A/C stopped working -- is my mechanic BSing me?

[macpaul]

Hi all -- The A/C on our 2000 Quest SE stopped working last week. When we push the AC button on the dash, there is no sound, no nothing. The system just blows regular air (front and back). We used to have a '93 Villager and the same thing happened to it -- the repair cost us over $1,000.

My mechanic did an A/C performance test on the Quest and says he can't tell for sure what the problem is, but he suspects the "hi/low rear a/c lines" have a leak and need to be replaced (at a cost of almost $1,000). There is no R134 left in the system, and there is no leakage around the condenser.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what the problem might be? I don't know if I can fully trust this mechanic and frankly, we can't afford a $1,000 repair right now. I'm hoping the problem is something less costly and/or something I can fix myself.

Thanks a ton, everyone.

[greg2010]

Hi there.

I don't know how much "freon" your vehicle requires, but around here, shops are charging about $50 per pound of refrigerant, and many vehicles take between 2 and 2.5 to 3 pounds.

Nevertheless, you said you don't think you can trust the mechanic. Simply put, get a second or third opinion. After all, it scares me when he says "he can't tell what the problem is" I think it's the best thing to do since you'll be looking at spending a lot of money to repair it. There is a possibilty that there is an electrical problem: Maybe the high-pressure switch or the low-pressure switch is faulty?

[mike v]

help!!!

i own a 97 nissan quest and the rear air blower just stop working
no more air!!! nothing. i staid a couple of week like that when suddenly
the front air system stoped working (a/c). it only blew normal air !!! even if the the a/c is activated!!. i went to check it and the a/c tube in the motor were freezing but it dosent pass to the cabin of the car!! could someone help me or had this problem ?? plse write to [email protected]

[Fecomosis]

This is in reply to the first posting.

Take the condensor sensor and unplug it and put a paperclip across the wires. Then start up the vehicle and press the AC button, I should kick on. If it kicks on everytime you press the button, then the compress is prolly good and that you have leaked out your r134a. But if it starts squealing and making a loud noise, prepare to turn off motor Immeadatly!! If it does that then that means the compressor has locked up and it will need to be replaces and the orifice tubes filters need to be changed.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by macpaul

Hi all -- The A/C on our 2000 Quest SE stopped working last week. When we push the AC button on the dash, there is no sound, no nothing. The system just blows regular air (front and back). We used to have a '93 Villager and the same thing happened to it -- the repair cost us over $1,000.

My mechanic did an A/C performance test on the Quest and says he can't tell for sure what the problem is, but he suspects the "hi/low rear a/c lines" have a leak and need to be replaced (at a cost of almost $1,000). There is no R134 left in the system, and there is no leakage around the condenser.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what the problem might be? I don't know if I can fully trust this mechanic and frankly, we can't afford a $1,000 repair right now. I'm hoping the problem is something less costly and/or something I can fix myself.



Thanks a ton, everyone.

To start with.
The system needs some proper leak testing by someone that knows what they are doing.
Just suspecting does not get the job done.
He should just told you he did not know instead of supecting a 1000$ repair.

Tips on finding a good repair shop.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

MT