fredb922

Hi,


I've read thru some of the threads about 2004 Accord AC problems. Not sure if I saw something that explains my issue - not sure I didn't either.


AC worked fine over the summer. Radio/CD unit were the problem. If you don't know, the radio/CD and AC are in 1 dash unit.


So replacing the radio/CD could not be done w/o getting a new dash unit (Best Buy ordered the dash unit) including new climate control unit that came as part of the dash housing for the radio/CD I purchased separately (single DIN).


The climate control unit had controls for a dual vents but I'm only using one.


Best Buy did the install of everything, including moving the climate control to the new dash unit.


When I got the car back, it's blowing warm air, almost hot, when the AC is on, thru the center vent of the new unit. Side (driver and passenger) vents are NOT cold.


It's been about a month since the work was done and I've tested this a few times. Pretty much the same result. Sometimes it's colder but never cold.


The question is whether anything during the install could have been done to cause the problem. If so, Best Buy has said they'd stand behind it work. Problem is they want me to show it was their fault first. They didn't even want to take out the dash unit to see if anything is broken, not reconnected, etc.


For what it's worth, the compressor is heard turning on when the AC button is pressed.


From what I've seen in other threads, it seems the answer is yes.


One post mentioned a "vent connection under the dash that had come apart...someone could have hit it with their foot."


I'm wondering what possibilities there are.


I do understand that there can be leaks in the system - both from the area in the dash where work was done as well as outside the dash.


My repair shop doesn't do work in the dash but will do an evac on the whole system and refill with Freon. Problem is that this will only address leaks outside of the dash. If it's inside the dash (and they've suggested a few dash-related items), they can't fix it. And I've wasted $200 for the evac.


Thanks.


Fred

civic_jason

Is it possible your temperature control isn't turning the hot to cold? Check your vent lines also.

Take it back to Best Buy and just tell them what's going on.

fredb922

Thanks Jason.

I already did that. First they were going to add freon (although that's not a service they "normally" do).

When they checked the AC lines and found they weren't cold, they decided not to do that bcs of a possible leak in the system and me blaming them for the leak.

So when I complained to the store's GM, he decided to put in a claim to their insurance company. Unfortunately, the insurance company wants some documentation to show that it was their fault.

I think the best I can do, hence my posting here, is show that it COULD have been their fault. No one will know for sure until some very expensive work is done.

I did bring the car back to my repair shop. They're willing to do an evac for the $200 as mentioned but acknowledging that may not solve the problem especially if it is in the dash (which they don't work on). So I pressed a little and did some tests (at no charge since I'm a good customer). Their diagnosis: "clutch does not engage." To me, that sounds like a dash problem. But they weren't willing to write that exactly.

Fred

jimlaw3

I have noticed a lot of those dash units are not compatible with the car.Sounds like the dash kit itself or possibly a mode or airmix motor stuck or not operating under the dash

hometheaterman

If your A/C system has a leak, it was in no way caused by the radio install. The only things they would have touched with the dash kit install would have been electrical. They aren't touching the lines.

That said, I'm assuming you got the Metra kit? There are lots of complaints about these units randomly blowing hot air, cold air, etc. You need to find someone that knows how to properly diagnose an A/C system and not just "add "freon"". These cars don't take freon, they take R134A refrigerant so if someone tells you they are going to add "freon", make sure you find a new mechanic. If they problem is determined to be electrical I suspect it can be traced back to the dash kit that is installed. If your system is low on refrigerant which is the most common cause of the compressor clutch not engaging, then it isn't anything that they did to your car.

Any reputable shop can hook up a set of A/C gauges and tell if you're low on refrigerant without evacuating the whole system. If that's the cause, you know it's not their fault. If it's not the cause start looking elsewhere. I strongly suspect you'll find that this isn't Best Buys fault, but why would anyone pay them to install a radio? It's one of the easiest jobs you can do on a car.

DCFIVER

See below. That guy knows what hes talking about, and you should skip no step in his recommendation.