Honda has grown into one of the largest auto companies worldwide for the great value that it offers its customers. However, one of Honda’s biggest downfalls has been the quality of the Honda CRV A/C Compressor and the entire system. The Honda CRV A/C system has been noted as one of the worst A/C systems in a car because of the poor quality of the parts included in the system.
Typically, when repairing an A/C System in an automobile, one needs to completely flush the A/C system before installation and then replace both the Honda A/C Compressor and Accumulator/Drier. The Accumulator/Drier is necessary to be replaced with the Compressor as it acts as a clean filter and it prevents the new compressor from being contaminated with debris that was in the old A/C system. However, the Honda CRV system has been notorious for getting clogged in all parts of the A/C System with what has been referred to as “Black Death.” More importantly, when replacing a compressor on a CRV, one needs to prepare themselves for the proper repair of the system beyond the installation of a simple Accumulator/Drier.
The best solution to preventing “Black Death” from entering your Honda CRV’s A/C System is through a proper flush and installation of the following new A/C components:
1. Compressor
2. Condenser (with Drier attached)
3. Expansion Device
4. Evaporator
5. System Seal Kit
6. System Oil
7. Both low side and high side AC Hoses.
Honda continues to struggle to hold the CRV’s A/C System credibility. Ultimately, there is no simple answer to the Honda CRV A/C System problem. However, consumer awareness to the problem and proper repair to your CRV’s A/C system is the most logical solution to the “Black Death.”
July 2nd, 2010 at 10:41 pm
I really appreciate your concern,and for this you get my warmest Thank you for the article you posted. I am not aware for the proper repair of Honda CRV A/C System.I am not familiar with the components and for these I must better consult expert to help me if ever I encounter problems like these.
July 9th, 2010 at 11:14 am
Pretty good explanation..
July 12th, 2010 at 6:03 am
your blog is too fine. Thanks for sharing this Thanks.
July 21st, 2010 at 8:56 am
I’m right in the middle of a 2005 CRV A/C compressor change out. This one is my sister-in-laws with 144,000 miles. My moms 2002 CRV A/C experienced the “black death” at 145,000 miles a couple of years ago. Set her back 2500.00. Anyway, who designed this system. It only took me an hour to get the compressor lose, then I spent another out trying to “fidangle”
the compressor out of the engine compartment. Don’t bother with a Chilton manual! They are USELESS! I’m pretty sure removal of the front engine mount is necessary so that you can pry the engine away from the radiator fan there by making the hole between the oil pan and the subframe wide enough to accomodate the compressor out. I’ve wrenched on cars for quite some time, and this by far is the most challenging compressor repair that I’ve encountered! Just suck it up, and take it to a Specialized Honda independent repair shop would be my advice. I’ll let you know how the rest of the repair goes on day two……..
July 21st, 2010 at 8:59 am
Enjoyed the read! Please pardon the previous type-o’s. Thanks
July 26th, 2010 at 9:07 am
I have had numerous problems with my CRV’s AC system. My Honda service manager used to act as if my car was the only CRV with a bad AC but now, after the fifth failure, he admits there is an issue with Black Death. Could you tell me if there are any Honda technical writings/directive I could access to learn more about when they first admitted they had a problem and what they recommended as parts replacement to prevent re-contamination? If no Honda directive, can you tell me more about Honda’s awareness of this problem and whether they have spent more energy on trying to cover it up rather than deal with it properly?
September 2nd, 2010 at 1:40 am
This is very helpful.I didn’t know there’s an issue regarding A/C.I mean more than i expected.Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for providing a useful guide.