Arrggh, A/C condenser needs replacing
#201
OK I went ahead and completed the mesh install using McMaster Carr's mesh. Awesome and easy!
Black plastic mesh purchased here for cheap: McMaster Carr plastic mesh 0.26" x 0.26"
You only need 1 foot, but get 2 ft in case you mess up... this stuff is cheap!
1. Open hood.
2. Remove top plastic cover (~ 8 clips or so).
3. Cut the mesh to 8" x 32".
4. Open up 2 spots on the mesh so the bottom clips of the grill can be used to attach it. (approx 25 1/2 inches apart, maybe 26 inches.)
5. Remove the 2 clips at the bottom of grill, and put mesh in place, then put clips through mesh onto bumper base.
6. Use black zipties to contour/attach the mesh in place.
7. Replace top cover.
Total cost would about $8 shipped for the mesh and 45 mins install time.
Pics:
8x32 mesh cut to size:
open section for clip (closeup). Approx 25 1/2 inches apart, maybe 26 inches.
Top view, mesh fastened by clip
Zipties all around
All done
Can't see it
Black plastic mesh purchased here for cheap: McMaster Carr plastic mesh 0.26" x 0.26"
You only need 1 foot, but get 2 ft in case you mess up... this stuff is cheap!
1. Open hood.
2. Remove top plastic cover (~ 8 clips or so).
3. Cut the mesh to 8" x 32".
4. Open up 2 spots on the mesh so the bottom clips of the grill can be used to attach it. (approx 25 1/2 inches apart, maybe 26 inches.)
5. Remove the 2 clips at the bottom of grill, and put mesh in place, then put clips through mesh onto bumper base.
6. Use black zipties to contour/attach the mesh in place.
7. Replace top cover.
Total cost would about $8 shipped for the mesh and 45 mins install time.
Pics:
8x32 mesh cut to size:
open section for clip (closeup). Approx 25 1/2 inches apart, maybe 26 inches.
Top view, mesh fastened by clip
Zipties all around
All done
Can't see it
#203
Every Fit needs this mesh grille
Every Fit needs this mesh grille. Make it your next project if you haven't done it already. My Daughter did the install while I kept her company. She also took the upper grille right out to give plenty of access to the back of the lower grille. Very easy and will save you from buying a new condenser every year. I just wanted to write to keep this thread at the top so as many people as possible will see it. Might as well save a trip to the store and buy the tie straps from McMaster and Carr as well. I like the skinniest ones as they are still very strong and are the least visible. Try these.
McMaster-Carr
7130K32
Isn't that the best online catalog program you have ever seen! They literally have every type of raw material made.
.
.
McMaster-Carr
7130K32
Isn't that the best online catalog program you have ever seen! They literally have every type of raw material made.
.
.
OK I went ahead and completed the mesh install using McMaster Carr's mesh. Awesome and easy!
Black plastic mesh purchased here for cheap: McMaster Carr plastic mesh 0.26" x 0.26"
You only need 1 foot, but get 2 ft in case you mess up... this stuff is cheap!
1. Open hood.
2. Remove top plastic cover (~ 8 clips or so).
3. Cut the mesh to 8" x 32".
4. Open up 2 spots on the mesh so the bottom clips of the grill can be used to attach it. (approx 25 1/2 inches apart, maybe 26 inches.)
5. Remove the 2 clips at the bottom of grill, and put mesh in place, then put clips through mesh onto bumper base.
6. Use black zipties to contour/attach the mesh in place.
7. Replace top cover.
Total cost would about $8 shipped for the mesh and 45 mins install time.
Pics:
8x32 mesh cut to size:
open section for clip (closeup). Approx 25 1/2 inches apart, maybe 26 inches.
Top view, mesh fastened by clip
Zipties all around
All done
Can't see it
Black plastic mesh purchased here for cheap: McMaster Carr plastic mesh 0.26" x 0.26"
You only need 1 foot, but get 2 ft in case you mess up... this stuff is cheap!
1. Open hood.
2. Remove top plastic cover (~ 8 clips or so).
3. Cut the mesh to 8" x 32".
4. Open up 2 spots on the mesh so the bottom clips of the grill can be used to attach it. (approx 25 1/2 inches apart, maybe 26 inches.)
