Air Conditioning

[cruiser69]

I have a 2006 Commander 3.7 V6 that the air conditioning does not work. When I turn on the air the compressor is really noisy in the engine. Once turned off it is quiet again. No cold air blows out at all so I was wondering if the compressor is dead. I do not want to recharge the freon if the compressor does not work. How can you test this and how hard is it to replace. It looks like it is right on top of the engine.

[gmtech1]

From the description, I would say the the compressor is indeed dead. To check, install gauges and check the pressures, its is probably not building any high side and/or not pulling down the low side. With a failure like what it sounds like you have, the system will need to be flushed out and a filter should be installed.

[cruiser69]

How difficult is it to replace the compressor. Would I need to just flush the system, change compressor and recharge.

[gmtech1]

If you had a major failure of the compressor, like you make it sound you did, Jeep recomends that you also replace the reciever/drier. The compressor is not too tough, need to have the system recovered before you start the repairs.

[cruiser69]

Do I need a shop to replace the receiver/dryer or can this be done also? Is it better to have a shop recover the system for me also?