Air conditioning condenser issue is real

JCH

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My driver side AC has given up cooling on my 2018 EX, at 22,250 miles. Got an appt in a couple days, lets hope it’s covered by warranty...
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sillyrabbit

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I don’t have any problems but my warranty expires this summer.

Is there anything I can do to get it preemptively fixed before my warranty runs out?

Or is this something I just shouldn’t worry about?
 

GoodBytes

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I don’t have any problems but my warranty expires this summer.

Is there anything I can do to get it preemptively fixed before my warranty runs out?

Or is this something I just shouldn’t worry about?
Honda says, on the letter, that isn't all models. I guess they noticed and changed the radiator at some point in time.

Personally, I think the real issue is the design flaw (in my opinion), with the vent at the front bumper with very large opening.
While I fixed mine, I went to the hardware store and bought black metal (aluminum so it doesn't rust) window screen (you know, the screen for bugs to not go in when you have the window open.. at least that is the idea). Was under 15$ Canadian.. so like $10 US a nice role, and I went to the dollar store and got some thin black metal twigs.

With a lot of patience and being super careful (mostly because I didn't want to remove the bumper), I cut a rectangle of the size of opening, Rolled it up tightly (gloved might be required if the screen is sharp), slip it into the bottom hole, making sure I do not touch the radiator (tricky), and with a lot of patient, use a twig, bent it into a J shape, and tried to go into the screen mesh opening next to one of the plastic strut of the bumper, and attach it that way. I remember the first one was the most tricky as you had nothing to bring the mesh close to the bumper from the rear, as you can't put your hand under due to the metal plate. After 2'ish hours of work (probably should have removed the bumper, or just go to a mechanic to do this...), my radiator is protected against rocks, solid, no movement, and invisible (as it is put behind the bumper, and is thin and black). I did not notice any difference in the A/C performance.
 

Hoang_Honda

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First time I went to dealer to tell them about weird chirping noise when AC is on, but they don't want to fix anything since AC is still blowing cold air, then when I change oil my mechanic told me thats AC condenser looks like its leaked, so I went to dealer again and noticed them thats ac condenser is leak and finally they replaced me a new one under warranty.
 

ljw6632

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I had my condenser replaced third time last week. This is a bullshit. Mine had cold air coming out but made chirping noise. My dealership found out there was major leak. They said they put the updated condenser but I will see how it goes. Usually it started making chirping noise within 2 months after replacing.
 


firstblud

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AC broke for the third time. Paid for repair the second time. I'm out of warranty. Is there any legal action I can take like trying to use California lemon law?
 

DETHRONE

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Afaik there is no "Lemon Law" regarding air conditioning. It's not a fundamental system and has no effect on emissions other than increased engine load.
 

firstblud

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Afaik there is no "Lemon Law" regarding air conditioning. It's not a fundamental system and has no effect on emissions other than increased engine load.
This really sucks. It's like a given I'll have to pay$1500 a year to repair the same thing.
 

ljw6632

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This really sucks. It's like a given I'll have to pay$1500 a year to repair the same thing.
Didn't you get 10 years warranty on ac condenser? I got 10 years warranty on it. Check it out with Honda.
 

firstblud

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Didn't you get 10 years warranty on ac condenser? I got 10 years warranty on it. Check it out with Honda.
Sorry, I'm mixing things up. It's the "compressor" that keeps breaking on me, supposedly. Honda is not having any extra warranty AFAIK on that.
 


ljw6632

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Sorry, I'm mixing things up. It's the "compressor" that keeps breaking on me, supposedly. Honda is not having any extra warranty AFAIK on that.
Man.. that sucks. Even mine, I keep going to Honda dealership to repair same A/C problem again and again. Luckily, I bought extended warranty. You might need to think buying another car. 2016 and 2017 civic suck.
 

sillyrabbit

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Wait I don't understand how people are having the same issue over and over even after getting it fixed and replaced.

Are they just replacing the leaky units with other faulty units that will eventually leak themselves? Why don't they replace them with newer units that won't easily puncture?
 

Gruber

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Wait I don't understand how people are having the same issue over and over even after getting it fixed and replaced.

Are they just replacing the leaky units with other faulty units that will eventually leak themselves? Why don't they replace them with newer units that won't easily puncture?
That's because the leaks are often quite slow so it takes time to show as poor cooling (often 1 -2 years) and people most of the time don't react until it's obvious. Refilling the refrigerant and replacing parts with the same stock (some might happen to be better) is a way for Honda to deal with this issue until the cars get out of the warranty. Also it looks like there are multiple issues (leaking condensers, leaking compressors, possibly some hose issues, and possibly some issues under the dashboard with air control and maybe the evaporator).
 

outerorbit1

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I just had the same problem happen to me two days ago. 2018 Civic EX-L Hatchback model just over the 3 year warranty/36,000 miles. Just to put things into perspective, my 2004 Acura RSX Type had a refrigerant recharge 8 years ago and is still running without issues. This a real big disappointment and I am strongly considering selling this Civic. If it's a design flaw, I don't feel 100% confident that replacing the damaged parts will truly fix the AC issues for the long term. Thanks for all the feedback guys.
 

Codeman24

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I received the warranty extension paper in the mail the end of 2019. So last week (5/4/2020) I called my local dealer, and they said that I would have to bring it in for them to "diagnose" it. I have a feeling I know how its gonna go, " it wasn't a faulty condenser but a rock". That's what they told me when I first had it looked at a couple months back. Instead of the usual $700+ price tag for it, I got them talked down to $500. So I'm figuring if they tell me I have to pay out of pocket ill just pay it. But rest assured I'll get reimbursed
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