Come along in this video as I diagnose and repair this 2009 Honda Pilot that has an intermittent problem with the A/C compressor clutch . It doesn't want to engage so lets find out what the heck is happening.
More about relays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mru8BbTGDwM&feature=cards&annotation_id=86fe2567-467d-4b1e-b0f9-419b1ff8a695&src_vid=kR00sam7WcM
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

50 thoughts on “Honda pilot – intermittent a/c”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bee Vang says:

    Thank you for a wonderful video. My Tundra A/C clutch seized for three yrs and I was too cheap to replace it but until now after watching your video I put a long screwdriver to the clutch and smacked it 3x and it came loose and now it works. Makes a little noise but who cares. I got ac again!!!! Heck yeah. Nice video!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mdcorman D says:

    Good to watch the old video with josh in the back ground before OL' Nasty came along and the lil cricket that lived in the shop for awhile

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Deliciousness says:

    Which maxisys is the one he's using?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Duilio Roldan says:

    Dude, I think u just saved my butt.. same exact issue on my pilot !!!

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard 1 says:

    I have a 2014 Pilot being dropped off Monday morning for an A/C Diagnostic. Thank you SMA for the helpful video. I am not cheating by watching your video because you are the Teacher and I am the Student and I am still learning and will be learning Auto Mechanics until I am in the grave. Thank you SMA. Always a follower of your videos.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nathan Haley says:

    I hear jackhammer and creaks

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Sine says:

    I wish my 2008 Ram 3500 had an AC Clutch relay to check like this Honda. Of course that would be too easy. How much was that relay compared to a new TIPM I wonder? Thanks Dodge.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Walker Kelly says:

    This man just saved me $800 because some Honda technician told me I had to replace my entire compressor system

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Hallbauer says:

    What is the model of the Autel you are using?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robin Sattahip says:

    How much is a relay? Is it worth the time messing with it?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robin Sattahip says:

    Rangers are rotted out when they leave the factory.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Danny Cole says:

    Do you have tech to tech by chance. Being I fix a ton of used cars I have a pretty decent collection of issues I've found over 28 years.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Telos says:

    "let me see if we can zoom in on this" TURNS INTO ELECTRON MICROSCOPE MODE

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lloyd Brown says:

    Thanks for the information…that makes it easy to understand!👍

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Retro Hero says:

    Thank you so much! Made look like a hero and master mechanic. Might get lucky .

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Jones says:

    Great video

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr.Technician says:

    Sir what is the common problem of a/c system no air came from vents after long drive? Suburban 2016,no dtc

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 8000RPM says:

    I had this exact intermittent A/C problem. My daughter's '09 Accord A/C worked perfectly when, I was troubleshooting in the driveway. When she drove, the A/C compressor would cut on and off. (The system was charged showing correct pressures.) There were numerous suspects for this behavior. I wrapped wires around the two vertical (clutch power) connectors on the relay (these connectors are closest to the engine and opposite the firewall). I ran the wires through the cowl (by the door) and hooked up a switch on top of the dashboard. I told my daughter to flip the switch "on" whenever she wanted to use the A/C. The A/C worked flawlessly. I disconnected the wires and replaced the relay. All is well now. This is a workaround/test, a shop would not be able to use.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars durr moment says:

    HOLY CRAP Dude EDIT you videos!!! I cant stand to watch anymore.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars postersm 71 says:

    Btw, I love watching the videos with Mrs. O. You guys rule!!

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bornwestusa says:

    Honda a/c relays are a common problem… but why not verify freon level??

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars OA Sk says:

    Solid state my ass…

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeremy Adam says:

    Why didn't the the compressor turn on immediately when you inserted a new relay? Does it usually take a while? If so, how long?

