Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: auto air conditioning problem, auto air conditioning, dodge stratus

Question
I have a 1996 Dodge Stratus 2.4 L 4 cyl. whose A/C stopped blowing cold air.  My local repair guy looked at it off and on for over 1 week, replaced the computer with a used one, but still can't fix the problem.  He says there is no leak and the compressor works fine when the computer sends a "ground" command.  The compressor will start if you run a wire from the computer and touch it to ground while the engine is running.  When the engine is turned off, the compressor will sometines restart but usually won't.  He's thinks I need a new (costly) computer.  Should I have taken the car to an A/C expert, or is my local guy on the right track?  

Answer
Your  mechanic does not know the design and HOW the ac system operates and is only guessing at what it could be.

He has already wasted your money on a junk yard computer of which may have the same problem that you already have.

There are numerous sensors that must be tested by a knowledgeable Dodge ac technician who knows what and how your system works. Your problem could be a simple $35.00 sensor but the system needs to be fully tested in oredr to find the fault.