A/C Failed (pricey quote from shop)

My '09 Tacoma V6 just had the AC failed this summer. After reading a lot of threads it looked like I could just replace the clutch to fix the issue. I took it to the shop to confirm that that was the point of failure and got back an astonishing quote to fix the AC. It looks like they want to replace the entire AC system. Compressor, condenser, expansion valve, Evaporator, (and the serpentine belt?). They said that when the Compressor failed, it released metal shards into the lines which is why all the other parts need to be replaced. All in all, the total is $3,600 (AHH YIKES). They told me that they could replace just the compressor but that it would likely fail in another 6 months. Does anyone know how they tell how to tell if this is accurate? Metal shards in the systems and the compressor failing in 6 months.

Before it failed, I would hear a slight grinding noise when I first turned on the AC but it had been working just fine until it quit. So, anyway, I am looking for some input as to what I should do next. I can't imagine that I need to replace the whole system but I don't know squat about AC.

 

Get a second opinion...

 

Shops dont or wont do the ac clutch. You can buy the part for 50 bucks on Ebay. Watch the ac pulley when the ac button is pressed. Does the inner wheel spin?

 

Subbed, I might have a similar issue. I get a whining sound when I rev the motor while the ac is on

 

If the compressor did grenade in that fashion then the easiest way to fix it is to replace those parts and flush the lines. It's labor intensive for sure and they're right that it'll just fail again if they just throw on a new compressor.

But 3600 still seems like alot.

I would want to see the old compressor and get a look at the inside of the rest of the system myself if I didn't trust the shop.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...o-fix-blinking-light-squealing.448009/page-12 Might be something in here to help you. I got 2 quotes last year to fix mine. Dealership was $1,650, local auto shop was $1,600 and no loaner. Both quotes were the for whole system and had a warranty. Local shop said they would put in a new pump for $850 and would have the taillight warranty for not replacing the condenser.

 

I thought that the way A/C's are designed, there may be a filter of sorts within the system to catch debris, as well as special tools that exist to flush out the lines...

 

I replaced the whole ac system on my girls impala 600$ Always do the condenser - do it yourself.

 

I would get a couple other quotes.
In the end I would probably just change the compressor myself. You can rent the equip. for evac. and recharging yourself. Lotsa info and tutorials on YouTube.

 

There is a fine filter in the line going into the expansion valve that should protect the evaporator core and expansion valve.

See Post # 40 in this thread with pictures.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...pansion-valve-tvx.600393/page-2#post-20531252

 

Last Aug my 2009 AC compressor crapped out at 141k miles towing the boat home in 100 degree so local dealer got it in and fixed next day. I don't deal with AC myself as no equipment and too hot in FL and I'm old!
Total $1271 installed with warranty and free loaner. Compressor w/clutch and R134A $660. and rest labor/misc.
Still cold a year later and we just passed 27 days over 97 degrees so it works hard.
The AC blower resister connector just fried itself as posts on forum explain but for $25 and 1 hour that was easily fixed by me.

 

My 2013 compressor blew up on me. Thank God I had a warranty. The dealership explained they replace the entire system because the compressor going out sends pieces into the lines. Better just to replace everything. The final invoice was like $2500.00. I'm sorry to hear about your problem man. Good luck!

 

Mine just went out. It was the A/C clutch, not the compressor. If it is the compressor they have to replace the entire system usually, but the a/c compressor clutch is a poor design on our Tacomas and can be replaced pretty easily.

Does you Tacoma make a nasty wining sound when you turn your a/c on?

 

My brother in law just got quoted 1000 bucks for everything...

 

Not sure i would classify mine as "nasty", but you can definitely hear it when you turn it on and goes up as the motor revs (accelerates). fortunately i have an extended warranty so ptobably not going to worry about it. unless fixing the clutch pre-emptively might save the compressor....

 

I have a 2006 and the AC crapped out this summer after never blowing super cold and not sounding very good for the 4 years I had owned it. Dealership quoted $3200 to fix it and I laughed my way out the door. I had a hissing noise coming thru the vents towards the end the last year before it went out. I knew absolutely nothing about the A/C on our trucks. Read a bunch of threads on TW and I ended up doing it all myself. Replaced the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and that filter that is on the low side line that runs into the expansion valve. That filter was 100% clogged and most likely my point of failure which caused the compressor to go out. Its super cheap and a very good idea to at least pull it and inspect while you have the system discharged. Basically I replaced everything but the evaporator because I didn't want to dig into the entire dash if I didn't have to. Couple months after the install and she is blowing cold as ice and I am actually surprised I didn't have any leaks or anything after being an AC newb. I did it all on a Saturday so definitely something you can do yourself and I spent $550 total on all the parts and saved a boatload of money compared to the stealership.

 

Get a second opinion, if you go to church, see if you can get an evening working with someone who knows whats what working with vehicles. Even if you don't fix it, its a lot of fun.

 

It does make a pretty loud whining sound when the AC is on.

 

And never tell the second shop what anyone told or quoted you !