5. Remove the 2 clips at the bottom of grill, and put mesh in place, then put clips through mesh onto bumper base.
6. Use black zipties to contour/attach the mesh in place.
7. Replace top cover.
Total cost would about $8 shipped for the mesh and 45 mins install time.
Pics:
8x32 mesh cut to size:
open section for clip (closeup). Approx 25 1/2 inches apart, maybe 26 inches.
Top view, mesh fastened by clip
Zipties all around
All done
Can't see it
#204
Nicely done.
Still I don't feel the need. Both the car the Fit replaced, 97 Odyssey (225K), and our 98 Camry (125K) have lower grill openings with no mesh. Inspection of the condensers on both these showed some impacts, enough to deflect the fins between the tubes and probably dent the tubes slightly. Never had a condenser failure in all the time I've been driving. I'd be more concerned about the added wind resistance of the mesh and reduced air flow. I've lived in UT, CO, where rocks lie in wait to fling themselves at unsuspecting cars. Come to think of it, the Jeep CJs I've owned had wide open grills.
Now windshields are another story...
Still I don't feel the need. Both the car the Fit replaced, 97 Odyssey (225K), and our 98 Camry (125K) have lower grill openings with no mesh. Inspection of the condensers on both these showed some impacts, enough to deflect the fins between the tubes and probably dent the tubes slightly. Never had a condenser failure in all the time I've been driving. I'd be more concerned about the added wind resistance of the mesh and reduced air flow. I've lived in UT, CO, where rocks lie in wait to fling themselves at unsuspecting cars. Come to think of it, the Jeep CJs I've owned had wide open grills.
Now windshields are another story...
#205
McMaster Carr ROCKS. It'd incredible,nd they literally ship out within hours of placing an order. They have it all figured out!
As far as air flow reduction, I would say it is negligible. I did this on my CRV, which has a temp gaugee, and I didn't see it change one iota!
As far as air flow reduction, I would say it is negligible. I did this on my CRV, which has a temp gaugee, and I didn't see it change one iota!
#207
I followed justintime's version yesterday on the fit sport. I skipped cutting the holes for the clips, it doesn't seem to do much, as the zip ties all around hold everything in place already.
I did make a few corner cutouts for the sides/bottom, so there would be less strain to mold the mesh in the bottom rounded bend.
It's pretty much an unnoticeable feature except for those that look for it, so a little less the perfect worksmanship here and there won't make a difference.
The McMaster carr plastic mesh a breeze to work with, cuttable with scissors, the grids help you make sure you are cutting everything straight.
I did make a few corner cutouts for the sides/bottom, so there would be less strain to mold the mesh in the bottom rounded bend.
It's pretty much an unnoticeable feature except for those that look for it, so a little less the perfect worksmanship here and there won't make a difference.
The McMaster carr plastic mesh a breeze to work with, cuttable with scissors, the grids help you make sure you are cutting everything straight.
#208
I did this mod today. It was super easy for someone with little skill. JustInTime's instructions were bang on. I went ahead and removed the upper grill with the Honda emblem for additional room to manuever and then saw that it as pretty easy to remove the lower plastic grill all together. So I brought it inside for a closer custom fit. I can show pics of how to remove that piece completely if if anyone is interested. It was really quite easy and I figured it out all by myself.
"Yay! I'm gonna go see AirBud lady."
While I had that piece off I noticed how simple it would be to fabricate the grill piece out of metal. I think a good choice would be a standard gutter guard. I found one that I'm going to use for my fog lamps for $1.94 at home depot and I would probably have enough left over for the grill.
Just a thought.
"Yay! I'm gonna go see AirBud lady."
While I had that piece off I noticed how simple it would be to fabricate the grill piece out of metal. I think a good choice would be a standard gutter guard. I found one that I'm going to use for my fog lamps for $1.94 at home depot and I would probably have enough left over for the grill.
Just a thought.
#209
OK I went ahead and completed the mesh install using McMaster Carr's mesh. Awesome and easy!
Black plastic mesh purchased here for cheap: McMaster Carr plastic mesh 0.26" x 0.26"
You only need 1 foot, but get 2 ft in case you mess up... this stuff is cheap!
Black plastic mesh purchased here for cheap: McMaster Carr plastic mesh 0.26" x 0.26"
You only need 1 foot, but get 2 ft in case you mess up... this stuff is cheap!
