Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: A/C 2004 Chevy Suburban, radiator fan shroud, chevy suburban

Question
I was wondering what pounds of freon are to be in my Suburban.  It is blowing hot air on the driver side vents when it is on A/C. I then have to turn it off, turn the suburban off, restart for it to be cool again.  I'm planning on taking it in for a A/C test at the local auto shop, and reading online for prices for compressor, evapotor, spectra, heater cores, I dont want any surprise cost.  But I can not find the amount of freon, by pound that needs/recommended to be in the suburban.  Can you help me?  I do not want to go in there not knowing what the going rate, or the right amount should be in the suburban. Thank you for your help.

Babette

Answer
Babette,
I am unable to tell you the exact amount or refrigerant that your vehicle requires off the top of my head. But, if you look under the hood of the truck you will find a sticker telling you this information. Usually this sticker is located on the radiator fan shroud/brace or on the underside of the hood itself. I am anticipating about 2.4 - 3.2 pounds of R134a. Somewhere in that range.
As for what they are going to quote you... tough to say. Taking into consideration...

3lb R134a at about 8.50 a pound = 25.50 (this is about the average
   cost per pound)
1.5 hour labor at 82.50/hr      = 123.75 (This is the average rate in
   my neck of the woods, may differ where you are from)
Shop fees (rags, etc.)          = 5.00 -12.00

I am guess-timating you are looking about 180 dollars for them to recover, evacuate, and recharge the system. If you have them add some leak detection dye, which they and I both will recommend, that will add on about another 10.00, and require another trip to the shop about a week or so later. But will make the job of finding your leak much, much easier.

Another thing that you may want to think about... If your suburban has dual-zone climate control for the front. (can set the passenger front seat vents and driver front seat vents for different temperatures) And you driver side vents are blowing HOT, not luke-warm, there may be an issue with your blend doors that may come up. So if they say this, don't be surprised. If you do not have the dual zone, and there is about a 10-25 degree difference between your passenger and driver vents, then I would say that you have a refrigerant leak in the system somewhere that needs to be found and repaired.

Thank you for the question, I hope I was of some assistance. If so please remember to rate this answer. If I can do anything further now or in the future do not hesitate to ask. Thanks again and good luck in everything.