Can a faulty starter cause A/C issues?

Tiny
MHARO3
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA CRV
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
My car stopped turning over. Took it in. They said it was the starter and replaced it. Got my car back, the A/C stopped working. They said they added Freon, and it was fine now. It was, until a week later, the new starter stopped working. Towed the car back to the shop. They replaced the starter again. One week later the A/C stopped working again. It starts cold, then a couple of miles later it blows hot and my car shakes. Is the starter somehow related to the A/C?
Thursday, May 8th, 2025 AT 5:47 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,257 POSTS
They could have bumped something for the A/C system when doing the job of the starter. If they stressed an A/C line or poked a hole in the condenser the refrigerant will leak out and cause the A/C to stop working. You will need to take it to another shop for inspection. The starter issue can I ask if they replaced the starter cut relay? If not, I would replace the relay, also, do you know the brand of starter? These cars are temperamental when it comes to the quality of the replacement part. Here is the location of the relay. Check out the images (below).
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Saturday, May 10th, 2025 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,257 POSTS
Check the relay location above.
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Saturday, May 10th, 2025 AT 12:06 PM

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