A/C is OUT! Please help!?

Question

The a/c is out in my 98 Ford Contour SVT. Last year had to add 3 cans of freon but it lasted thru the summer. This year 3 cans of freon (the kind with sealant) lasted less than 48 hrs. When i turn it on, it will blow, but only hot air. I've been told: 1) it's just a hose & won't cost much, 2) it's the compressor & will cost $800 - $1000, 3) it's the condenser & will cost $300. And that's why women are afraid to get their cars worked on. Who should I believe? Anybody out there have a suggestion on where I might go or who I might trust?

Answer 1

Call the Better Business Bureau and ask for a list of recommended repair facilities. They will not recommend a shop, only offer a list of those in your area who are in good standing with them and have no outstanding complaints against them.
Make an appointment (then keep it) with a shop, and ask for an estimate for repairs.
You should expect to pay for the diagnostic time. If the cause of your refrigerant loss is not very obvious, it will take some time and a bit of refrigerant to locate the leak.
Chances are that it just MIGHT be a hose, or an o-ring or something else as insignificant. But if it is major, the shop may well have some options for you.

ONE POINT----> When you speak with the advisor, or mechanic or tech, pay attention to him, and ask him to show you what it is that has failed. Ask nicely and don't display attitude. But DO display confidence. And when you pay attention to him, he sees you as someone to treat with respect.
Also remember, you have a right to all of the failed parts he is going to replace. Ask for them in advance of authorizing repairs. Tell him you want to show them to your dad, boyfriend, husband, or (?)

Good Luck

Answer 2

there are several reasons for the a/c to quit, the most common on yours is the front seal on the a/c compressor, the second most common is the quick connect couplers. the heating and cooling of the lines can cause the oil rings to leak at the connections. the thing I will never understand is putting a stop leak in the a/c system, if it will stop a leak, then what will it plug up in the system, like a orfice tube, receiver dryer, pressure switch and in some cases the condenser and if it stopped working 48 hours after the stop leak was introduced , you now have problems. a simple problem like changing a front seal on the compressor and or changing a few leaking oil rings ranging up to a couple hundred dollars ,may now cost you a lot more. always check around different shops, ask questions, ask your friends if they know someone reputable, before you throw your time and money away. THE QUESTION THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE ASKED ! WHERE IS THERE A REPUTABLE AND HONEST MECHANIC THAT I CAN TAKE MY CAR TO FOR MY A/C?

Answer 3

answer? (4) it could be any of those things, you need to do a leak test, you can probly by the dye or mabey even a kit to do it from a auto parts store, most of those newer cars come factory installed with a dye and some are only visable under blacklight, try to find out (or have some one else) find out where its leaking then have a mechanically inclined friend (or your self if case may be) install the new part, doing it this way saves you money (no labor charges), allows you to get a core charge back (if it is the compressor), and opens the possibility of using junkyard parts, which are much cheaper then new, plus even if you have to bring it some where just for the leak testing, an average shop (in CT at least) only charges about $75 for a diagnoses and will tell you (even point out if you ask) what is wrong and if their nice will probly even give you a few tips for when your fixing it. If you still dont think your up to fixing it then id say just bite the bullet and have them fix it, most places will wave the diagnosis fee if you have it worked on their

either rate good luck and God bless

-Garysson

Answer 4

First, try to find a mechanic you can trust. If not, have a male friend take it to someone (sorry but true, women do get taken advantage of in this arena). Have them test for leak by filling it with a die and then serching for the leak. This is how they find where it is leaking. It is very important to trust the person doing the testing for obvious reasons. Maybe the dealer or ask around for a good shop. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. Be sure to get any estimate in writing stating exactly what is the problem and the price you will pay!!

Answer 5

You have to find that illusive breed called "an honest mechanic." They are an endangered species and many mechanics try to look and act like one. The only way to know is after you get the bill. Try asking around at local parts stores. Stay away from dealers as honest mechanics are weeded out. Large shops frighten them, also, so approach them with caution. There may be honest ones there masquerading as the other breed. If there is an ASE certified mobile mechanic who works as an independent try him/her.

Answer 6

Very infrequently do docs say this anymore and in the event that they do they're idiots. They used to declare this because of the fact they have been afraid that the stress of labour might rupture the uterus. the probabilities of that taking place now a days are much less the a million%. My mothers first 2 toddlers have been c-area and the 8 after have been all vaginal. My first become a c-area and with this one (due right this moment, YEAH!) i'm attempting for a vaginal delivery. hands crossed adult males!!