Topic: I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

[Solstice2006]

If it is the blower resistor then you will not have a variable speed for the air flow. It will just blow the same air at all settings. Obviously no air then I would look at the motor (or fuse). Both are easy repairs I recall, just awkward positioning, have done them 2-3 times on Fords and Hondas.

Ron, thanks so much.  I was discussing this with my neighbour a few doors down and he explained that to me.  So I have eliminated the relay, the blower motor resistor.  He says it most likely just needs to be recharged, if coolant is too low, the compressor won't turn on.

When you say the fuse.  Do you mean the relay?  If so, I checked that already.  So on Sunday, we will check the refrigerent level.  And add if necessary.  If thats not it, another common issue on this gen Odyssey is the "AC Stator", so I will see if I can test that.  If not, I will have to take it in. 

[johngenx]

The rubber AC lines are porous and will eventually allow some of the coolant to leak out - it takes a LONG time now (not like in the old days when you needed a recharge every couple years) but a 13yr old system just might need a top-up.

The system has a few major components and they're not complex - it's just a bit of a process to see what's not working.  First step would be to check pressures.

[Solstice2006]

^^ I agree that is the first step.  But I don't have access the van and gauge till Sunday.  So I have reading through the Odyssey forums.  Just got a minor headache after reading a DIY on replacing the compressor.  If it does need one, I will most likely buy the parts online, and have my mechanic do it. 

I am finding it difficult how to troubleshoot if the Stator (or Clutch I think) has failed.  Finding information to replace it, is easier to understand, but to determine if it is the part that needs replacing is tough.  There is a thread that explains how to replace it without the need to vacuum/recharge the compressor.   

[Ron]

Ron, thanks so much.  I was discussing this with my neighbour a few doors down and he explained that to me.  So I have eliminated the relay, the blower motor resistor.  He says it most likely just needs to be recharged, if coolant is too low, the compressor won't turn on.

As mentioned the cooling is a simple, closed system. A quick check of the lines into the compressor, ie one will be hot and the other cold, will help narrow down the actual problem. For example, if that's working then it could be a blender door issue. Older vehicle, it could just be a case of low refrigerant that needs recharging due to minor leakage over time. A mixture of soap and water sprayed on the coil and the refrigerant fittings (most leaks occur here) will determine if you have a more serious leak, ie bubbles will begin forming. I don't think you can get at the evaporator easily but that should be checked too. If the problem is the compressor then that's a few more dollars.

[Solstice2006]

Finally found a day where my neighbour was available, had access to the van, and no lawns to cut.  Put some refrigerant in ourselves.  Start seeing a bit of smoke.  Discovered a leak in the condensor.  About the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. 

Just ordered an OEM condensor from Rock Auto, after tax, duty, and shipping to my house, $138 CDN. 

[Blueprint]

Finally found a day where my neighbour was available, had access to the van, and no lawns to cut.  Put some refrigerant in ourselves.  Start seeing a bit of smoke.  Discovered a leak in the condensor.  About the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. 

Just ordered an OEM condensor from Rock Auto, after tax, duty, and shipping to my house, $138 CDN.

Bingo! Same issue my '03 had. Glad to hear it wasn't the expensive compressor!

I had my condensor done at a radiator shop, but over the years fixed a few things myself - like rebuilding the rear wiper motor.

[Solstice2006]

Finally found a day where my neighbour was available, had access to the van, and no lawns to cut.  Put some refrigerant in ourselves.  Start seeing a bit of smoke.  Discovered a leak in the condensor.  About the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. 

Just ordered an OEM condensor from Rock Auto, after tax, duty, and shipping to my house, $138 CDN.

Bingo! Same issue my '03 had. Glad to hear it wasn't the expensive compressor!

I had my condensor done at a radiator shop, but over the years fixed a few things myself - like rebuilding the rear wiper motor.

You also had the condensor already done?  Rebuilding a reap wiper motor on a 3 year old van?   Mine still works fine, changed the wiper last year. 

[Blueprint]

Finally found a day where my neighbour was available, had access to the van, and no lawns to cut.  Put some refrigerant in ourselves.  Start seeing a bit of smoke.  Discovered a leak in the condensor.  About the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. 

Just ordered an OEM condensor from Rock Auto, after tax, duty, and shipping to my house, $138 CDN.

Bingo! Same issue my '03 had. Glad to hear it wasn't the expensive compressor!

I had my condensor done at a radiator shop, but over the years fixed a few things myself - like rebuilding the rear wiper motor.

You also had the condensor already done?  Rebuilding a reap wiper motor on a 3 year old van?   Mine still works fine, changed the wiper last year.

..on my '03, not the 2012!! After 8 years, the van looked great, but the little things started to need too much time, hence the 2012.

[Solstice2006]

Finally found a day where my neighbour was available, had access to the van, and no lawns to cut.  Put some refrigerant in ourselves.  Start seeing a bit of smoke.  Discovered a leak in the condensor.  About the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. 

Just ordered an OEM condensor from Rock Auto, after tax, duty, and shipping to my house, $138 CDN.

