When it’s hot, not having working AC can not only be inconvenient, it can be hazardous as well. Honda CR-V air conditioning systems are notorious for failure, but there isn’t an actual AC recall. Honda owners are left with a service bulletin and talk of the “AC black death.”
Honda CR-V air conditioner recall-related issues include:
- Service bulletin for A/C compressor clutch
- Numerous complaints about A/C failure
- Honda Black Death
Unfortunately, sometimes a total replacement is the only fix for a faulty Honda air conditioning system. We’ll look at the service bulletin for the Honda CR-V, the cause of common problems, and the dreaded Honda black death.
Honda CR-V Service Bulletin
The service bulletin was issued in July 2013. It extends the warranty on the air conditioning system to seven years or 100,000 miles on the 2007-2011 CR-V. Since this period is over, it isn’t helpful to Honda CR-V owners with current A/C issues.
Honda Black Death
Honda CR-Vs are known for their air conditioning systems failing. Honda mentions the compressor clutch wearing out as the most common cause.
Replacing the compressor clutch can be costly, but it’s much less expensive than replacing the entire air conditioning system. The issue is that any failure in the air conditioning system in these vehicles causes debris to be spread throughout the system. This is the beginning of the end.
These pieces of shrapnel and debris are also coated with sludge. This sludge is where the term comes from. It coats the A/C system and will continue to cause the system to fail shortly after repairs.
You can attempt a coolant flush, but this sludge hardens as it cools, which makes it nearly impossible to clean out of the system. The only remedy is to replace the entire air conditioning system.
If you own a Honda CR-V and are experiencing problems with your air conditioning system, you may need to have the entire system rebuilt instead of just replacing the compressor. It’s more expensive, but it can save you the time and expense of having repeated failures.
What to Look for With a CR-V Air Conditioning Malfunction
There are some common causes of an A/C malfunction. Unfortunately, if these problems reach the level of a compressor failure, you will probably need to replace the entire system.
A refrigerant leak can occur in any part of your air conditioning system. If the leak is severe, it can damage the system. Frequently checking your A/C coolant levels can help prevent this problem. Regular maintenance is recommended as well.
If the condenser is dirty or blocked, this will prevent the air conditioning system from functioning properly. You can help prevent this by cleaning your water tank, condenser, and the orifice tube before you turn your A/C on in the spring or summer.
The compressor itself going out is a common occurrence. As discussed above, when this happens black death can occur. The compressor can stop working due to coolant loss or contamination, but it can also occur as a result of normal wear and tear over time.
Problems with the electrical system is another culprit. If there’s a bad fuse, switch, wire, or relay in your system this can cause your air conditioner to stop functioning properly. This is often an easy fix.
What to Do if You are Having Honda CR-V Air Conditioning Malfunction
If you are experiencing a malfunctioning air conditioning system, your options are fairly limited. There aren’t any current Honda CR-V air conditioning recalls, and the service bulletin has expired. You can check for new recalls at the NHTSA website, or you can contact Honda customer service at 800-999-1009.