Chrysler Repair: a/c evaparotor cooler, radiator replacement, radiator shop

Question
I have a 2002 pt cruiser. I took it to get the radiator replaced and now the a/c does not blow cold. I took it back and the mech. said they didn't do any thing that would effect the a/c. they checked it out and said the evap.cooler was leaking. How hard is this to fix? Do i have to take it to a A/C shop or can I do it myself?

Thanks.

Earl

Answer
Hi Earl,
I would go to an A/C shop and request that they use their leak detector to locate the point where the system is leaking. If it is the evaporator/cooler which is located in the cabin and is part of the HVAC housing then that is a large undertaking which involves removing the dash and then taking the evaporator out of the housing. It would be doubtful that the evaporator would have been touched during the radiator repair.
On the other hand, if the leak is at the A/C condensor which is located in front of the radiator and looks like the radiator and is in fact attached to the radiator, then that is much easier to replace. However, if the system was working before the radiator replacement, that raises the issue of whether the radiator repair was responsible for the leak or not. If the A/C shop can identify exactly where the damage is located and it appears to be consistent with what might happen when the radiator was removed, then I believe you would have a good cause to request that the radiator shop be responsible to do or pay for the condensor repair.
Roland
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