Ac Repair Place For A Honda

Goro · March 6, 2016

Recently my car's (Honda Civic 2010) developed an issue with AC. It wouldn't blow cold air when outside temp is very high. I only get cold air when the outside temp is low, and still it's weak. I checked cabin air filter which is new, and compressor clutch is engaging properly. If the AC refrigerant is too low,I believe compressor clutch shouldn't engage isn't it? (Not sure though). Couldn't check whether the condenser is clogged. However I couldn't isolate the issue. Is this probably because low refrigerant level? Or a leak?

Anyways, What's the best place in Colombo for a honda to get this service done? Is Stafford motors any good , expensive? I recently saw bad reviews about them when it comes to repairs. Please share your ideas with a good place to get this fixed. Thanks in advance!

Edited March 6, 2016 by Goro

PerfMad · March 7, 2016

On 3/6/2016 at 5:57 PM, Goro said:
Recently my car's (Honda Civic 2010) developed an issue with AC. It wouldn't blow cold air when outside temp is very high. I only get cold air when the outside temp is low, and still it's weak. I checked cabin air filter which is new, and compressor clutch is engaging properly. If the AC refrigerant is too low,I believe compressor clutch shouldn't engage isn't it? (Not sure though). Couldn't check whether the condenser is clogged. However I couldn't isolate the issue. Is this probably because low refrigerant level? Or a leak?
Anyways, What's the best place in Colombo for a honda to get this service done? Is Stafford motors any good , expensive? I recently saw bad reviews about them when it comes to repairs. Please share your ideas with a good place to get this fixed. Thanks in advance!

@Goro - please go through below thread where many people have suggested places to get your AC problem sorted.

http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/17567-ac-is-noisy-good-places-to-repair-and-cost/?view=getnewpost

Goro · March 7, 2016

On 3/7/2016 at 3:18 AM, PerfMad said:
@Goro - please go through below thread where many people have suggested places to get your AC problem sorted.
http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/17567-ac-is-noisy-good-places-to-repair-and-cost/?view=getnewpost

Thanks bro! and any idea what my issue could be? and how much would this cost roughly?

Twin Turbo · March 7, 2016

Your prob sounds like inadequate cooling is leading to the A/c efficiency reducing when it's hot, might also lead to low gas in the system due to the high operating temps,..run the engine with the A/c and look for non working cooling fans`

Get this looked at ASAP before more damages happen as a result.

P.s. hope the heater is not slightly turned on.

There's lots a capable places mentioned here for A/c work

Good luck!

TT.

Edited March 7, 2016 by Twin Turbo

Davy · March 7, 2016

Check if your cooling fans are working. Pop the hood, start the car and switch on the AC. Inspect the operation of the fan(s). They should turn on and off periodically with the AC compressor.

Edit: Just saw TwinTurbo's response above explaining the same thing. Sorry for reiterating.

Edited March 7, 2016 by Davy

Goro · March 7, 2016

Thanks for the tips

All these issues were developed recently since I changed my residence to a new place which does not have a proper garage. Car had been parked under a tree in the garden and after few days I found out that car is covered with lot of dirt/leaves fallen off from the tree. Then soon after that, A/C developed this issue. This could be a coincidence but , since there was a possibility that dirt was clogging the air vent parts I checked the cabin air filter , but it was fine. I couldn't check the condenser's condition since it was hard to inspect without disassembling. I couldn't check the cooling fans either. I'll have a look. Thanks again!

Edited March 7, 2016 by Goro

Goro · March 7, 2016

And I saw lot of recommended places for an AC repair in the other thread. But is it a good idea to get this fixed by agent (Stafford Motors) themselves? Will it cost way more than those mentioned auto AC repair centers?

Davy · March 7, 2016

It could also be rats that have chewed off the condenser fan wires.

You don't need to take your car to Stafford IMO. There are enough and more competent AC mechanics out there.

The Stig · March 8, 2016

You might also want to give the condenser (it's the radiator like thing on the front of the car) a good wash, if there is mud/dirt on it cooling will drop substantially.

Twin Turbo · March 8, 2016

Going through your post, I feel you're in the time of Henry Ford, where the unfortunate person who purchased an "Automobile-" had to become the Service manager and mechanic for his car.

In the 21st Century, we leave our car Maintenance to qualified and authorized personnel.

Having said that,why ask us if you want to go to the dealer?

I end my after thought with A disclaimer ,

The "Agent" will be the Agent irrespective of

the fact they get it right or wrong,

As every dealer has a secret history of screw-ups swept under the rug and known only the unfortunate victims-Aka the customers while other outside

specialists will prob do pretty much the same for less.

P.s. No pun intended to you or anyone in this thread.

TT.

Goro · March 8, 2016

On 3/8/2016 at 9:36 AM, Twin Turbo said:
Going through your post, I feel you're in the time of Henry Ford, where the unfortunate person who purchased an "Automobile-" had to become the Service manager and mechanic for his car.
In the 21st Century, we leave our car Maintenance to qualified and authorized personnel.

