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One more development: Reviewing the report from the dealer, which unfortunately I had not seen when I first contacted you, they added 1 pound of freon and dye, and indicated that freon was coming "from front of compressor," which evidently was what led to their determination that the compressor needs to be replaced. However, we can see no indication of any leakage. Is there some way this should look? We are still going to seek a 2nd opinion, but your guidance continues to be very helpful. THANKS AGAIN! PS: Can we contribute to your efforts in some way?
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We have a 93 Nissan Quest w/140k miles which looks & runs great. However, the A/C started blowing hot air. Dealer said it needed a new compressor, plus hoses and possibly clutch. (Compressor, hoses & clutch were replaced 3 years/40k miles ago.) However, when we got home, the air was blowing cold again, and still is. We're wondering if problem could be the switch or something other than the compressor. Due to car's age, it doesn't make sense to spend $1,600 for repair, but we'd don't want to get rid of it either. We thought about trying to R&R it ourselves, with a pro doing the freon removal/installation. Any suggestions?
Answer -
If it's blowing COLD air now and is continuing to do so, I don't see a compressor problem.
Did you look to see if the compressor was engaged when it stopped blowing cold air ?.
Let me know what you find pertaining to my question as stated above.
autohelp
Answer -
If they ONLY added refrigerant (freon) and now the air is still COLD, There is a leak in one of the A/C components.
It is possible that the leak is coming from the compressor, But highly unlikely.
I would get a SECOND opinion.
autohelp
Retired after to many years in theauto repair business in New Mexico and now teaching the trade to my son.
AnswerThe DYE in the freon is usually RED and when there is a leak the RED color appears at the leak site. Sometimes especially if the leak is at the FRONT SEAL of the compressor you can't see the dye but an ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTOR can. The Electronic detector senses freon and starts to make a noise much like a metal detector does.
Most of the FRONT compressor seals can be replaced WITHOUT replacing the compressor. What usually happens is they sell you new COMPRESSOR and then replace the $2.00 seal and re-sell your compressor to someone else.
However, There ARE some compressors where you cannot replace the seal and MUST replace the compressor, But this is EXTREMLY rare.
Get a second opinion from another facility and tell them that you were told that the leak is at the compressor and ASK about just replacing the seal WITHOUT replacing the complete compressor.
The problem with alot of today's auto repair people is they are to lazy to take the time to replace a small seal when it is more profitable to replace the complete component (compressor).
let me know.
I get 40 to 60 questions DAILY from this board and another and if you have problems reaching me on this board e-mail me directly at:
meperganfortis@msn.com
and I will get back to you sooner.
autohelp
