Service Bulletin

23-039

January 24, 2024

Version 4

Warranty Extension: 2016-2021 Civic A/C Compressor Shaft Seal Leak
(1.5T, 2.0, 2.0T)
Supersedes 23-039, dated September 28, 2023, to revise the information.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year

Model

Trim

VIN Range

2016–2021

Civic

1.5T

Check the iN VIN status for eligibility

2016–2021

Civic

2.0

Check the iN VIN status for eligibility

2017–2021

Civic Type R

2.0T

Check the iN VIN status for eligibility

REVISION SUMMARY
•

There are extensive updates and American Honda recommends you review the entire bulletin.

•

TOOLS INFORMATION had critical information change, as highlighted in yellow.

BACKGROUND
Due to a new North America regulation which introduces a new refrigerant and oil requirement, the compressor shaft
seal may leak. American Honda is extending the warranty on the A/C compressor shaft seal from the original 3 years to
10 years from the original date of purchase, with no mileage limitation.
The new refrigerant and oil may cause swelling of the compressor shaft seal. The swelling may lead to abnormal
wearing of the seal which may increase seal gaps around the compressor shaft allowing refrigerant to leak out.
This warranty extension will 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.

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign.
Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.

CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the inspection procedure and if directed, replace the compressor shaft seal.

CUSTOMER INFORMATION: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.
© 2024 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights

Reserved

Page 1 of 25

PARTS INFORMATION
Description

Part Number

Quantity

Seal Set Assembly Kit (Contains: Bolt, Washer Set, Pulley CRing, Felt Washer, Shaft Seal, C-Ring Seal, Suction Port Plug,
Discharge Port Plug)

38918-64A-318

1

O-Ring (1/2”)

80872-SN7-003

1

O-Ring (5/8”)

80871-SN7-003

1

REQUIRED MATERIALS
Description

Part Number

Quantity

POE Compressor Oil

38899-RLV-A01

1

RB100EV Oil

38899-64A-A02

1

NOTE: POE Compressor Oil will be phased out and unavailable once RB100EV arrives in domestic inventory.

TOOLS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

A/C Compressor Seal Puller

07AAC-5AAA100

1

A/C Compressor Seal Guide

07AAG-5AAA101

1

A/C Compressor Seal Driver

07AAE-5AAA101

1

6CVC Seal Press (1.5L)

07AAD-5AAA101

1

6CVC Seal Press (2.0L)

07AAD-5BAA100

1

The above tools were auto-shipped to dealers in December 2022. For support or replacements, please contact Special
Tools Hotline at (800) 346-6327. The original replacement kits have been discontinued.

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation
Number

Description

Flat
Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template ID

Failed Part Number

6141D4

AC compressor seal
replacement (includes
inspection, evacuate
and recharge)

2.1 hr

6A500

RE800

A23039A

38810-5BA-A03

Page 2 of 25

VISUAL INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Remove the right-front tire.
2. Remove the engine undercover.

3. Remove the drive belt.
NOTE: This is a hydraulic type auto-tensioner so turn the wrench slowly for at least 3 seconds.

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4. Inspect for oil on the armature plate surface of the compressor.
NOTE: If any oil is stuck to the armature plate surface of the compressor, then proceed to the repair procedure.

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5. If no oil is noticed, leave the compressor on the vehicle. Remove the center hub bolt and armature plate from the
compressor. Then, inspect both for oil.
NOTE:
•

If oil is present on the armature plate, then proceed to the repair procedure.

•

If no oil is present, then proceed to step 6.

Examples of dry and oily armature assemblies.

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6. Remove the felt washer from the compressor and gently place it on a clean sheet of copier paper.
NOTE: If oil transfers from the felt washer to the paper after 10 seconds, proceed to the repair procedure. If not,
proceed to step 7.

7. Using a calibrated leak detector, check for a leak.
NOTE:
• Use the leak detector for at least five minutes around the snout of the compressor.
•

The longer an A/C compressor has not been ran, the better chance you will have at detecting a leak.

•

A higher vehicle engine temperature produces more accurate results.

•

If a leak is detected, proceed to the repair procedure.

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8. If no oil or leak is found, reassemble the hub/armature plate with the original bolt and torque to (17 N·m or 13 lb-ft).

If this is a second time and no leak is found, reassemble the hub/armature plate with a new bolt and torque to
17 N.m (13 lb-ft).
NOTE:
•

Verify that the armature plate and pulley rotate smoothly and independently.

•

Measure the clearance between the pulley and armature plate all the way around. If clearance is not within
specified limits, remove the armature plate and add/or remove shims as needed.

•

Clearance: 0.30–0.60mm (0.012–0.024in)

•

Shims are available in three sizes: 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm.

9. Reinstall the drive belt.
10. Run the vehicle for ten minutes and redo step 7 again.
NOTE: If no leak or oil found after completing the second time, then continue with the normal oil leak check procedure
of other A/C components.

Page 7 of 25

REPAIR PROCEDURE

Chance for fluids to enter eyes and/or hands which can cause injury. Use safety glasses and rubber gloves.
Click here to view a video of the seal repair procedure:
1. Connect an A/C recover/recycle/recharge machine to both the high-pressure service port and the low-pressure
service port. Follow the equipment’s manufacturer instructions.

2. Recover the A/C refrigerant.

Page 8 of 25

3. Disconnect the discharge and suction hoses.
NOTE:
• Use the port plugs in the seal assembly kit to immediately seal the ports after disconnection. This avoids
moisture and dust contamination from entering the air conditioning compressor. Installing an A/C compressor
into a contaminated system can result in premature A/C compressor failure.
•

For the Type-R Models only: remove the charge air cooler inlet hose and A/C condenser fan shroud.

