2016-2021 Honda Civic A/C Compressor Shaft Seal Leak TSB 23-012

Owners of 2016-2021 Honda Civic and Civic Type R vehicles may experience their air conditioning system failing to blow cold air. This issue is addressed by Honda Service Bulletin 23-012, which identifies the root cause as an oil/refrigerant leak from the A/C compressor main shaft seal. This bulletin provides technicians with a detailed inspection and repair procedure to resolve the problem.

Symptoms

The primary symptom reported by customers is the "A/C not blowing cold air." This indicates a loss of refrigerant, often accompanied by an oil residue near the A/C compressor.

Possible Cause

The underlying cause of the A/C not blowing cold air is identified as an oil/refrigerant leak originating from the A/C compressor main shaft seal. This leak allows refrigerant to escape, compromising the A/C system's ability to cool.

Corrective Action

Honda Service Bulletin 23-012 directs technicians to perform a thorough inspection procedure. If a leak from the A/C compressor main shaft seal is confirmed during this inspection, the corrective action involves replacing the compressor shaft seal.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process outlined in Honda Service Bulletin 23-012 is comprehensive and requires specialized tools and expertise. It begins with an initial inspection for oil leaks around the A/C compressor's clutch area, felt washer, and a sniffer test to detect refrigerant leaks. If a leak is confirmed, the following steps are performed:

1. Refrigerant Recovery: The A/C refrigerant is recovered from the system.
2. Hose Disconnection: Discharge and suction hoses are disconnected, and port plugs are immediately used to prevent moisture and dust contamination of the A/C compressor.
3. Compressor Removal: The A/C compressor is carefully removed from the vehicle, taking care not to damage radiator fins.
4. Disassembly: The compressor clutch is disassembled, including the removal of shims, the felt washer, the pulley, and the seal C-ring.
5. Cleaning: The compressor's bore and shaft are thoroughly cleaned with a lint-free cloth. Compressed air is explicitly not to be used to prevent debris from entering the compressor.
6. Seal Extraction: Specialized tools, including a press tool, press adapter, cylinder tool, and extractor tool, are used to carefully remove the old A/C compressor main shaft seal.
7. Inspection and Lubrication: The compressor shaft bore and seal guide are inspected for any damage or contamination. The new seal's outer surface, seal guide, and bore are lubricated with new POE compressor oil.
8. New Seal Installation: The new A/C compressor main shaft seal is installed using the seal guide tool and press adapter, ensuring it is correctly oriented (metal side upwards) and properly seated about 5 mm below the bore.
9. C-Ring Installation: The new seal C-ring is inserted with its rounded edge facing down into the bore.
10. Final Seating: The press tool is used to fully seat the new seal and C-clip until a sound or vibration indicates the C-clip is fully set.
11. Surface Cleaning: The pulley and A/C compressor friction surfaces are cleaned with contact cleaner or a non-petroleum solvent.
12. Reassembly: The pulley, new pulley outer C-ring, new felt washer, clutch plate, spacers, and clutch center flange bolt are reinstalled, with the bolt torqued to 17 N·m (13 lb-ft).
13. Oil and Refrigerant: The compressor is filled with one complete can of POE compressor oil, and the A/C system is filled with the correct amount of refrigerant after a vacuum check.
14. System Test: The vehicle is run for ten minutes with the A/C system set to MAX COOL and the engine at 1,500-2,000 RPM.
15. Final Leak Check: A final leak check is performed with a calibrated sniffer around the shaft seal and O-ring areas.

If a leak is detected after the first seal replacement, the seal is replaced again. If a leak persists after a second seal replacement, the entire compressor assembly must be replaced.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform the repair described in Honda Service Bulletin 23-012, specific parts and a special tool are required:

• Seal Set Assembly Kit: Contains Bolt, Washer Set, Pulley C-Ring, Felt Washer, Shaft Seal, C-Ring Seal, Suction Port Plug, Discharge Port Plug. Part Number: 38918-64A-318 (Quantity: 1)
• O-Ring (1/2"): Part Number: 80872-SN7-003 (Quantity: 1)
• O-Ring (5/8"): Part Number: 80871-SN7-003 (Quantity: 1)
• POE Compressor Oil: Part Number: 38899-RLV-A01 (Quantity: 1)
• 6CVC Seal Replacement Kit (Special Tool): Part Number: 07AAC-5AAA1Z0 (Quantity: 1) - This tool kit was auto-shipped to dealers in December 2022.

Important Warnings

Honda emphasizes several critical points for technicians and owners:

• Technician-Only Repair: "The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by 'do-it-yourselfers,' and you should not assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Honda automobile dealer."
• Safety Precaution: "Chance for fluids to enter eyes and/or hands which can cause injury. Use safety glasses and rubber gloves."
• Contamination Prevention: Do not use compressed air during cleaning, as it can introduce debris. Also, avoid touching the center of the new seal with bare hands to prevent cross-contamination of the A/C refrigerant system.
• Radiator Protection: Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when removing the A/C compressor.
• Persistent Leak: "If a leak is detected, replace the seal again. After a second seal is replaced, if a leak is detected, then replace the compressor assembly."

Warranty Claim Information

Standard warranty procedures apply for this repair. The following details are provided for warranty claims:

• Operation Number: 614130
  • Description: AC compressor seal replacement (includes inspection)
  • Flat Rate Time: 1.4 hr
  • Defect Code: 07408
  • Symptom Code: 03217
  • Template ID: A23012A
  • Failed Part Number: 38810-5BA-A03
• Operation Number: 620025
  • Description: Evacuate and recharge
  • Flat Rate Time: 0.7 hr

Source: NHTSA ID 10234575