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jerry Petercheff says:

    Thank you!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Spear 327 says:

    Watched WUW and a viewer asked if you or your employee was ase certified, reminded me of my sawmill days here in Oregon and this millwright that worked there had a 6th grade education. Sharpest man I have ever known when it came to anything mechanical or everyday life, I sure miss his wisdom.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DR. Anna Moya says:

    Help! I have a 2005 Honda pilot, compressor with not kick on ( NO COLD
    AIR), belts spin around it OK! I have changed the a/c relay, all fuses,
    tapped on it, it will spin with my hand, what else can I look for?
    Thanks in advanced!!! 🙂

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DR. Anna Moya says:

    Help! I have a 2005 Honda pilot, compressor with not kick on ( NO COLD
    AIR), belts spin around it OK! I have changed the a/c relay, all fuses,
    tapped on it, it will spin with my hand, what else can I look for?
    Thanks in advanced!!! 🙂

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Firm_Pegasus says:

    Haha! You were like (Aw crap.. it’s working) 😂

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Jankiewicz says:

    Thanks for the class Professor O. Always a learning experience.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! John Rodrigues says:

    You are like me. It failed, why? I don't like to buy refurbished computer, or any other electronics because the fix what is not working. They don't repair what may have caused the failure or what was damaged by the failure. Kind of like patching a tire and leaving the nail in.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luis M. says:

    I have a 2011 Honda Pilot the a/C work when we put the temperature to low, after 15 or 20 minutes stop blowing cold air, when we push the a/C don't do nothing, I changed the same relay but no luck. Is there another relay for this? I will appreciate your help thanks.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr.Technician says:

    Sir please make a video on how to service a/c system using manifold gauge from recovering freon,vacuum,inject oil and recharge a/c system…..thanks a lot sir I have learned a lot from your youtube channel

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheZXKUQYB says:

    Sounds like an issue I have, im going to replace some relays and then watch this.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ROBERT R Penny says:

    Probably not worth doodling around testing AC relay too long if a $15 part. Since shop rate burns that every 12 min. Esp if Honda known for problems with the relay. If wrong discount the bill later.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RelaXation CHANNEL says:

    FYI for anyone that has a 09-15 pilot if your blower isn't blowing any air out of vents and you have max blower setting on check ac blower motor relay first under hood before resister under passenger dash. Hope this saves you money and time.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Mason says:

    Yep, you sell a customer a part and install it, you married it!!!

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars R J says:

    $2200@

    For that scanner ??

    Probably not something you should buy through snap-on.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars steher says:

    Whats the refrigerant capacity of the 2009 Pilot?

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars humanonearth says:

    Came here to troubleshoot my 02 CRV a/c intermittent compressor engaging. Stayed for the humor. You're funny. Sub'd.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars L1 says:

    FOLLOWING TILL THE DUMMY music..bomp bomp bomp duh.duh..duh…duhh began. Eric.. your videos don't need that plus sounds wrong for mechanic work, but everyone to own. Good vid's tho !!

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Hartman says:

    It’s not just cars: broadcast equipment is similarly fickle, and magically behaves itself when someone calls me to check on it. As we like to say, “it’s only intermittent part of the time.”

    When you’re dealing with a relay, a voltmeter is handier than just a test light: a pitted contact like that will typically show a low but non-zero voltage on the load side, and tapping on it will often make the voltage jump around a bit. And even when the compressor does kick in, you probably won’t see the full voltage it should be getting. That will also get the relay warmer than it would normally run.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Begay says:

    On my phone it sounds like a diesel, no green puss in the junction box? 😉

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ALAN MATTHEWS says:

    Nice report but please invest in a intelli probe rather than a test light to avoid any damage to ecu’s

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eric Judd says:

    I no this is a old video but I fixed a friends ac system by watching all your good videos a long story short was just a cooling fan relay thanks for the great videos

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Ruggiri says:

    Thanks man. Have an 08 Ridgeline that was doing the same thing. Went outside and grabbed the relay with a needle nose plied and when I wiggled it, click. Ran over to AutoZone and $8 later I have A/C. Nice!

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars say ly says:

    An honest business man with a kind heart…

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J Wilkers says:

    Had that same relay on a Pilot causing an intermittent battery draw of 3 amps found out after diagnosis these have some history of failure. I totally get the idea of staying on a problem until you can prove out a failure, I also subscribe to telling the customer what you suspect as well as other possibilities and let them make an informed decision or sell more diagnostic time.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Extremerecluse Fallows says:

    Rusty but trusty

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kyle says:

    What OBD tool is that?

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rg Styles says:

    Help I Have No Power Compressor Wireing ! 2008 Honda Civic

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