A/C Service Gone Wild! $$$

Tuesday my low mileage 2012 Tacoma SR5 A/C acted up. When I turned a/c blower switch a loud screech noise came from under my hood, warm air only, and the A/C button light started blinking? Ok, here we go. Went to internet and many of things from magnetic clutch relay to needs new Condenser/Pump. Wonderful. I bought the truck new in 2011. Plus I faithfully service at stealer every 6 months or 5,000 miles.

This morning took to stealer expecting to spend approximately $1600 according to internet pricing. Was told $2700. STOP! Stealer said I need A/C Condenser, A/C Pump and Clutch Assembly. Wow. I declined service but still had to pay $100 for diagnosis.

I then called a good HD riding friend who lives on other side of state (4hrs away) that owns a independent car repair shop that specializes in A/C for advice. We talked about what A/C system did, told him of diagnosis, and he said he'd call me right back. Now this is Labor Day Weekend keep in mind. He said he can all the listed parts today, and to bring it in Monday morning (Labor Day) for $1200. He said he'll run a diagnosis himself and if I'm being scammed he can return parts no problem. Super!

Just a heads up to 2nd generation Tacoma owners looking at A/C repairs.

 

FML

 

Neither of which has anything to do with your AC health. AC is not part of any routine service.

However, your friends price is pretty accurate for an independent shop to replace a compressor. However, it may or may not even be that complex.

Read post 10 here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/blinking-ac-light-please-help.105164/#post-15503887

Then see one of those options here. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ac-clutch-failure-how-to-fix-blinking-light-squealing.448009/

My thought is you need to find a quality local independent shop to help you with your service work, and quit putting the dealers kids through college.

 

I have this same a/c issue.
Then at the same time the heat causes another squeeling sound...!
I can live without a/c hell I'm in maine..
But the heater yep that's gotta get fixed

Funny how I had a 98 civic& drove it 2001-2014 13yrs without any issues.... heck I bet I only put 3 sets of tires on it life of vehicle.
And a few cv boots..
(Still runs but body rusted) wife got another civic and I gotta tacoma...least I look cooler