I'll be getting a new Fit soon and will do mod as soon I get it. I think I should have done to this to my Accord years ago but it has a new condenser now so it's not too late to protect it going forward.
#210
I've had the car a couple of weeks and finally found some time to do this. Thanks to all the great pics and comments, it was pretty easy with no surprises. I used gutter guard from the hardware store and it seemed like a perfect size.
The one thing that would make this job super-easy is if you remove the front grille (the part with the Honda "H" on it. I didn't want to sit there and figure out all the attachment doohickeys so I just reached over the top of it, grunted, groaned and cursed a little, but the job got done. I might also add (maybe it was mentioned and I missed it), one of these is handy to have to pick up all the zip tie clippings and other stuff that falls into the well behind the grille:
24", Flexible Claw Grabber Pickup Tool ,Release Plunger & Claw Picks U
Thanks to all who provided advice on this!!!
The one thing that would make this job super-easy is if you remove the front grille (the part with the Honda "H" on it. I didn't want to sit there and figure out all the attachment doohickeys so I just reached over the top of it, grunted, groaned and cursed a little, but the job got done. I might also add (maybe it was mentioned and I missed it), one of these is handy to have to pick up all the zip tie clippings and other stuff that falls into the well behind the grille:
24", Flexible Claw Grabber Pickup Tool ,Release Plunger & Claw Picks U
Thanks to all who provided advice on this!!!
#211
LOL! Grunting, groaning, and cursing- that was me 2,200 miles ago! I did not find this job easy on my out of shape body, nor my achey shoulders. But it's good peace of mind to have done it, and it's held up well throughout. I chose the black plastic mesh for the job. Gutter guards only spell rust over time, to me. That may not be the case in reality, but that's the reason why I went with plastic.
Good for you- now that potential problem is 'covered'.
Now, you are gonna install lense guards for your fogs right?
heheh
I haven't done this one yet, but it's the next thing up at bat.
Dan
Good for you- now that potential problem is 'covered'.
Now, you are gonna install lense guards for your fogs right?
heheh
I haven't done this one yet, but it's the next thing up at bat.
Dan
#212
Seriously though, what a great place this! I would not even know this needed doing, much less how to do it, if not for all the great folks here. I think this forum is like getting a special VIP package with the car. FOR FREE!
I'm going to check into that next. It's been crazy around my house for about a month with no end in sight, so that may have to wait until after the holidays.
#213
I did this today. Getting the lower grill out was a biatch! My wife helped me, I couldnt figure out the clips
Once it was out it wasnt too bad to fit the mesh. I used 6" gutter guard from Lowes.
I messed up a few of the fasteners a little bit, but otherwise it looks good. Luckily my condenser was unscathed after two weeks of ownership!
Once it was out it wasnt too bad to fit the mesh. I used 6" gutter guard from Lowes.
I messed up a few of the fasteners a little bit, but otherwise it looks good. Luckily my condenser was unscathed after two weeks of ownership!
#214
One of my Civics lost its condenser to rock damage. I got my extended warranty to replace it. I never thought about it being an insurance issue.
My GD3 Fit had 55,000 miles and no condenser/radiator damage, but I think I was lucky.
This time on my GE8, I installed a billet grille that I bought on eBay:
At first I didn't like the look, but now I'm used to it and I think it looks nice on my white Fit. I think it's very distinctive.
My GD3 Fit had 55,000 miles and no condenser/radiator damage, but I think I was lucky.
This time on my GE8, I installed a billet grille that I bought on eBay:
At first I didn't like the look, but now I'm used to it and I think it looks nice on my white Fit. I think it's very distinctive.
#215
Done using the plastic mesh and nylon ties.
Thanks to the original poster and all of the follow-up suggestions.
McMaster-Carr gets an A+ for fast turnaround. Ordered online late Sunday night, delivered 9AM Tuesday morning, using standard shipping. I ordered more mesh than I needed, but you never know when you'll need some plastic mesh
No major problems and I think it looks great.
Cost of Materials: $15 (with shipping)
Peace of mind: Priceless
Thanks to the original poster and all of the follow-up suggestions.
McMaster-Carr gets an A+ for fast turnaround. Ordered online late Sunday night, delivered 9AM Tuesday morning, using standard shipping. I ordered more mesh than I needed, but you never know when you'll need some plastic mesh
No major problems and I think it looks great.
