Cost effective way to service Air Conditioner in '97 Subaru Outback?

Question

Mileage now at 112,000 and AC is intermittent at best. Does the dealer do a good job with this (but charge an arm/leg)? Other specialty outfits? What questions to ask to make sure they fix once/for all? How long should car AC units normally last?

Answer 1

IT COULD JUST NEED R 134A , WHICH U CAN BUY A ANY AUTOMOTIVE STORE OR WALMART, IN A RECHARGE KIT ,, MIGHT BE WORTH A TRY BEFORE U TAKE IT TO THE DEALER..

Answer 2

You could use the home kit.but if it is overcharged it wont work well either.That is the problem with those.If the system is completly empty you could put 2 cans in provided they are 12 ounce cans.

You can look for wet or oily spots on the condenser(in front of radiator) and on the lines,compressor and reciever drier(on right strut tower,looks like a silver cylinder with 2 lines and switch at top.)Most common is the condenser and the orings where the lines bolt to components.

It will cost abot 100.00 for recharge at dealer,but they see these cars everyday and know what to look for.

Answer 3

I have used a home recharge kit for air conditioning, they cost around 40$ and actually work very well. I would try that first, dealers will charge 100$ or more just to tell you whats wrong without fixing it.

Answer 4

as owner of a 97 outback with a 145,000 miles,and mechanic could just need a recharge.u don't have to use the dealer though u could just try a small local shop have them dye it and recharge it and if it stops again they can trace it with the dye it will glow under black light for them to see and then they can tell u what is leaking or wrong.and i never replaced and a/c compressor when i worked on them for 5 years

Answer 5

Yeah, you could try the home kits but I don't trust them. You should research some shops and see if they will diagnose it for free. It could need more than just a recharge. Could be compressor or evaporator. I do know a recharge should be around $70 at a dealer.