AC compressor

[Sara78]

A couple weeks ago I noticed my AC not cooling well on my 2002 Civic with 60,000 miles. This week I noticed my car smelling hot (tho temp gauge was normal) and then it started to make noise so I took it straight-away to the Honda Service, who said it was safe to drive with the air off until they could check it in 2 days. Now after my appt, they've found I need a new compressor and the estimate to replace it is $1100 and have ordered the parts, telling me it is safe to drive. However, 5 miles down the road my battery light went on so I turned around and now he's telling me there's a problem with the alternator, and I'm waiting for a follow-up call on that. Not only was I quite surprised by the amount of a new compressor, I'm concerned that his advice that it's okay to drive may not be a wise choice. It just seems too coincidental that all this is happening. Is his estimate for a new compressor reasonable? Is it all merely coincidence? Any thoughts from you mechanic-savvy techs would be very much appreciated! This car has to last me a long time...

[BrodyP]

The compressor shouldn't run you more then $400-$500 bucks. You are paying for labor. It can be done anywhere check with local stores and mechanics for a better deal. The battery light can be triggered by yes a bad alternator or bad connection on battery terminal or your alternator belt my be off on its tension or maybe you have a bad ground. I'd have second opinions taken at local shops have then run the PCM codes again.

[Sara78]

Before I got your response, I heard from the dealership and he said he'd found a salvaged compressor and job could be done for $425!! I was elated and gave the go-ahead. Now just this morning he called back and said--Oops! they got it all apart and there were metal bits everywhere and now to replace all the lines and everything, the cost would "dwarf the original estimate" (of $1100). Now my car's torn apart in their garage and I feel I'm totally stuck! What am I dealing with here??!!