AC Failure...insane dealer quote...possible solution?

This, you can buy the kits cheap with the glasses to see if there is a leak.

Older car but my 88 Chevy compressor wouldn't kick on when I bought it. Had 0 refrigerant (R12). A friend was HVAC licensed so we bought 3 cans cheap to try it out and it worked..froze my ballz off

 

Did the dealer provide a free enema with the quote?

 

OP... I had an 86 930 back in the day, had to get rid of it too many asshats thought they could take it, or park real real close or leave nasty notes. It just wasnt fun to own anymore.

 

R134 is oil base, most the time the 1st failure will occur in the low side valve. Put a jumper wire on the pressure switch. Throw a Gage on it and see if you have any pressure.
If not replace the valves jumper the switch again. Fill if with a charge kit and you back in the cool for less than 150 or so depending where you get your r134

 

I wish man

 

My AC condenser on my old car failed. Parts were going to cost 1600 alone before labor. I said eff it and bought a new vehicle.

 

I get that, but I mean I got a direct trade (and my lexus was crappy) in on this mechanically sound truck (minus ac) with 4wd and crew cab.

I am very happy with it and ok with paying to fix it. In fact, I could probably flip for a small profit if I don't have to replace compressor/clutch.

Eventually when I finish paying off my 911 in around two years or so I'll sell this taco and get a newer one.

I love everything about this truck, seriously.

 

Yeah that quote sounds a bit steep

 

Update: quote from Indy is: 6-700 for compressor clutch and condenser hose installed.

If I need a new condenser filter/packet/etc. (I forget what it's called) it will be $300 additional for the added labor and parts.

So worse case I'm looking at $1k.

I'm happy with that.

 

I might of missed it, but did they narrow it down to the compressor clutch? Last I saw there was just a hole in the line.

 

Subbed and here is a link to another good thread .
Dont forget that these compressors also come on to defrost your windows .
Thats what killed mine
Somewhere on TW , a member installed in line filters to prevent catastrophic contamination when the compressor comes apart . I wish I could find that post now .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-c-light-blinking.107982/

 

You can test the clutch by by passing the pressure switch.

 

Yeah they confirmed the clutch failed.

 

My 97 Oldsmobile ran about $350 to have the clutch done

 

I got a new compressor, clutch, and condenser installed for $1k all in.

Got this truck for about 8k total and I love it.

Ac is working great now.

 

Pics of thermometer now or it didn't happen

 

Hope you got them thawed out and reattached.

 

I don't have a thermometer BUT I will say Century Automotive in Austin, TX is awesome. Talk to Travis or Joe.

 

I'm a married man, nuff said hahaha

I bought an old style meat thermometer back in the day, learned that trick from the guy who fixed my 88 Chevy

 

OP it is possible to replace the coil without removing the compressor on some vehicles. As you probably know many compressors are condemned when all that is wrong is a bad coil used to engage the clutch. This will prevent you from having to mess with the refrigerant. Changed the coil on my wife's corolla and my dads Astro van this way. Compressors were bought from the junkyard, then removed coils and installed. Wife's car was done about 6 years ago and van 5. Both have worked flawless since. Just throwing an option out there that can save some serious cash, might be worth looking into if you have the time and know how.