I give up.

[payne171]

Interesting. I didn't realize it had been so long since I heard that about Micky D's. Must have been around 2003-4. I stand corrected.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by payne171

#1- $3700! I realize it helps efficiency and keeps the AC running even when the engine isn't, but holy crap! This is one BIG drawback when it comes to the long term viability of hybrids.

But what does your problem with the A/C system have to do with it being a hybrid? Nothing that I can see: the same thing could have happened on a non-hybrid.

[cfg83]

payne171 -

Originally Posted by payne171

Interesting. I didn't realize it had been so long since I heard that about Micky D's. Must have been around 2003-4. I stand corrected.

Yeah, I've heard that when the economy goes down, people eat cheaper, so Micky D does better.

CarloSW2

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by payne171

I no longer own a Honda Accord Hybrid. Very shortly after buying it, the IMA warning light started going off.

It turns out, the wrong lubricant was used when repairing a leak in the air conditioning system. The HAH uses an electric AC compressor in order to keep the AC running during engine shutoff at stops. It requires $100 per bottle non-conductive lube. The incorrect lube was causing a short that made an intermittent short. Eventually, according to the Honda tech, the short would cause the whole hybrid system to shut down.

This raises a couple of alarms with me:
#1- $3700! I realize it helps efficiency and keeps the AC running even when the engine isn't, but holy crap! This is one BIG drawback when it comes to the long term viability of hybrids. Or any new car.
#2- Exclusive repair. This makes me realize that much of a very complicated car can only be worked on by dealerships. Maybe this is why Toyota was willing to produce a car like the Prius in the early days of hybrids; they knew no one else would be able to work on them, and they could profit at the service shops

I am not going to own a hybrid if I can help it.

Most new cars are very complicated and can only be worked on by dealerships albeit not very well.

Am I the only one who would have removed the compressor at home and left it sit?

[dcb]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Am I the only one who would have removed the compressor at home and left it sit?

Sounds like the dealer took the whole car back. But without that option, yah, I wouldn't care if the AC didn't work.

[cfg83]

rmay635703 -

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Most new cars are very complicated and can only be worked on by dealerships albeit not very well.

I like to "claim" that there is a sweet spot when OBD-II came along from 1996 to maybe the early 2000s. Before that, scangauges don't work. After that the smarty-pants computers start fighting with you if they don't like your drivetrain mods.

Am I the only one who would have removed the compressor at home and left it sit?

When my A/C wasn't working I just ignored it. But I think payne171's car is his wife's daily driver, so I think A/C is a must.

CarloSW2

[3dplane]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

But what does your problem with the A/C system have to do with it being a hybrid? Nothing that I can see: the same thing could have happened on a non-hybrid.

In these hybrids the A/C compressor is driven by a 3 phase AC motor so the compressor can still work while the car is in auto stop mode.

The windings of the AC motor is sitting inside the compressor casing with the oil in it.

If the special oil is not used, the hybrid safety circuit will detect a short to chassis ground and will disable the hybrid system (opening the contactors) to avoid any possible hazards (shocking)!

They make these things wery sensitive for safety and therefore a pain in the butt to diagnose/work on.

( I'm a dealership mechanic)

[payne171]

Thank you 3d. That was what I was about to say, only less clear and concise. I don't think anyone would just accept a flaw that big unless:
A. They knew it going in and the price was adjusted accordingly.
or
B. They had no choice. Even if you don't use the AC, It kills the resale value, if you could even sell it.
I think I will stick with the TDi plan. It seems to me that the VW diesels offer the same efficiency improvements with the promise of increased instead of decreased longevity. This ought to at least offset the extra cost of diesel fuel.

[Thymeclock]

Originally Posted by 3dplane

In these hybrids the A/C compressor is driven by a 3 phase AC motor so the compressor can still work while the car is in auto stop mode.

The windings of the AC motor is sitting inside the compressor casing with the oil in it.

If the special oil is not used, the hybrid safety circuit will detect a short to chassis ground and will disable the hybrid system (opening the contactors) to avoid any possible hazards (shocking)!

They make these things wery sensitive for safety and therefore a pain in the butt to diagnose/work on.

( I'm a dealership mechanic)

It sounds like they built the entire car around the AC system. How brilliant.

If you ever buy another Honda, make it a two-wheeled version, not four. If your wife insists on having a four wheeled Honda, just tie two Honda motorcycles together. (If it results in a divorce it will be easy to give her her half.)

[Frank Lee]

NO! If you really want to find out what service and replacement parts rape feels like, get a Honda motorcycle.