Having said that,why ask us if you want to go to the dealer?

I end my after thought with A disclaimer ,

The "Agent" will be the Agent irrespective of

the fact they get it right or wrong,

As every dealer has a secret history of screw-ups swept under the rug and known only the unfortunate victims-Aka the customers while other outside

specialists will prob do pretty much the same for less.

P.s. No pun intended to you or anyone in this thread.

TT.

Edited March 8, 2016 by Goro

Goro · March 8, 2016

On 3/8/2016 at 9:36 AM, Twin Turbo said:
Going through your post, I feel you're in the time of Henry Ford, where the unfortunate person who purchased an "Automobile-" had to become the Service manager and mechanic for his car.
In the 21st Century, we leave our car Maintenance to qualified and authorized personnel.

Having said that,why ask us if you want to go to the dealer?

I end my after thought with A disclaimer ,

The "Agent" will be the Agent irrespective of

the fact they get it right or wrong,

As every dealer has a secret history of screw-ups swept under the rug and known only the unfortunate victims-Aka the customers while other outside

specialists will prob do pretty much the same for less.

P.s. No pun intended to you or anyone in this thread.

TT.

actually I came up with a different reply but then I realised you've tried to help in a previous post. So let just say I had my reasons to ask.

Twin Turbo · March 9, 2016

Yepp, 'Guess you'll have the peace of mind of warranty on parts and labor.

Edited March 9, 2016 by Twin Turbo

The Stig · March 9, 2016

Keep in mind that if any part needs to be replaced Stafford will only use brand new parts. The cost difference between recon and brand new could be almost 3 times.

Goro · March 12, 2016

agree with both last posts.

Btw, since recently my 12v battery won't charge properly. Last week I even replaced the battery with a new one , and apparently it still has the issue. Usually If I keep the car parked for few days, It would start the car but horn struggles to sound until I drive it for a minute or two. Before I replaced the battery last week I had to jump-start the car. That day I turned on the engine and kept it for minute or two to test AC issue. At that moment horn didn't sound at all. Then I switched off the engine and after that ,it needed a jump-start as battery has died fully (anyways battery was old so I replaced it, but still has this problem).

I'm wondering is this issue related to the A/C issue? Is problematic A/C causing battery to die? Or could this be something else?

Edited March 12, 2016 by Goro

Twin Turbo · March 12, 2016

Q: Didn't the battery shop test the car for proper charging voltage after the battery was replaced? (min 13.5v)

The battery is the last thing you should replace when it is not charging. Start by checking the alternator output by an electrician. The charging system may not be charging the battery to the right level, Start with checking battery connectors for proper mounting/tightness and oxidization.

It is possible that your car may have had the charging system issue for some time.and may have played a part in the previous prob as when the car's electrical system is connected pretty much everything in a modern car ,... And yes the cooling fans have electric motors powering them.

TT.

Edited March 13, 2016 by Twin Turbo

PerfMad · March 14, 2016

If battery is dying it could be due to either alternator belt not tight enough of issue with ur alternator as well..

Best thing is to check the charging voltage with and without AC and lights are ON.

Goro · March 14, 2016

Actually my car does not have an alternator, it has a DC to DC converter. Probably that's faulty. I don't know if it's a common thing for a DC/DC converter to fail. I'm taking the car for a repair this week. Thanks everyone for all the tips!

Goro · April 4, 2016

Btw, I took the car to a repair place in Kalubowila. They said condenser needs to be replaced which would cost 28000/- along with cabin air filter+ some other few parts+refilling gas + labour cost , total was 48000/-. I could find condensers that match Civic 2010 for much lower price online. Is 28k for condenser is too high? or is it normal in Sri Lanka?

Edited April 4, 2016 by Goro

The Stig · April 4, 2016

On 4/4/2016 at 9:16 AM, Goro said:
Btw, I took the car to a repair place in Kalubowila. They said condenser needs to be replaced which would cost 28000/- along with cabin air filter+ some other few parts+refilling gas + labour cost , total was 48000/-. I could find condensers that match Civic 2010 for much lower price online. Is 28k for condenser is too high? or is it normal in Sri Lanka?

If it's an oem condenser that's way too much, we replaced one for one of our office cars for 9500

PerfMad · April 4, 2016

On 4/4/2016 at 9:16 AM, Goro said:
Btw, I took the car to a repair place in Kalubowila. They said condenser needs to be replaced which would cost 28000/- along with cabin air filter+ some other few parts+refilling gas + labour cost , total was 48000/-. I could find condensers that match Civic 2010 for much lower price online. Is 28k for condenser is too high? or is it normal in Sri Lanka?

you can find a recon one for a lesser price i believe.. My opinion is take it to another ac repair center.. I usually goes to a place situated @ethul kotte right next to the first bus stop.. Their work is really impressive and prices are reasonable as well.

I recently replaced my honda GD8 RECON compressor + cabin air filter + labor +refilled gas and serviced whole AC unit(if im not mistaken) and it cost me only 23000/- (if i remember correct)