Bingo! Same issue my '03 had. Glad to hear it wasn't the expensive compressor!

I had my condensor done at a radiator shop, but over the years fixed a few things myself - like rebuilding the rear wiper motor.

You also had the condensor already done?  Rebuilding a reap wiper motor on a 3 year old van?   Mine still works fine, changed the wiper last year.

I was skimming the paragraphs too fast.  Guess I can't complain.  Van is 10 years now, and the condensor just went.  As soon as that gets fixed, and the passenger sliding door closes properly, I will be happy. 

..on my '03, not the 2012!! After 8 years, the van looked great, but the little things started to need too much time, hence the 2012.

[sailor723]

So,I got a call that all the parts are finally here and to bring the ML in next Tuesday. They say they will need it for 2-3 days. Must be quite the sensor!

[SaskSpecV]

So,I got a call that all the parts are finally here and to bring the ML in next Tuesday. They say they will need it for 2-3 days. Must be quite the sensor!

Well, look on the bright side.  At least it's a MB diesel vehicle, right Sailor?   

[mixmanmash]

I just drove a 2009 ML320 bluetec with 127k kms.  Original owner just had 4 injectors replaced because of a hard start condition.  So I drive it and it's fine.  Go to merge onto a road and no power. Floor it and the car barely accelerates.  I guess back to the shop for the original owner.  Scared my dad enough that he wouldn't buy it given the issues this owner has had as of recent.

[johngenx]

I just drove a 2009 ML320 bluetec with 127k kms.  Original owner just had 4 injectors replaced because of a hard start condition.  So I drive it and it's fine.  Go to merge onto a road and no power. Floor it and the car barely accelerates.  I guess back to the shop for the original owner.  Scared my dad enough that he wouldn't buy it given the issues this owner has had as of recent.

Crap!  Ugh.  Our old OM606 diesel from 1998 was a horribly unreliable car - glow plugs and injectors.  Some things never change?

[sailor723]

I just drove a 2009 ML320 bluetec with 127k kms.  Original owner just had 4 injectors replaced because of a hard start condition.  So I drive it and it's fine.  Go to merge onto a road and no power. Floor it and the car barely accelerates.  I guess back to the shop for the original owner.  Scared my dad enough that he wouldn't buy it given the issues this owner has had as of recent.

Mine did that once and it turned out to be a prematurely clogged fuel filter. Alternatively, fuel filter replacement on these is a big job and I'm told some owners put off that service longer than the recommended every 30K

[mixmanmash]

I just drove a 2009 ML320 bluetec with 127k kms.  Original owner just had 4 injectors replaced because of a hard start condition.  So I drive it and it's fine.  Go to merge onto a road and no power. Floor it and the car barely accelerates.  I guess back to the shop for the original owner.  Scared my dad enough that he wouldn't buy it given the issues this owner has had as of recent.

Mine did that once and it turned out to be a prematurely clogged fuel filter. Alternatively, fuel filter replacement on these is a big job and I'm told some owners put off that service longer than the recommended every 30K

Yep.  And when you put off that service, it can cost a lot more down the road in replacement costs for injectors and the fuel pump.

I forgot to mention the glow plug module also was recently replaced in this ML I test drove.  And the issue went away once you keyed off and back on.  It was like it reset itself.

[mixmanmash]

I just drove a 2009 ML320 bluetec with 127k kms.  Original owner just had 4 injectors replaced because of a hard start condition.  So I drive it and it's fine.  Go to merge onto a road and no power. Floor it and the car barely accelerates.  I guess back to the shop for the original owner.  Scared my dad enough that he wouldn't buy it given the issues this owner has had as of recent.

Crap!  Ugh.  Our old OM606 diesel from 1998 was a horribly unreliable car - glow plugs and injectors.  Some things never change?

Interestingly enough, my dad's E320 CDI with the OM648 has been very reliable through the 75k kms he has had it now (purchased at 100k kms).

[Solstice2006]

Went to my Aunt's for supper.  Pulled in the concrete driveway.  As we were leaving, backing up the van, noticed oil drops where we parked!  Uncle wasn't too happy, don't blame him.  Hopefully the baking soda, and bristle brush did the trick.  If not, I will pick up some proper cleaner to help improve it.  Got home, noticed some spots on the asphalt too... WTF?  Looked underneath, the whole bottom of the engine is wet.  Will have to clean it up tomorrow, and see where it's coming from.  Not sure how I am going to do that.  Since the wife works both days, 12 hour shifts, and I have the kids.  Probably just leave it parked.  Let her take the Mazda, and play with it on Monday.  Damn van just had the A/C condenser replaced 3 weeks ago. 

[johngenx]

My first two guesses are RMS or valve cover.

[Blueprint]

Happened once with my 2003, and it was a poorly installed drain plug, dealership's fault as it leaked right after an oil change. They came over to clean my pavers!

[Solstice2006]

Happened once with my 2003, and it was a poorly installed drain plug, dealership's fault as it leaked right after an oil change. They came over to clean my pavers!

Don't think it's that, as the oil change was done 4 months ago.  I would have noticed sooner.  And it was in for the AC service, they would have noticed it then...