 bucks for 3 cans!!

 

[obarmuscle]

Gonna buy those cans and a charge hose kit now! Thanks @jtrader!

 

[itsallk]

im going through the something

 

[jtrader]

Gonna buy those cans and a charge hose kit now! Thanks @jtrader!

I have a small disclaimer. Every time U charge up on the low pressure side you’re adding moisture into the system which is bad. If you’re gonna do this long term I highly recommend u get a proper charging kit with a vacuum pump. ?

 

[Gruber]

I have a small disclaimer. Every time U charge up on the low pressure side you’re adding moisture into the system which is bad. If you’re gonna do this long term I highly recommend u get a proper charging kit with a vacuum pump. ?

How do you add moisture by charging with refrigerant?

 

[jtrader]

How do you add moisture by charging with refrigerant?

There is a small amount of air in the charge hose, which has moisture in it. Especially this time of year. Obvsiouly it's not much but it could add up over time.

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