QuestionQUESTION: I recently found out that the evaporator on my van needs replaced to the tune of $1000.00. I know how to work on cars but I cannot find any information on how to change this and I would like to have an idea of what to do before I just start tearing out the dash. At the dealer they did drain all of the coolant before they told me the cost so I don't have to worry about that. I also have to replace the condenser. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Jim
ANSWER: Jim,
On a 96 Grand Caravan one of the options was front and rear A/C. Do you have this option, and if so which evaporator are you referring to? If you let me know, I will copy and paste the step-by-step provided by mu online repair manual service. I will also need to know if you have the SE, LE, ES, or just grand caravan model van. These all came with different items that may involve an extra step or two.
The condensor is a relatively easy replacement. It has two lines connecting it to the rest of the system. It is located in front of your radiator. I am not certain how much laboring you will need to do to get to it, but once you are there it is fairly simple.
A couple things to keep in mind.
1. O-rings. Make certain you replace all the old o-rings. These are not interchangeable with oil type o-rings (black in color) Make certain they are for refrigerant. Typically they are green in color.
2. Lines going to the evaporator and condensor. There are fittings on the lines and evap or condensor. Make cetain that you use two wrenches when taking the off or putting them on as they will "wring" very easily.
3. Your filter drier will also need to be replaced. This acts like a sponge to moisture. As soon as you open a refrigerant line to the atmosphere, it begins absorbing all the humidity in the air. (It's like the "do not eat" packets in beef jerky or that come with new shoes.) Moisture is very bad for the refrigeration system, you want to keep all that you can out if it. Do not remove the caps from the new one until you are finished with everything alse and are about to install it.
4. Any line that you disconnect, try to tape them off as best as possible. This again is an attempt at keeping the inside of the system dry.
5. Evacuate the system with a vaccuum pump after the repairs are made. The dealer or any a/c shop will be able to do this when you take it to be recharged.
Now... why do you have to replace the evaporator and condensor? It is very rare that both of these begin leaking at the same time.
I hope this was of a little help. As I said, if you send me the specifics for your van, I will copy and paste the instructions I have.
If I can do anything more for you now or in the future, do not hesitate to ask. If you found this response at all helpful please do not forget to rate this answer. Thank you for your question and good luck in everything.
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QUESTION: Sorry forgot to add this, I think it is just front a/c with rear blower. There are no controls to turn on the a/c in the back just a fan. Also, it is the front evaporator, and it is an LE. I think that's everything.
Again Thank you,
Jim
AnswerJim,
Ok, learn something new every day. My service won't allow me to copy and paste. However I can do the print screen function and paste it into a word document. I can't paste it into here, becasue it would be a picture type file and allexperts.com doesnt allow that. If you want to send me an email address, I will send you this document after I get it built. No worries, I get as much spam as you and I can't stand it either. This is the only time I will ever use it unless you respond to mine and need more help.
If you want to me to do this, send your email to me in here as a new question but make sure you mark it as private that way the world doesn't get it.
Also... found out your van doesn't have an orifice tube... it has an expansion valve, so that is 40 bucks back in your pocket.
Ok, waiting your response, I will go ahead and build the word doc, just in case.
