Topic: CR-V airconditioning

[klekster]

We have a 2002 CR-V and it is the shop to have the air conditioning done for the 3rd time in less that 2 years     It was done in July of 2008 for a cost of $1000.  The compressor went in March of this year and had to be replaced again.  The part was under warranty but the labour was over $300.    Now it apparently has metal shaivngs throughout and the whole system needs to be done costing thousands !!!  Honda Canada is helping with some of the cost but it is still gonna cost us around $1000.  Why was it not fixed properly the first time ?!    There is apparently a lawsuit in the states because of all the issues with the air in these vehicle ~ 2002 - 2006.  Anyone else having problems? 

[Leviathan]

Plenty of CR-V A/C fun here: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0d3fb5!make=Honda&model=CR-V&ed_makeindex=.f0d3fb5

[klekster]

Thanks for your reply, but this applies mostly to the sates.  Has anyone in Canada had issues and have they dealt with Honda Canada?

[rrocket]

Thanks for your reply, but this applies mostly to the sates.  Has anyone in Canada had issues and have they dealt with Honda Canada?

For starters, I'd get a list of the parts you need, then buy it in the States.  You'll save about 50%.

[garytam]

Hi klekster:

I also have a 2002 CRV, with 135K on it, so far the air con still works. But this is what I have done to my CRV since it was one year old.

1. I programmed off the defrost auto sync feature, so that when I turn on defrost mode, Air Con does not turns on automatically, I can manually turn it on if required. Do during the entire winter, I only turn on air con may be once a week for a very short period of time.

2. During summer time, even if I need to turn air con on, I turn it off when the interior is cool, and turn it back on again when is warm.

I am wondering if it is better to keep turning air con on and off or should I leave it stay on.
How often do you use your air conditioning? do you always turn in on in winter months for defrosting?

[johngenx]

Running the AC in the winter is fine.  Actually can increase the life of your AC system, as the refrigerant contains lubricant for the compressor, and running the system keeps things "slick."  It won't allow the evaporator to ice up, so no worries there, as it's safeguarded by a temp sensor.

[No H2O]

For starters, I'd get a list of the parts you need, then buy it in the States.  You'll save about 50%.

What I do. 

The parts list is on-line.

[No H2O]

How often do you use your air conditioning?

All the time when it is hot and humid and eleven years later, my original A/C is still working well in my 1st gen CR-V. The rest of the time, either heat is on or the very odd time I might have just the fan on.

I did lose freon two falls in a row when it got cold out (seals shrinking ?) and I'd recharge it myself come spring for under $10. After the second time I used a dye which might have contained a stop-leak solution of some kind. I never did see any dye, but it has been leak-free for over 5 years. Then a few weeks ago while I did my timing belt, I noticed old faded dye at the bottom of my compressor along one of the compressor case joints.

[garytam]

How often do you use your air conditioning?

All the time when it is hot and humid and eleven years later, my original A/C is still working well in my 1st gen CR-V. The rest of the time, either heat is on or the very odd time I might have just the fan on.

I did lose freon two falls in a row when it got cold out (seals shrinking ?) and I'd recharge it myself come spring for under $10. After the second time I used a dye which might have contained a stop-leak solution of some kind. I never did see any dye, but it has been leak-free for over 5 years. Then a few weeks ago while I did my timing belt, I noticed old faded dye at the bottom of my compressor along one of the compressor case joints.

1st generation CRV air conditioning is very different than the 2nd generation's one. For 2nd generation CRV Honda introduced a heavy duty unit to help cool down the interior faster, but many owners out in the US are having problem with their system. My 2002 CRV is running perfectly fine except of a oxy. sensor failed, I am planning to keep it for a few more years but the air conditioning worried me a lot, it is like a timing bomb waiting to explode and so far the cost to fix it is anywhere from $1200 all the way to $2400 in US, thats crazy.

I wanted to find out any 2nd generation CRV owner out there in Canada are having problems with their Air Con, whats the cost to fix etc....

[johngenx]

I know Honda owners are loathe to buy non-OEM parts, but cripes, if I owned a 2002 CR-V and needed an AC repair, NO WAY would I pay the ridiculous prices Honda is asking.  Subaru parts are expensive too, and I rarely buy OE parts.  My Dad's Outback pooched the alternator.  Subaru OE price: $900.  Jobber unit?  <$250.  Guess what, they were the exact same part, different box.  Often, the OE parts are outsources anyway, so odds are good you're buying an OE part without an OE box.

Now, in the case of the OP, if Honda kicks in enough dough to offset the difference in prices, I'd have the dealer do it, but otherwise, forget it.

[mrthompson]

My Dad's Outback pooched the alternator.  Subaru OE price: $900.  Jobber unit?  <$250. 

Holy frick!