Page 9 of 25

4. Remove the A/C compressor.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the radiator fins while removing the A/C compressor.

5. If not already removed, remove the center hub bolt (10 mm), tightened at 17 N·m (13 lb-ft).
NOTE: Make sure to wear proper PPE before continuing with the repair procedure.

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6. If not already removed, remove the clutch, carefully, to not drop/lose any shims (usually 1–2 shims).

7. If not already removed, use a pick and remove the felt washer.

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8. Remove the outer pulley C-ring.

9. Remove the pulley.

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10. Remove the seal C-ring.

11. Thoroughly clean the bore and shaft with a lint free cloth.
NOTE: Do not use compressed air. The bore needs to be very clean as to prevent debris from entering the
compressor once the seal is removed. Failure to remove all debris will result in a future failure.

Page 13 of 25

12. Remove the side bracket.

13. Place the press tool onto the A/C compressor and insert (2) holding pins. Make sure the press tool installs where
the press shaft and compressor shaft align. The press tool will only align correctly in one orientation. The pins must
be all the way through.
NOTE: The part numbers for the press tool are: 1.5T tool: 07AAD-5AAA101, 2.0 tool: 07AAD-5BAA100, and 2.0T
tool: 07AAD-5BAA100.

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14. Add the press adapter tool.

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15. Add grease to the press adapter button and press threads.

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16. Tighten the press until there is no clearance, and then 3/4 turn (270°).
NOTE:
•
•

The purpose of this step is to break the compressor shaft seal loose.
Turning the handle more than 3/4 turn (270°) can damage the tool and seal making it difficult to remove the
compressor shaft seal.

17. Remove the adapter and press tool.
18. Insert the cylinder tool onto the A/C compressor.

Page 17 of 25

19. Insert the extractor tool, and make sure the 24 mm nut is positioned towards the top. Look into the cylinder window
to align the extractor tool onto the flange and press the handle fully down to grab the seal.
NOTE: The 24 mm nut will use a 36 mm wrench.

20. Stabilize the extractor tool using a 19 mm wrench on the top. Then, turn the handle clockwise until resistance is felt.
Make sure that the space between the 19 mm wrench and the bottom portion of the extractor tool is minimal.
NOTE: To confirm the extractor is engaged, hold the extractor tool and lift the compressor up.

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21. Apply grease between the 24 mm nut and cylinder as well as cylinder top.

Page 19 of 25

22. With the 19 mm wrench in place, lower the 24 mm nut down until it reaches the cylinder. Slowly and carefully adjust
until the extractor tool comes out freely with the seal.
NOTE:
•

Resistance will be felt while lowering 24 mm nut and will cease once the seal is extracted.

•

If the seal does not come out on the first step, repeat the process starting at step 13.

Page 20 of 25

23. Thoroughly clean the bore and shaft with a lint free cloth.
NOTE: Do not use compressed air. The bore needs to be very clean as to prevent debris from entering the
compressor once the seal is installed. Failure to remove all debris will result in future failure.

24. Inspect the compressor shaft bore for visible damage; Inspect the seal guide for contamination or damage.
25. Lubricate the new seal outer surface, seal guide, and bore with new POE compressor oil.
NOTE:
•

Avoid touching the center of the seal to prevent cross-contamination of the A/C refrigerant system.

•

Make sure to clean the surface using clean gloves and with a lint free cloth before lubrication.

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26. Insert the seal guide tool onto A/C compressor shaft.

27. Insert the new seal onto the seal guide tool.
NOTE: The seal is directional and must be placed with the metal side upwards as shown below.

Page 22 of 25

28. Insert the press adapter tool over the seal guide. By hand, press down just enough to seat and install the new seal.
NOTE: Seat the seal about 5 mm below the top edge of the bore.

29. Insert the new seal C-ring with the teeth’s rounded side pointing down into the bore.

Page 23 of 25

30. Add the press tool.

31. Tighten the press by rotating the handle clockwise until it reaches the adapter tool. Slowly and carefully continue to
rotate the handle clockwise until the seal is pressed down roughly 10 mm below the top edge of the bore.
NOTE: Tighten the press until the C-clip is installed into the clip groove. There will be a sound or vibration felt when
the C-clip is fully set.

32. Remove the press and the adapter tool when successfully completed.
33. Clean the pulley and A/C compressor friction surfaces with Honda Brake Cleaner or equivalent.

Page 24 of 25

34. Install the pulley.
35. Install the new pulley outer C-ring.
NOTE: C-ring for pulley and felt seal must be replaced.
36. Install the new felt washer.
37. Measure existing shims with caliper and make sure the thickness is the same.
38. Install the clutch plate and shims.
39. Add the new clutch center flange bolt and tighten to 17 N·m (13 lb-ft).
40. Fill compressor with one complete can of POE compressor oil.
41. Mount the side bracket.
42. Install the compressor.
43. Connect the suction and discharge hose.
NOTE: Make sure to replace O-rings as needed.
44. Install the drive belt.
45. Install the remaining parts.
46. If the system is OK, recharge A/C system. Fill the A/C system with the correct amount of A/C Refrigerant.
47. Set the A/C system to MAX COOL, and run the vehicle for ten minutes with between 1,500-2,000 RPM.
48. Turn to the off mode. Use the calibrated leak detector to check around the shaft seal area, clutch area, and the O-ring
area, without the engine running.
49. Install the undercover assembly and tire if no leak is detected.

Page 25 of 25