derekcentrico

Allrighty, my A/C was last charged in 2010 when the condenser and pipes were replaced.

For the past couple of months, the thing kicks on and off quite a lot.

I've noticed that late at night with outside ambient temperatures at 76F, the compressor would run for about 5-10 seconds, stop for another 5 seconds, and kick back on while idling. It would do so less when moving. It does blow cold, but not as cold as it once did.

Should I go to Autozone and buy a recharge kit, go get it looked at elsewhere for other problems, or what?

I have an 07 Honda Accord LX 4 cylinder if that matters...

Any advice is appreciated.

DCFIVER

Never buy a recharge kit unless your car is on its last legs or something. 99% of them contain a sealant of some type and incorrect oil viscosity that will eventually wreck havoc on the AC system. Very pricey repairs. Have the system checked out by a shop. Much cheaper in the long run...

derekcentrico

Well, I received some quotes for recharging the system. One shop wants $55 which is $15 more than a kit to do it myself. Another wants $108. To me, the low-ball sounds risky if it's so cheap?

soon2bdropped

what your describing sounds like excessive clutch and coil clearance.. but take it to a shop..

derekcentrico

Any suggestions on how to determine what is a good shop to go to? Honda is extremely pricey, but some of these shops appear to be too cheap to have proper training or whatever.

DCFIVER

Do an internet search. Or try here: http://autorepair.iatn.net/
many reputable(but kinda pricey) shops are part of this network.

derekcentrico

Appreciate the info.

Any opinion on a reasonable range of price for:

1. Diagnostics
2. A/C recharge, or
3. Fixing the clutch/coil clearance?

Gracias for all the input thus far everyone. I just don't want to get taken to the cleaners.

tradosaurus

Buy a A/C manifold gauge set and a thermometer (to measure temperature at the vent).

Get the readings your self and at least diagnose the possible issues before taking it in to a shop.

Ask friends and neighbors for auto repair shop recommendations.

derekcentrico

Thanks for the input. I relocated here a few weeks ago so low on connections. My previous shop now would take a good 1,500 miles to get to. I'll knock on some neighbor's doors to see if they are home and have suggestions.