1999 No A/c

[taxman2010]

Ok - the bugger decided to stop working while it was 95 out - so I got home and went online and found the parts (new compressor, dryer, extension) to replace were roughly $235 - so then I went and looked up the manual online and it said 2-2.5 hours to remove/replace, charge - thinking that was cool, I dropped by a mechanic to get an estimate - it was over $900! That made me hot again....did I miss something???? Thx

[AzTumbleweed]

I'd say he was charging you $600 or so for the parts. Get a couple more estimates. You may just have a leak in your system. Why not get that fixed and then recharge it? Would be a lot cheaper.

[taxman2010]

Ok - will get a few more estimates - I was told there were no leaks

[AzTumbleweed]

If it's not working I wonder how they checked for leaks? Normally if an A/C doesn't work it's because it has a leak and lost the refrigerant. I think getting a second opinion is your best bet.

[taxman2010]

2nd opinion came back at $600 - got one more coming - and no idea how it was tested - wasn't there

[GTP Dad]

Did the AC stop working or did the compressor stop coming on? These cars have an issue with the CCRM that causes the AC compressor from coming on when it is called for. The fix can be relatively cheap!

[denisond3]

Anyone in the business of automotive a.c. repair is going to have some fixed costs, due to the need to comply with the various federal and state laws governing the 'capture of freon in your system', checking for leaks before letting you have the car back, etc. Not to mention the costs involved in giving you a guarantee, in the event it quits next week.
Those fixed costs could be the reason the price seems high. I would have to think the lower estimate is the more suspicious one. After all, its not likely you will refuse to pay -some amount- more than the original estimate, in order to be allowed to get your car back.

And an a.c. system can quit working even when the compressor is pumping and the system has some charge in it. It could be a clogged orifice tube, a compressor with a stuck valve, etc.

[FordMan59]

As already mentioned the CCRM is a common issue with the a/c systems on the '97-up Escorts. A new CCRM would cost you between $200-$300, but if you find out the CCRM is the problem I have some used ones for sale in the following link

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=955583

If there are no leaks and the compressor is not kicking on there is a good chance the CCRM is the problem.

[mightymoose_22]

if you search these forums you will find a fast and easy repair for the CCRM if that is the problem... it is just a matter of soldering a connection or two.

[Davescort97]

A lot of shops don't go by flat rate on time. They will charge you what they need to charge to maintain a profitable business. The parts you get for $235 the shop gets for the same price, then they sell them to you at suggested retail for what the parts place lists them as. Many times a shop will add up all the individual flat rate times and that will be more than what a combined flat rate operation would be. Good luck if you can find somebody that will only charge what the flat rate is listed as. God help you if you try to point out that their flat rate charge isn't fair.

[jcwit]

The shop lets me furnish my own parts, then charges me for the time spent actually doing the repair.

If I want an estimate he checks the rate manual if he already doesn't know off the top of his head, but then charges me for actual time spent on doing the repair. One of the benifits of living in a small town.