Hello!

SO, I dropped my car off at the dealership for a coolant/drain fill, drove home and noticed my AC wasn't blowing cold. Brought it back and they said: "A/C Compressor coil not engaging. Tested system and coil is getting power to turn on, but part is bad. Recommend new A/C coil and clutch. $1,134+tax (ouch!)".

After calling a few independent mechanics around town, no one could offer a coil/clutch repair only, and they all seemed to agree that a complete compressor replacement is the way to go anyways.

Any thoughts? Can I (should I?) go with an aftermarket, or maybe even a salvage compressor? Is there a chance the dealership screwed something up when they replaced my coolant?

I've made my peace with the fact that this is going to be $$$, but I'm still trying to find the cheapest route. I very very rarely turn on the AC living in the Northeast.

Thanks!

 

First, that price to replace the clutch assembly is ridiculous. Aftermarket compressors on say RockAuto.com are just over $200 plus tax and shipping as a reference. You mentioned that they verified power to the clutch but did they then verify with a ohm meter continuity of clutch coil ? If the coil passed a continuity test and is electrically ok could be a matter of removing a shim or shims from the clutch to get it to engage. Dealership is not going to probably do that and even an independent garage might not want to do what I am suggesting. Instead just replace the compressor in order reduce a possible callback. Weight your options before throwing parts and money at this.
Drain and refill of your coolant just involves loosening drain valve at bottom of radiator, refill with fresh coolant, and burp/vent air from radiator. So no the ac issue and recent service are not related.

 

Thanks for the info! I can't tell you whether or not they used ohm meter, that's the direct quote from the writeup. I've read a few things about the shim trick as well, but can't find anyone who will give it a shot. I think replacement of the entire unit is the move at this point...do you think the ones from rockauto are legit? I mean, if I can go that route and get it installed for ~$300, that's a full 1K less than the dealer quoted me for a new compressor install.

Appreciate it, I DIY a few things here and there, but this is pretty far out of my range of experience.

 

Try replacing the clutch relay first, they are known to fail. It’s a simple 4 pin, black relay in under hood fuse box. Maybe somebody can post a pic of the relay layout?

 

Suggest you watch this video before you throw the parts cannon. Go to a reliable shop after you watch this video to educate yourself. I think the compressor relay is on the driver side of car just below the battery and not in the under hood fuse box like the Element in this video. Not 100% sure, son has my Fit and I can’t look to verify that.