I think I am done with the TSX

dpolk · 10-27-2009, 03:08 PM

So last week by A/C compressor exploded. It put a 3" hole in the side of the compressor. Dealer said it contaminated the whole system and everything needs replaced. $3000. OUCH. After some research online I see that this is a common problem and there is a class action lawsuit against honda becasue of the A/C units failing on the TSX and the CR-V. I contacted Acura America and they offered to "help" by paying $300 of the repair cost. It will take far more than $300 to keep my business. Coupled with the steering jerk/bad ps pump, drivers seat that moves, and extream vibrations when at idle sitting at a stop light, and a center console light going out I think after only 4 months of being a Honda/Acura owner I am done. I love the way the car looks and the way it handles but with all these problems and fear of the tranny going out that I read about online, I am going to fix the A/C myself and buy a for sale sign.

CalgaryTSX · 10-27-2009, 03:26 PM

Sorry to hear of your troubles. How many miles are on the car?

A/C repairs are always pricey, not unique to Honda's.

No offense but you kinda have the least reliable year & model of TSX. 2004 with auto.
Still better than most cars out there but slightly more problems than newer TSX's.

Have you considered talking to Acura & your dealer if they will give you a good deal on a trade in instead of you repairing your current TSX?

Just a thought.. Good luck.. Joe

1TSXer · 10-27-2009, 04:16 PM

Wow, that sucks man. If you are going to cough up the money to get it fixed, I would just hold on to it for awhile. Unfortunately alot of the earlier 2004's were plagued with problems. I've been lucky I guess. If I was to buy a used, I'd only look at 06 models.

dpolk · 10-27-2009, 04:18 PM

97,000 miles. Acura dealer was going to give me $3,900 on a trade. I understand cars break but I guess I expected more from an Acura. I have an A/C compressor going out on my 99 Ford Ranger but (1) it has 160,000 miles, (2) I paid $500 for the truck, and (3) it did not explode causing me to replace the whole system.

What year TSX would I have to go to get reliability?

EuroRspec · 10-27-2009, 05:33 PM

You are very unlucky with your TSX. Acura should replace everything for free since it's very comon

mclovintsx · 10-27-2009, 05:39 PM

Reliable years would have to be 05-08.

ethankz750 · 10-27-2009, 05:47 PM

Hey, sorry about your problems. I went from an 03 ranger to an 05 TSX. The TSX has 142k on her and has had no problems. It seems you just got unlucky and got a bad egg. Dont give up on Honda/Acura from one (really)bad car experience. I say, trade it, drive the ranger a bit longer and buy a newer one. just my $0.02

tsx4life · 10-27-2009, 06:16 PM

dam.....shit happens.....goodluck

Darkside TSX · 10-27-2009, 06:21 PM

damn good luck with that man. Hopefully i dont get a problem like that =/

bluefang08 · 10-27-2009, 06:28 PM

damn dude you have no luck. All of those a common problems with the 04 TSX but i would be pissed to. I would try complaining more to Acura.

newapocalypse · 10-27-2009, 08:08 PM

I am no mechanic, but i do work with air conditioning systems in the Marines, i am also EPA certified and a CDI Inspector with A/C systems(altough the ones i work with are a little larger) I am not sure what they meant by contaminating the whole system but if i were you i would replace the compressor, have the system purged/evaced and go from there. Its no surprise that a whole system is going to cost you 3000 big ones, big this contaminating the whole system sounds like a bunch of bull if you ask me... Was this "quote" at a stealer?

renntecher · 10-27-2009, 08:39 PM

Is there a way to be proactive about this - for current 04 auto tsx owners that hasn't experienced this problem?

Sounds like an engineering design issue....

sparkie · 10-27-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newapocalypse

I am no mechanic, but i do work with air conditioning systems in the Marines, i am also EPA certified and a CDI Inspector with A/C systems(altough the ones i work with are a little larger) I am not sure what they meant by contaminating the whole system but if i were you i would replace the compressor, have the system purged/evaced and go from there. Its no surprise that a whole system is going to cost you 3000 big ones, big this contaminating the whole system sounds like a bunch of bull if you ask me... Was this "quote" at a stealer?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I agree completely !!

I have a 2004 with 171K on it and with a few mods, it runs better, stronger and looks better than the first day I brought it home. And, with no issues. IMO there is nothing wrong with a 2004.

crcendo · 10-27-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newapocalypse

I am no mechanic, but i do work with air conditioning systems in the Marines, i am also EPA certified and a CDI Inspector with A/C systems(altough the ones i work with are a little larger) I am not sure what they meant by contaminating the whole system but if i were you i would replace the compressor, have the system purged/evaced and go from there. Its no surprise that a whole system is going to cost you 3000 big ones, big this contaminating the whole system sounds like a bunch of bull if you ask me... Was this "quote" at a stealer?

I completely agree with this post. How does the whole system get contaminated. Only thing flowing through the compressor is oil and refridgerant. They make it sound like you just pumped diesel into the tank. Grap a known good compressor off Ebay, evac/recharge and keep it moving.

willyboyk24 · 10-27-2009, 11:04 PM

the same thing happened to me at 65,000 miles. Compressor imploded and sent metal shavings and crap into the entire ac system. This is what they mean by contaminating the system. By changing just the compressor, the ac will work but the life will be shortened considerably by all the metal pieces floating around. Albeit, it cost me $1200 at a local acura mechanic, I was still pissed since i freaking missed the non-powertrain warranty period by 3000 miles.