Is it necessary to take a dashboard out to see if a compressor or heating core has broken on a vehicle?

Question

For the past 9 months my car has been in and out of the shop due to overheating, or the a/c does not work. I've spent so much time and money having the radiator tested, the A/C charged, etc. and nobody seems to know what the problem is. I had a new thermostat put in about a year ago, and the antifreeze is not leaking out anywhere, but does sometimes spill out the top when the car is too hot. It's not only an annoying problem that won't go away, I'm worried it may be causing more serious damage. Anyway, i've now been told by 2 mechanics that the only thing it could be is the compressor or the heating core (or coil)...and that they'd need to take the dashboard out which takes about $500 in labor just to do. My fear is, what if they dont find the problem!!! HELP! Any suggestions? Ideas? Thanks so much.

This is a 2000 Durango

Wow.thanks for all the answers! So far I've had 2 different mechanics look at it. I've had the radiator pressure tested, the a/c charged, dye put in it, and I understand they are 2 seperate issues, but it's strange how neither one can be fixed! When I run the a/c it's fine, and after 2 weeks it just dies. The fan still works but just blows hot air. I've had it charged and tested twice now. I dont' get it. As far as the car overheating, i've checked the floorboards, it's not wet, and there is no smell inside the car. The only time I see radiator fluid is when the temp. gauge gets on HOT, I can see some spillage at the top of the radiator near the overflow. No smoke comes out, the temp. gauge just goes up and i'm afraid this will cause further damage. I bet if a man brought it in for me it would get fixed properly! Thanks so much to all of you again, for responding and for the tips.

Answer 1

this may sound silly but did they check your water pump? Did they flush the cooling system? did they bleed the system after checking the radiator. It could be the heater core but it would have to be plugged to cause a problem (unless it leaks) if it is plugged they can disconnect the two hoses and hook up a testing system WITHOUT taking apart your dash. as far as the A/C compressor goes it is not located under the dash.

Answer 2

Depends on the year and make of a vehicle.
You are right to be concerned. Heat is an engines #1 enemy.

Heater coils are what warm you up on a cold day in the car. It is literally a small radiator under the dash of a car that has a fan blow air accross it and through the vents to where you want it.

They can fail and are a royal pain to replace.

However, if the heater coil is bad you would either see or smell antifreeze somewhere on the floorboards under the dash. Get a white paper towel and dab the floorboards under the dash. Look for the wet spot. If there is one, and see if it smells like chemicals..

I have a hard time believing an AC compressor is causing the car to get hot. Try running with the windows down and not use the AC. Watch you engine temp gauge (if your car has one) and note the diffrence in temp when running with and without AC. Might see a difference...

You may have a diffrent problem all together. Water pump is failing to circulate antifreeze properly, head gasket has small pin hole. Radiator hose is collapsing on itself and restricting the coolent flow.

You should ask around your area and find a reputiable garage with an ASE certified mechanic and see if he/she has a second opinion to the one your getting from your current mechanic.

Answer 3

It might not be a bad idea to find another garage to do the work. You would not have to pull the dash to check the heater core. You can pressure test it by using the hoses that go through the firewall. The compressor is connected to the engine and not under the dash.

With regards to the heat problem, the heater core could be plugged. with rust or other foreign material, or you may have a clogged radiator and not getting the cooling. Do you have an electric fan that comes on when the temp gets too hot? If you do be sure that it is working properly.

With the air, it shouldn't be affecting the temp unless you are stuck in traffic and not getting air to circulate.

Answer 4

Either they are explaining it wrong or you are. The compressor is an AC component that is driven by the engine. It is not in the dash. The AC evaporator and the heater core are in the dash. However they don't break, they are just little radiators. They can leak though. Both the AC Evaporator and the heater core can can be tested before the dash is disassembled.
So you are right in being cautious, because this story does not add up. They are using the old ploy of starting at the point furthest from the problem and working towards it at $75.00 an hour plus parts. Find your self a competent mechanic that will test first and replace parts later.

Answer 5

You can bypass the heater core completely & it will not affect the operating temperature of the car.
Somethings (not all) that will:
Low or no airflow caused by bugs or grass seed in the radiator fins or fans not working
Low coolant level due to leak or faulty cap.
Low or no coolant flow due to collapsed suction or loose belt or stuck thermostat
Cracked head or blown gasket or even a worn out transmission that is slipping will cause your engine to overheat if the transmission cooler is in the radiator

Answer 6

if the heater coil is leaking, you will smell the antifreeze/coolant ...if they just tested the radiator (took it out and pressure tested it) then they can;t tell if you have a leak somewhere else. the compressor will not affect coolant levels... also, a faulty radiator cap can cause problems. if it is a GM car with a 3.1 V6 then you have a lower intake manifold leak.....

Answer 7

Sounds about right, your "heater Core" could be rusted or almost rusted closed, reducing coolant flow. I had this done a few years ago to my 1989 Acura. It was about $300 just to pull the dash, plus the heater core cost etc...

Answer 8

What kind of car is it?