How much to replace honda civic ac compressor

We just got quoted $1700 through the dealer on the exact same year & model. However, the dealer did tell us to call Honda and ask them to open a case for a goodwill discount. Could be 20% or free or anything in between us what they told us. We’ve got a case number and are waiting to hear.

This has bothered us so much (this is the third Honda - different years models - we’ve had that has had this issue).

I told Honda we were second guessing our next purchase because (truthfully) we test drove a CRV while we were waiting and we’re seriously considering buying it. But now? Now I wonder why they can’t fix this issue that’s been ongoing for years! Makes me question if I trust Honda anymore.

Issues with the AC unit can be one of the more expensive repairs you’ll need to make to your car, depending on what the exact issue is. One of the most common issues is with the AC compressor, which works at the heart of the air conditioning unit and has several moving parts which can become faulty. Fortunately, fixing an AC compressor costs less than having these individual parts fixed or replaced so most garages will simply install a new unit rather than attempting complex repairs.

The cost of an AC compressor unit can range from $ 195 to $ 736 for the part itself, while the cost for parts and labor can be between $ 376 to $ 986 . This will depend on the model of car and how much work is involved in the repair, with some units being substantially more difficult to replace than others.

Replacement AC Compressor Cost Comparison

The AC compressor replacement cost will vary depending on the model of car you drive, where you have it repaired and what kind of part you require. There will be substantial differences depending on what garage you go to and if you opt for aftermarket parts. Unlike some components, going with an off-brand AC compressor shouldn’t cause any issues with the functionality of your air conditioning unit.

Your Mechanic

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labor 12 months $ 416 – $ 1022

Midas

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labor 12 months $ 435 – $ 1216

NAPA

Work Warranty Price
Parts & Labor 24 months $ 341 – $ 2126

Pep Boys

Work Warranty Price
Parts 6 Months $ 376 – 1687

Walmart

Work Warranty Price
Parts Limited $ 133 – $ 274

Amazon

Work Warranty Price
Parts Limited $ 184 – $ 520

What Is The Air Conditioner Compressor?

The air conditioning system is comprised of several components, such as the condenser, evaporator and the compressor. The AC compressor is one of the most important parts in the system, working like a pump to take the refrigerant, compress it and pass it on to the evaporator.

The compressor itself contains several moving parts, and these parts can often fail and cause the compressor to stop working . If these parts come apart they can disperse, causing debris to spread throughout the air conditioning system. When replacing the AC compressor, most garages will look to replace the receiver dryer and the orifice tube as well, as there is a risk there will be debris in those areas.

The clutch, bearing and electrical connector are essential for the AC compressor to work properly. A drive belt powers the clutch, which works to engage the compressor when the air conditioning in your 2018 Honda Civic coupe is switched on. If either of these components fail, the recommended practice is to replace the full compressor. This is often the most practical and the more cost-effective approach.

Another common fault with the AC compressor is the seals, which are prone to going bad. If the compressor starts to leak AC oil or refrigerant it can affect the seals, at which point the full compressor will need to be replaced as these seals cannot be replaced.

Benefits of Air Conditioner Compressor Repair

A fully functioning air conditioning system can be anywhere between a pleasant luxury and an absolute necessity, depending on the climate where you live. While in the past you were limited to opening the windows and just dealing with the wind and noise, over 80% of new cars are now fitted with air conditioning. The AC Compressor replacement cost is minimal compared to the amount of comfort and solace that a nice cool can provide on a hot summer day.

It allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the car, even in the warmest of climates. Most people with kids will be aware that there’s few things like a hot car to start an argument between siblings, so cool air can often mean cool heads! On a practical level, functioning air conditioning can keep the windscreen and other windows clear and free from mist. This can help significantly with visibility, particularly if you have a car full of people misting up the windows.

Finally, having the windows of a car can have an influence on the aerodynamics of a2018 Honda Civic coupe. Keeping the windows up ensures this remains at an optimal level, reducing fuel waste and keeping noise to a minimum.

When Should You Have The AC Compressor Replaced?

There are various common symptoms that there may be an issue with your air conditioner compressor. The first and most obvious sign is that the air conditioning itself isn’t working properly, with little to no cool air coming out of the vents. Your local garage should be able to diagnose the fault for you, and isolate which component is causing the problem.

