A/C blowing warm air/cold air intermittently?

MONKEYFOOT

MEMBER
2011 HONDA PILOT
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
191,000 MILES

Air conditioner intermittently stops blowing cool air. Doesn't follow a pattern. It can work fine for a few days, or it can happen several times a day, Iong or short drives. Sometimes turning the engine off and back on helps or turning Auto on and off. No odd noises or smells. This only effects the front Air. The back seat Air works perfect. May 2022 We've had it checked by an AC place. They said it needed refrigerant. Found dye coming from the front evaporator core. Replaced expansion block and evaporator core. $680.00. AUG 2022 They found low pressure in A/C system and condenser leaking. Replaced the condenser. $536. Took to Honda dealer Nov 2022, Said it was the expansion valve. Replaced it. Said compressor was working but was on the edge of range acceptability. Cost $892. Problem still not fixed. What is the real problem? Should I have the compressor replaced? Should I keep putting money in it? Thanks for your time!

6 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Your A/C works in the back? With the front going on and off sounds like the Freon is low. Check the cabin filter to see if it is clogged or very dirty. With all the money you have put into your pilot is a lot and each time someone finds something else wrong. A new A/C compressor ranges from $250.00 to $350.00, but with the back working I would think it would be more a blend door is sticking. You probably have tried it all ready but changed the A/C control and selector back and forth a couple of times. If it is the blend door sticking that might help.

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Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 AT 1:15 PM

MONKEYFOOT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The Freon has been drained and replaced twice. If it was the compressor, I'd think the problem would be in the back as well. I will think about having the blend door checked. Or maybe it's time for a new car. :) Thanks for your reply.

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Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 AT 2:53 PM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

I agree with it not being the compressor. Has the car sat in one spot for any good amount of time? Move the selector switch on and off to see if you can hear actuator move. Let me know how you make out, Mike

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Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 AT 5:49 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,896 POSTS

Hi,

I noticed we haven't heard from you for a few days. Have you been able to make any progress? We are interested in knowing.

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 7:24 PM

MONKEYFOOT

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi, the car is driven almost daily. It stopped working yesterday while on a 1 1/2 drive but between rain and road noise we could not hear anything when either auto was turned on/off, or right and left temperatures were changed independently, air was changed from defrost middle or lower blow. I tried every combination I could think of. If it would happen while in the quiet driveway, I might hear something. I'm waiting for that. I really appreciate your interest and help.