Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: 1999 Taurus AC repair costs, freon refrigerant, ac compressors

Question
I am interested in buying my uncle's 1999 low mileage (19000 miles) Taurus station wagon.  It has all the options including the 32 valve motor but THE AC DOES NOT WORK. Yes the fan blows, but it only blow warm air with the temp set to 60 degrees.  I want to know what the potential cost could be to repair it.  What I am looking for is a price range.  The car uses the non-Freon refrigerant.  I checked the MSN auto page and the air conditioning reliability is good for this vehicle. Conversely, I have had two leased Windstars that both failed their AC compressors before reaching 30,000 miles. The dealer warranty charge was over a $1000 for each vehicle to have its compressor replaced.

Based on your answer I will decide whether or not to buy it.  I have had two dealership estimates to diagnose from it ranging from $80 to $180.   

If a seal is leaking I would assume that would be the lowest cost, but if one seal is failed does that predict additional seal failures are soon to follow?  

Answer
Usually the most likely fault is a leak in one of the hoses or one of the components. Your best option would be to spend $100.00 or less and have the system recharged with freon and LEAK CHECKED by an A/C facility of whom can then advise you of what your problem(s) is/are.

It is true that I have seen more sable A/C compressors fail and any other models, WHY ?> I have no clue.

I have not seen any repetative seal or "O" Ring leaks in these systems. About the most common things were the compressors and the A/C hose assembly that attaches to the compressor starts to leak and needs to be replaced.


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