Cost of Materials: $15 (with shipping)
Peace of mind: Priceless
#216
I went ahead and removed the upper grill with the Honda emblem for additional room to manuever and then saw that it as pretty easy to remove the lower plastic grill all together. So I brought it inside for a closer custom fit. I can show pics of how to remove that piece completely if if anyone is interested. It was really quite easy and I figured it out all by myself.
#217
I just wanted to add that this just happened to me. It probably happened in the winter when I had about 40000KM on my honda fit. But I just noticed it now at 54000KM. The dealer wouldn't move an ounce, said they have never seen this problem before and that they didn't think it was a design flaw at all. They quoted my a repair for $850 but the worst part is that in order to look at the car to determine if the AC failure should be covered under warrenty, I had to pay a $100 dollar non-refundable diagnostic fee. This really makes me upset, what good is a warrenty if I have to pay a minimum of a $100 diagnostic fee, just to determine if the failure should be covered under warrenty?
To the dealers credit, after I moaned and huffed and puffed and made a huge issue over this, they eventually agreed to refund the $100 diagnostic fee, if it was a manufacturing defect. However in my case, they claim it was caused by a stone so that wasn't any help.
I feel taken advantage of, if I would have known that I would have to pay them $100 dollars to make a claim against a warrenty, I never would have taken it to them in the first place. But I bought a new car, because I thought the warrenty would be worth something. I was wrong. I don't have collision or insurance for this.
Of course they claim the condenser was damaged by a rock, and I'm out $100 for the diagnosis. My dealer is Olympic Honda in Guelph, I had quite a FIT about this but they wouldn't move an inch. I also called and complained to Honda Canada about this, they acknowledged they know about the problem, perhaps they will make modifications to the 2012 fit to avoid this "DESIGN" issue. They wouldn't use the phrase design issue though over the phone. (That's what they told me, but that means nothing. For the record, I'm not saying they are going to fix this on new fits ever. )
I'm looking at this:
Cloud-Rider solution -> Cloud-Rider® Designs Ltd. - Product Features and Information
They have a solution for a 2007 Honda fit. Has anyone found a reasonable solution for this issue in Canada? I don't know where to find a decent gutter gaurd in any Home-Depot store in Ontario. (Just looking on the internet anyway - it seems they don't sell what I would need)
I'm thinking about installing this solution from cloud-rider. It's $125 aftermarket part for the 2007 honda fit. I have 2008 Honda fit, and I am unsure if the front of the car is the same. Does anyone know if the front of the 2007 fit, is identical to the 2008 fit? I assume the solution works on the 2008 model as well, but am worried about ordering it and having it not fit. Since I'm a Canadian I and don't currently have a US credit card, I would perfer to buy an aftermarket solution from someone in Canada.
Thanks for answering this one in advance!
Oh yeah,
I called a mechanic about it and he offered to fix the condenser and A/C unit for $580 so I told Honda no thanks, but they again wouldn't give me the money for the diagnostic fee back. For some reason, I just expected to be treated differently, I can't imagine a car dealer treating people like this, is this common? Maybe this is the new industry standard for service?? I've never bought a new car before, so I wouldn't know. But because of this garbage (From my perspective) I don't think I'll ever buy new again. I'm really upset.
The mechanic that I contacted (NON HONDA MECHANIC), also offered to place some window screen in front of the condenser but I don't think this would be a great solution since I doubt it would last long. He then offered to get some black plastic pieces but I have no way of knowing how good of a job he would do. Just putting 3 plastic bars across the opening probably won't help too much? I'd like to know that after I spent $1000 fixing this issue it won't happen again.
They don't even sell an accessory for this. If I would have know about this when I bought my car, I could have spent $30 - $300 whatever but I had no idea this was a problem, and was too naive so I trusted a car company and there warrenty and made what I thought would be a decent purchase. I like the car, but this so ARRRGHHH.
Anyways that's what I did with my honda fit today.
Thanks Honda!
To the dealers credit, after I moaned and huffed and puffed and made a huge issue over this, they eventually agreed to refund the $100 diagnostic fee, if it was a manufacturing defect. However in my case, they claim it was caused by a stone so that wasn't any help.
I feel taken advantage of, if I would have known that I would have to pay them $100 dollars to make a claim against a warrenty, I never would have taken it to them in the first place. But I bought a new car, because I thought the warrenty would be worth something. I was wrong. I don't have collision or insurance for this.
