A/C blowing white air, what parts do I need to repair it

PRELUDEDUDE22

MEMBER
2001 HONDA PRELUDE
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
150,000 MILES

When I turned on my A/C it stopped blowing cold and instead was blowing white air, maybe it was wet air? Then after I got home I checked under the hood with the A/C on and was hearing some loud grinding noises and a few hoses were noticeably shaking. The next time I drove I tried the A/C and heard the grinding from inside the car, then it made a louder noise, and quit working all together. Now whenever I turn on the A/C it bogs the engine down from idle and the battery light comes on. What parts do you think I need? Also, would I be able to do this myself? About how much do you think it should cost for parts, or labor if necessary?

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,451 POSTS

Not good signs. The "white air" would have been the refrigerant and oil coming out of the system through a leak in the evaporator. The noise and shaking were the AC compressor self destructing because of the lack of oil. As it destroyed itself it pushed small chunks of metal and debris through the system. To repair it you are going to be replacing every part of the AC system except any of the hoses that can be flushed clean. As a minimum you need to replace the compressor, the evaporator, the receiver/drier, the condenser, the pressure switch and the expansion valve. All of those parts will trap debris and if put back in service without replacing them, will rapidly destroy any new parts that you install.

Most of the items are not extremely hard to replace but you could plan on a full day to DIY. Then you will need to have a shop pull a vacuum and test for leaks before it can be recharged.

Parts prices depend a lot on where you get them. Factory parts would easily cost in the $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 range, depending on the dealer/seller mark-up. Labor is very dependent on where you are, here you would be paying around $800.00 to $900.00.
You can get aftermarket parts cheaper but even then they add up quick. Compressor kit (compressor, drier, exp. Valve) is around $300.00, Evaporator core, $75.00, condenser core $90.00, The pressure switch is around $50.00. (RockAuto. Com prices)
Plus I would also replace the drive belt due to the strain the bad compressor placed on it. Do not try to turn the AC on, the drag is due to the compressor being destroyed inside and all it will do is more damage to the belt.