Disclaimer***Acura Truck RDX AWD L4-2.3L Turbo Technical Service Bulletin # 12-039 Date: 121102
A/C - Compressor Clutch Warranty Extension
12-039
November 2, 2012
Applies To:
2007-12 RDX - Check the in VIN status for eligibility
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Warranty Extension: A/C Compressor Clutch
BACKGROUND
The A/C compressor clutch wears out, causing one or more of the following symptoms:
^ The A/C performance is poor and it blows air that isn't very cold.
^ The A/C doesn't work or blows warm air.
^ The A/C makes noise that seems to come from the compressor area.
American Honda is extending the warranty on the A/C compressor clutch to 7 years from the original date of purchase or 100,000 miles, whichever
comes first.
The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer,
or has a branded or similar title under any state's law.
CLIENT NOTIFICATION
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Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notification of this warranty extension starting in November 2012. An example of the client notification is
included at the end of this service bulletin
Before doing work on a vehicle, verify its eligibility by doing an in VIN status inquiry.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the A/C compressor clutch (armature plate and rotor pulley) and, if needed, also replace the field coil.
PARTS INFORMATION
A/C Compressor Clutch Kit: P/N 38900-RWC-A04
A/C Compressor Field Coil Set
P/N 38924-RWC-A01 (2007-09 model year)
P/N 38924-RWC-A02 (2010-12 model year)
REQUIRED SPECIAL TOOLS
A/C Compressor Repair Kit: T/N 07AAF-000A150
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Failed Part: P/N 38900-RWC-A04
Defect Code: SF100
Symptom Code: S5800
Skill Level: Repair Technician
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Check for signs that the armature plate was burned, such as discoloration and blistering, or for any other signs of damage.
^ If there is no damage to the armature plate, go to step 2.
^ If the armature plate has any damage, go to step 2.
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NOTE:
You must do steps 1 and 2 of the inspection procedure to properly diagnose the A/C clutch and armature.
2. Check the clutch clearance between the rotor pulley and the armature plate by trying to insert a 0.027 in. (0.66 mm) feeler gauge in different
places all the way around the armature plate. The proper clearance should be between 0.014-0.026 in. (0.35-0.65 mm).
NOTE:
Make sure you measure all the way around the armature plate because the back of the armature may wear unevenly; some areas may be within
spec, while others are not.
^ If the clearance is close to the maximum, the clutch makes an engagement noise that may be the source of the client's complaint.
^ If the armature surface has no damage or discoloration and the feeler gauge does not fit into the clutch clearance area, this bulletin does not
apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting.
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^ If the armature surface has any damage and the feeler gauge fits (about 1/8 in. or 3 mm) into the clutch clearance area, the A/C compressor
clutch is damaged. Go to step 3.
3. Measure the field coil resistance. For more information about checking the resistance, refer to the Tech2Tech segment titled Noise under the
Hood, A/C Not Working Right? Check the Compressor Clutch First
Field coil resistance specification:
'07-09 models: 3.15-3.45 ohms at 68 锟斤拷F (20 锟斤拷C)
'10-12 models: 3.35-3.65 ohms at 68 锟斤拷F (20 锟斤拷C)
^ If the field coil resistance is within spec, only the A/C compressor clutch needs to be replaced. Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
^ If the field coil resistance is not within spec, replace the A/C compressor clutch and the field coil. Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Raise the vehicle on a lift, and remove the right front wheel.
2. Remove the front splash shield.
3. Remove the drive belt.
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4. Move the power steering hose by removing the clamps, then lift it up out of the way.
5. Disconnect the A/C compressor connector.
6. Remove the four mounting bolts holding the compressor on the engine.
NOTE:
Do not remove the compressor.
7. Unbolt the compressor bracket from the engine block, and move it out of your way.
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8. Carefully angle the compressor as shown below and support it with a wooden block.
NOTE:
Make sure that you don't damage or stress the compressor coolant lines.
9. Using the A/C clutch holder, remove the center armature plate nut. For more information about removing the A/C compressor clutch, refer to the
Tech2Tech segment titled Safely Remove That Rotor Pulley with the A/C Compressor Kit.
10. Remove the armature plate and the shim(s).
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11. Remove the rotor pulley (A/C clutch).
^ Remove the snap ring.
^ Remove the rotor pulley. If it does not come out easily, use a commercially available rotor pulley removing tool. Do not hammer or pry on
the rotor pulley because you can damage the A/C compressor.
^ If you are replacing the field coil, go to step 12.
^ If you are not replacing the field coil, go to step 14.
12. Remove the field coil.
^ Remove the bolt and the field coil ground, then disconnect the field coil connector.
^ Remove the snap ring, then remove the field coil. Be careful not to damage the field coil and A/C compressor.
13. Install the new field coil on the compressor with a new snap ring, and note the following:
^ Install the field coil with the wire side facing down, and align the boss on the field coil with the hole in the A/C compressor.
^ Clean the rotor pulley and A/C compressor sliding surfaces with contact cleaner or other non-petroleum solvent.
^ Measure and confirm that the new field coil has the proper resistance.
Field coil resistance specification:
'07-09 models: 3.15-3.45 ohms at 68锟斤拷F (20锟斤拷C)
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'10-12 models: 3.35-3.65 ohms at 68锟斤拷F (20锟斤拷C)
^ Note the installation direction of the new snap ring, and make sure it is fully seated in the groove.
^ Route and clamp the ground wire properly to prevent the field coil from being damaged by the rotor pulley.
14. Install a new rotor pulley (A/C clutch) on the A/C compressor with a new snap ring.
15. Check for proper clearance between the armature plate and the rotor pulley (A/C clutch):
^ Place 1 mm of shims on the A/C compressor shaft.
^ Install the armature plate and the center armature plate nut. Torque the nut to 25.5 N.m (18.8 lb-ft).
^ Measure the clearance between the rotor pulley and the armature plate all the way around. If the clearance is not within 0.35-0.65 mm
(0.0138-0.0256 in.), remove or add shims as needed.
NOTE:
Try to set the clearance in the middle of the spec. If the clearance is close to the maximum, the clutch could make an engagement noise leading to
a comeback.
16. Reinstall the armature plate and the center nut.
Torque the nut to 25.5 N.m (18.8 lb-ft).
17. Reconnect the A/C compressor connector.
18. Reinstall the compressor bracket.
19. Reinstall the compressor with the four mounting bolts.
20. Reinstall the drive belt, the front splash shield, and the wheel.
21. Seat the clutch by start the engine and running it at 1,500-2,000 rpm. Set the climate control temperature to Lo with the A/C button ON until the
clutch cycles about 20 times.
