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I have a 2000 Chrysler 300m and have had trouble with my A/C. I had it checked at the dealership and they recommend replacing the evaporator coil. The labor cost is about $550, therefore, I thought about changing it myself. I realize the dash will have to be removed. What do you suggest and have you ever replaced one?
Answer -
Hi John,
Are you loosing refrigerant? If not, then why do they focus on the evaporator coil? Have you checked the fault codes that might be stored on the control panel memory? Let me know if you have the auto temp unit (with temp display) of the standard type with simple knob controls and I'll give you a test procedure to readout codes that is appropriate for your unit.
I have not tried changing a coil, but for other of the Chrysler years and model it appears to be about a 20 step process (each way) that is outlined in the Chrysler shop manual (unfortunately I don't have the 300M manual to verify that, but you could go to a library or find one on eBay). It appears to be a matter of doing all the disconnecting necessary to pull the unit out from under the dash and then the coil itself is not that hard. If you have refrigerant in the unit, that needs to be withdrawn and saved so you might want to check with an AC shop to see if that can be arranged over the weekend or in some other manner. But if you have fiddled with cars I don't see why this couldn't be a d-i-y job.
But be sure that is really the part that needs to be changed. You might go to an AC shop and verify the diagnosis; and of course let's do the code readout.
Roland
Thanks Roland for your quick response! Yes, I am loosing refrigerant and I do have the auto temp unit (with temp display).
Thanks again, Jon
Answer -
Hi Jon (sorry for the misspelling),
Here is the readout, at least as it was up through the 97 model year which is the last I have a manual for:
Have the engine idling and set the temperature on the panel to 75 degrees, then push in and hold the Floor, Mix, and Defrost buttons all at the same time until the display section blinks, then release the buttons.
The control display will continue to blink, and then show two-digit trouble code numbers if any are present, they range from # 23 to # 36.
Only one code can be displayed at a time, but pressing and releasing the Panel button will display the next code if present. If no more codes are present the display will return to normal.
Write back with the code #'s if any and I can decode them.
If nothing comes back that suggests an alternate explanation, although a leak may not be something the system can detect per se, then the leak has to be found. If you trust the competency of the dealer for detecting the location of the leak then it would appear that the task of changing the coil is before you. Otherwise, re-verify at an AC shop. It is a lot of work so I would want to be sure.
I think the Chrysler official shop manual is the one you will want to be sure to get the details, although the Haynes manual I have for the 93-7 LHS is good enough if that were the car in question. So look at Haynes for the 300M as a less expensive alternative. eBay will likely have a used ones of both types for bid relatively frequently or you can get a new Haynes at an auto parts store. The local library may have either also.
Roland
Roland,
The code was #25.
Thanks,
Jon
AnswerHi Jon,
That is the code for the temp sensor in the cabin (ambient temp sensor) which I suspect could be set due to the failure of the AC unit to put out air sufficient to cool the cabin to the displayed temperature setting. Because you have been loosing coolant I would deal with that first and then see how it runs. I believe that the code memory will erase shortly after you correct the main issue.
Roland
