Rep Power: 0

I am relatively new to this forum and a first time poster. I have searched this forum and other places on the Web assuming I can't be alone in my frustration with my 2005 Civic's A/C. I have found a few other people reporting problems but not the numbers I expected.

I bought my Civic in July 2005 and it's my fourth Honda so needless to say I am a fan of Hondas. But the A/C on this new Civic is virtually useless here in the Phoenix area on one of our usual 100 to 110 degree days. The manager of Honda Service Center in Gilbert has had the car in his shop twice -- most recently for over a week -- and he agrees the car is like an oven on hot days. Yet Honda corporate tells him it seems to be operating like their "test vehicle," namely cycling the A/C off and on presumably to minimize power drain when accelerating. But that explanation is lame at best. I have experimented with driving the car under all sorts of scenarios and the bottom line is the interior of the car is an oven during the heat of the day whether I’m driving steady speeds, accelerating, idling etc.

I have initiated a complaint through the Better Business Bureau's auto manufacturers' mediation service and may well need to pursue relief under Arizona's Lemon Law if I can't get relief through mediation although I’m definitely not thrilled about facing off against Honda’s fancy legal staff.

I didn't come on here to cry, but rather to see if I can find out if anyone has encountered similar problems and had them resolved? I am also puzzled how the last model year of the 7th generation could have such a problem, unless the A/C was tweaked after 2004 or in mid-2005?

 
Rep Power: 452

first off what color is your car? Interior and exterior?

Next the civics dont have a strong AC system, but it does the job IMO. Now seeing that you live in 110 degree whether, that plays a huge part in how well your AC operates. Dont expect to jump in your car after it has been sitting several hours in the sun and expect it to cool down the car in a matter of minutes. It will take some time.
It usually takes my car about 5-10 minutes after I get in it for it to get nice and cool. You have to realize the interior of your car can excede well over 150 degrees in temp. in a few hours, especially if the outside temp is over 100 degrees. SO it isnt going to drop down to 60-70 degrees in a few minutes.

Now personally I dont think you have anything wrong with your AC, but I could be wrong, I dont know the circumstances that you have, but from experience riding in several 7thgens, the AC takes awhile to cool the car. One thing that does help is to open the windows right after you get in the car.

Now if your service manager tells you he feels the same way, then why doesnt he have an experienced AC tech check over the car to make sure the AC is working properly?

 
Rep Power: 0

This is my fourth Honda and I have lived in AZ for 30 years so I have a pretty good idea what to expect from A/C under extreme temps. Even after driving the car for an hour it's still hot to the point you wouldn't want to drive it unless absolutely necessary. I have a 2002 Honda that sits next to the 2005 each day and it doesn't have the problem. Lest you think it's just a personal preference, I tend to tolerate heat better than most people -- even enjoy playing golf this time of year and generally shut my office A/C vent most of the way since the other staff sharing the same A/C unit tend to like it much cooler.

The service manager only got involved after trying several techs. He also got Honda corporate involved when no fix was apparent. But these guys have had the car for over a week and have driven it several times under various conditions. They agree the A/C is unacceptable. I hope someone out there has some answers.

 
Rep Power: 452

Try taking it to another honda or an independent shop that specializes in AC work and see what they say. If several "experienced" technicians all drove it for an extended period of time and also noticed it doesnt get cold, then there is a problem that someone should be able to find. Also try driving another 05 civic on the lot, same color, same model and see if it also exibits the same conditions. If it doesnt then you have a great reason to complain. Good luck though.