Of course they claim the condenser was damaged by a rock, and I'm out $100 for the diagnosis. My dealer is Olympic Honda in Guelph, I had quite a FIT about this but they wouldn't move an inch. I also called and complained to Honda Canada about this, they acknowledged they know about the problem, perhaps they will make modifications to the 2012 fit to avoid this "DESIGN" issue. They wouldn't use the phrase design issue though over the phone. (That's what they told me, but that means nothing. For the record, I'm not saying they are going to fix this on new fits ever. )
I'm looking at this:
Cloud-Rider solution -> Cloud-Rider® Designs Ltd. - Product Features and Information
They have a solution for a 2007 Honda fit. Has anyone found a reasonable solution for this issue in Canada? I don't know where to find a decent gutter gaurd in any Home-Depot store in Ontario. (Just looking on the internet anyway - it seems they don't sell what I would need)
I'm thinking about installing this solution from cloud-rider. It's $125 aftermarket part for the 2007 honda fit. I have 2008 Honda fit, and I am unsure if the front of the car is the same. Does anyone know if the front of the 2007 fit, is identical to the 2008 fit? I assume the solution works on the 2008 model as well, but am worried about ordering it and having it not fit. Since I'm a Canadian I and don't currently have a US credit card, I would perfer to buy an aftermarket solution from someone in Canada.
Thanks for answering this one in advance!
Oh yeah,
I called a mechanic about it and he offered to fix the condenser and A/C unit for $580 so I told Honda no thanks, but they again wouldn't give me the money for the diagnostic fee back. For some reason, I just expected to be treated differently, I can't imagine a car dealer treating people like this, is this common? Maybe this is the new industry standard for service?? I've never bought a new car before, so I wouldn't know. But because of this garbage (From my perspective) I don't think I'll ever buy new again. I'm really upset.
The mechanic that I contacted (NON HONDA MECHANIC), also offered to place some window screen in front of the condenser but I don't think this would be a great solution since I doubt it would last long. He then offered to get some black plastic pieces but I have no way of knowing how good of a job he would do. Just putting 3 plastic bars across the opening probably won't help too much? I'd like to know that after I spent $1000 fixing this issue it won't happen again.
They don't even sell an accessory for this. If I would have know about this when I bought my car, I could have spent $30 - $300 whatever but I had no idea this was a problem, and was too naive so I trusted a car company and there warrenty and made what I thought would be a decent purchase. I like the car, but this so ARRRGHHH.
Anyways that's what I did with my honda fit today.
Thanks Honda!
Last edited by jvl; 06-16-2010 at 01:20 AM.
#218
Oh Yeah FYI - I just bought a 2008 Honda fit grill insert from cloud-rider.
They say there product works on the 2008 fit as well. I'm really impressed with this company so far.
Welcome to Cloud-Rider® 1/2 the cost of other grills on the market and I think I like it better.
They say there product works on the 2008 fit as well. I'm really impressed with this company so far.
Welcome to Cloud-Rider® 1/2 the cost of other grills on the market and I think I like it better.
#220
Honda FIt Gril Insert
Cloud-Rider® Designs Ltd. - Product Features and Information
I'd contact this company they sent me a lower grill that works great for 2008 Honda Fit!
PS - I don't think there is any difference between the sport and the base model other then fog the lights. This shouldn't change the lower grill insert at all. (As far as I can tell)
My 2008 Fit non sport has holes in the front where the fog lights would go, it's just there's no fog light. Just empty space.
Give them a call, they make several different versions of the 2007 honda fit grill insert. THe 2007 insert worked great on my 2008 fit!
PS - I got the breeze on my fit and it looks awesome, there website doesn't do it justice!
I'd contact this company they sent me a lower grill that works great for 2008 Honda Fit!
PS - I don't think there is any difference between the sport and the base model other then fog the lights. This shouldn't change the lower grill insert at all. (As far as I can tell)
My 2008 Fit non sport has holes in the front where the fog lights would go, it's just there's no fog light. Just empty space.
Give them a call, they make several different versions of the 2007 honda fit grill insert. THe 2007 insert worked great on my 2008 fit!
PS - I got the breeze on my fit and it looks awesome, there website doesn't do it justice!