Sometimes you’ll find the vents are blowing hot air but not cool – again this could be an issue with the compressor so have it checked out.

Another common symptom is a clicking noise coming from the engine. If the AC isn’t being used regularly the seals and components can dry up as a result of insufficient lubrication. This can result in a loud clicking sound as the unit tries to function , which can lead to poor results from the AC unit. If you notice any unusual sounds coming from your engine, be sure to have it inspected .

What Is Done During An AC Compressor Replacement?

  1. When you take your 2018 Honda Civic coupe to the garage with a suspected AC compressor issue, the mechanic will perform a few diagnostic tests.
  2. They’ll check the overall pressure of the AC system, before checking for power and ground at the compressor itself.
  3. If they find the compressor to be faulty, the first step is the removal of all the refrigerant in the system.
  4. They will then remove the compressor, orifice tube, receiver drier and the expansion value to allow any debris and foreign material to be flushed from the system.
  5. The new compressor will then be fitted, alongside the new orifice tube and receiver dryer if required.
  6. The AC system will then be evacuated and recharged, before checking for any possible leaks in the system.
  7. If the installation appears to have gone well, they will test the full operation of the system to ensure full functionality has been restored.

How to Save Money on AC Compressor Repair

As with most auto repair, you can usually save some money by ordering the parts online and performing the repairs yourself. Online parts retailers like NAPA , Walmart and Amazon mean consumers have access to car components far more readily than ever before, so if you do your research and feel comfortable working with your hands you can fix a lot of common problems.

If you’ve had the fault diagnosed as an issue with the AC compressor, the unit is fairly straightforward to remove (see the video below). The main challenge for an amateur mechanic is the removal of the refrigerant – not many people have access to the machine which performs this task. If you’re determined to do this work yourself, find a mechanic willing to drain the refrigerant for you, then finish the job yourself.

The other way is to simply shop around for the best possible price for the work. You can compare rough costs for parts and labor online, and you can get several quotes by just calling around local garages for an estimate. While it’s worthwhile going for a low price, be sure to go with someone you trust or who has a good reputation.

Sample AC Compressor Repair Costs

We’ve compiled a list of common costs for both parts and labor for some of the most popular car models in the country. While the actual cost will vary from place to place, these should give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay to have your AC compressor replaced.

Model Labor Parts Total
Ford F-Series $ 197 – $ 251 $ 335 – $ 513 $ 532 – $ 764
Chevrolet Silverado $ 126 – $ 161 $ 499 – $ 715 $ 625 – $ 876
Ford Focus $ 213 – $ 271 $ 309 – $ 448 $ 522 – $ 719
Toyota Camry $ 213 – $ 271 $ 706 – $ 2199 $ 919 – $ 2470
Toyota Corolla $ 173 – $ 221 $ 579 – $ 2465 $ 752 – $ 2686
Nissan Altima $ 157 – $ 201 $ 540 – $ 657 $ 697 – $ 858
Honda CR-V $ 205 – $ 261 $ 512 – $ 587 $ 717 – $ 848
Honda Civic $ 291 – $ 372 $ 571 – $ 658 $ 862 – $ 1030
Honda Accord $ 165 – $ 211 $ 577 – $ 775 $ 742 – $ 986
Ford Fusion $ 181 – $ 231 $ 195 – $ 339 $ 376 – $ 570

How much does it cost to fix AC on Honda Civic?

On average, the cost for a Honda Civic Car AC Repair is $249 with $116 for parts and $133 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Is it worth replacing compressor on AC unit?

The compressor is an expensive item to replace. Because dead compressors usually happen in old air conditioners, it's more cost-effective to start over with a new AC rather than pay to put a new compressor into a system that's already wasting power and a few years from the junk heap.

Is it worth fixing AC compressor in car?

If this is the case, then yes, a compressor replacement is absolutely worth considering. But the likelihood of a compressor breaking down entire while still under warranty is fairly slim. So, in the absence of a warranty coverage, it's time to consider a full AC system upgrade.

Is Replacing an AC compressor expensive?

Cost Of Replacement Of Home AC Compressor The cost to replace it ranges between $800 and $2,800. The labor and material make up around 50 percent of the final bill. The cost of its parts ranges from $450 to $1,500. Moreover, the cost of labor per hour is about $50 to $150 per hour.