Honda odyssey a/c

[Old tool guy]

2008 odyssey, owned since new. 215k miles. A/C is not working. We’re in south texas and it’s a bit warm, but we’re not getting anything out of it. Tried adding freon from a can, doesn’t seem to be helping.

Question. How can i do a basic diagnosis? I don’t have gauges, don’t intend to buy any. I’m thinking best thing is to take it to a shop, but if there’s something i can check first …

 

[Metallitubby]

Check the basics. Odysseys are notorious for A/C compressor clutch not engaging due to a cheap/failing clutch relay.

- Clutch relay (tap on it with the A/C on and listen for the clutch engaging)
- With A/C on, make sure both condenser fan and radiator fans are running
- If these items are good, then make sure you have battery voltage on the 1 pin connector TO the A/C clutch
- Check pressures IF the clutch is engaged

 

[62civa]

2008 Honda Odysseys have a known issue where the condenser get punctured by a rock or other items kicked up on the road. In 2009 they changed the design to incorporate screening in the front lower grill openings to protect the condenser from damage. I bet if you look carefully, you will find a small hole in the front of the condenser.

 

[Old tool guy]

Check the basics. Odysseys are notorious for A/C compressor clutch not engaging due to a cheap/failing clutch relay.

- Clutch relay (tap on it with the A/C on and listen for the clutch engaging)
- With A/C on, make sure both condenser fan and radiator fans are running
- If these items are good, then make sure you have battery voltage on the 1 pin connector TO the A/C clutch
- Check pressures IF the clutch is engaged

Bought the relay, $10. Guy at the parts store wanted to sell me a warranty ... not! Popped it in, checked the fuses, i could hear the compressor engage when granddaughter pushed the on button, both fans are running. Still real hot weather, couldn’t tell a difference sitting in the driveway, so i told her to check it when she’s on the highway.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Metallitubby]

Bought the relay, $10.

I've replaced around a hundred or so on Honda/Acura products of that generation.

 

[gahrajmahal]

My sons civic had the same thing. He took it to a shop and they did a Freon capture and replacement looking for leaks. They didn’t find any. It still didn’t work. They wanted another $1500 to put on a new compressor and recharge it again. Then he called me. I did an internet search and found out about the relay and clutch. The relay didn’t fix it, so I bought the new clutch and a special snap ring plier recommended by the you tuber. Half a day and I replaced the clutch. I think it was around $50. The snap ring pliers were $22

 

[Old tool guy]

Thats an option. I will look into it.

 

[Old tool guy]

Update. As noted, changed the relay, confirmed all fuses good, both fans blow, heard the clutch engage. No bueno, too bad, you’re in college with a 15 YO van that’s otherwise in good condition, roll the windows down.

This morning she got in the car to go to work, battery light was on. I checked it with a vom, 12 volts off, 12 volts on, and a bad smell on that side of the motor. Not in the mood to screw with it, and she drives back to school sunday, so i took it to a repair shop. Asked them to check the a/c after they fixed the alternator.

Picked it up, report said 1/2 lb of freon in the system, evacuated it, put back 1-1/2 lb. Said it now cools well when driving down the street, but not well at a stop, we recommend the a/c kit for only $2,000 estim. No thanks. Not sure they charged me for that, cuz the bill was equal to the pre-work estimate for the alternator. Drive it home … sure enough it cools well when driving.

 

[Noltz]

1.5lbs is the correct full capacity for that van. Are you sure both fans are kicking on when the compressor engages? It's still possible the compressor itself is slipping or for another reason not moving sufficient refrigerant volume at idle. Many people complain their car "gets warm at idle"... it's just the fact that the AC compressor isn't spinning as fast.

If you want to dig a little deeper I'd be interested in how cold it is at 1500 RPM while not moving.

 

[Metallitubby]

This morning she got in the car to go to work, battery light was on. I checked it with a vom, 12 volts off, 12 volts on, and a bad smell on that side of the motor.

Delphi alternators on that generation Odyssey are poop and usually the fault (as you found out).

Not in the mood to screw with it, and she drives back to school sunday, so i took it to a repair shop. Asked them to check the a/c after they fixed the alternator.

This generation Odyssey has a very simple A/C system, and typical Honda, if it happens to one, it happens to all of them. Also, this generation of Odyssey is notorious for pinhole leaks in the condenser, specifically near the bottom from road debris. So much so, that we made a kit to protect the condenser a little more.