So I was having AC problems a while back and had a friend fix it but now it's back. Thinking about taking it somewhere.

Is the dealer the best place to take it or will they charge an arm and a leg?

 

If out of warranty the dealer is a bad idea. Find a local garage that can do it for you as it will save you some money.

 

Thanks. Figured the dealer was a bad idea. They usually charge $400 for an oil change.

I'll find a local in that case.

 

Where are you located, we might be able to recommend someone.

 

miami florida

 

The A/C system is pretty simple. Have a shop check the charge and verify the compressor is working. Most A/C shops can do that and do it cheaper than the dealer. We see alot of the earlier cars have failed compressors.

 

I must say $400 for an oil change might be a little expensive. I'm also thinking I might have to get my A/C recharged soon. It isn't cooling as much as I would like it too.

 

Do you know what your friend actually did. If he over-charged it that could be a problem. Hard to think what else "a friend" may have done.

First thing to do, as Way has said, is to verify that the compressor is coming on. If not, you are in for a big bill as the clutch seems not be be available separately. When mine went I went to a high end independent place and it was still $1200. Hard to think that a compressor will cost you under $1000 and the dealer could be as high as $1400.

Hopefully yours is something easy like being overcharged by your friend or a simple hose leak for some reason. It should be checked by someone who knows what they are doing. In the end it will cost you less that way.

Rich

 

My friend just put some of that coolant in there.

How can I tell if the compressor is turning on?

 

You will hear it. Be careful doing it on your own if you don't know how.

 

Do you have a set of manifold gauges to check the pressures? How much R134 did your friend add?

 

Word has it that Precision Auto Werks in Miami may be the shop to visit.

 

I have been searching for the same information. recently ac was not working properly and when I turned on ac at that time power connection was gone. I want to ac repair but could not understand that ac repair cost price.