[dbbyleo]

A reputable shop diagnosed my A/C for leaks. They charged it with refrigerant with dye ... the A/C blew really cold for 3-5 weeks before losing cold air.

I brought it back to the shop for them to find the leak.

They said they cannot find any sign of dye on the lines. They said because the evaporator commonly has gone bad on this generation accord, they suspect it is the evaporator, but can not confirm until they can get to it, which is behind the dash.

If it is the evaporator, the cost is $600+ in repair. But when I asked, he said that if it is not the evaporator, I would half of the labor, which ends up being no more than $100 (that I would pay).

Anyway ... I'm considering doing the work myself, if it doesn't require any special tools. I would still get a service manual, though, so I have to ask if anyone's done it before and if it's do'able by your typical DIY'er. The most extensive job I've ever done is replacing broken CV joints.

Even if I was able to replace the evaporator myself, I know at some point I'll have to find someone to charge it up for me. This same shop charge me $130 for charging it up the last time (with the dye). Is that ok price for refrigerant charge up? Are there laws that would prevent them from doing it for me outside normal diagnostic process?

Lastly, it's a 14 year old car. How many of you have had other problems with the A/C? I'm wondering if something else would break later on ... like the compressor. Although I have to say ... from being this old, it sure still blows really cold air when the system is charged. What other potential A/C problems could I have later on that's common in this generation accord?

Thanks.