Quoted $954. to fix AC compressor on 2005 KJ low mileage

Liberty for All · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:00 pm

I finally made time to attempt having the AC that was blowing warm air fixed. The decommissioned Chrysler dealership shop is continuing independent operations and quoted $179. for a check up and recharge.
I phoned around and brought it to one of six local AC garages who advertise as doing this repair.
The shop I brought my Liberty to on Friday called back to say the cause was my compressor coil and that fixing the AC will be $954. so I am not paying that for less than 26K miles on my 2005 3.7L well taken care of Jeep. I paid $154. to pick it up and will continue the attempt next week at completing the fix for a more reasonable fee.
Question, is the compressor at this age with low use really the problem?
and should the old dealer shop's quote for $659. for the same repair be lower than independent shops?
I think something here is not right, but need to make a decision on how to fix the AC with the least damage to my wallet since I am currently unemployed.
Thanks in advance.
Any further insights or advice is requested. :(

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:34 pm

Can you survive w/o AC while unemployed? You might want to try that until employed. Summer is almost over also. Find a compressor from a wrecked KJ and see what they charge and get with some of the other LOST Cal members and see if any can work with you in installing it. A great opportunity to learn how to work on it yourself. There's is nothing like the feeling of accomplishing the repair yourself...well, almost nothing.

That's probably the cheapest route besides waiting until you are employed to get it fixed.

Liberty for All · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 3:45 pm

I do more wrenching on my KJ than most 50+ guys that I know around my neighborhood do. I just need more AC knowledge and advice, that is why I ask for it here, than I possess now. Also, in California here there are environmental procedures and laws pertaining to air conditioning and the refrigerant in the system as well as the high pressure warning on the label.
When I took High School auto shop in the late sixties we did not get lessons in AC. Your and other members experience or stories about 3.7L engine AC malfunctions could help me by making sure 1. the problem is diagnosed correctly before I waste my money and 2. that I can fix the problem by knowing what and how to do it.

Thanks

kskj · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 4:07 pm

So is it just blowing hot air? Is your compresser clutch picking up when you turn on the AC or clicking on and off? Has it been leaking compresser oil? If it has you will see what looks like black tar sprayed around it. The few that I have seen go bad was the bearings going out and then they will eventually freeze up and stop turning. It cost me a little over 600.00 to get mine replaced at a friends shop. I don't have the tools to charge the Ac So I took it to get it fixed.

KJKev · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:02 pm

All of the big name auto parts stores will have freon with stop leak for sale.
If you find out that the compressor is indeed working, I'd try adding a can of that and see what happens. Adding freon is as easy as screwing the can onto the fitting.

If it is the compressor I'd do as mentioned before and buy a used one or even a rebuilt. While each state pretty much has the same laws regarding a/c freon, I don't think big brother is gonna be watching you if you do a quick compressor change.

Liberty for All · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 6:37 pm

I had someone watch the compressor and listen while I pushed the button inside. They saw and heard nothing when I engaged. I do not see any mess around the part or the engine.
So does this mean the coil in there is bad? After only 22K miles, 4 years and not much AC use since I live by the Ocean. No damage from the outside. A part this new should not fail, right?
If I do not put the part in myself, how many hours shop labor would be charged on average to remove, recharge and assemble?
I have been quoted $900. and $650.
:?:

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 7:09 pm

The AC repairs I've seen are typically in the $650-700 range - $900 seems like something else is broken

FYI - to test it you need a set of gauges like Jeep Dawg's
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=42164&highlight=pressure

although Catcher was able to repair his for ~$200 worth of parts.
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=481319#481319

typically to kill a compressor you need a leak somewhere - Freon & the oil got out and the compressor seized
- but to fix you need a leak detector

KJKev · **Posted:** Sun Aug 16, 2009 8:03 pm

If the system is low on freon the low pressure switch will not allow the compressor to come on. This keeps it safe.

Shoot some freon into it with a DIY kit and then see if the compressor comes on.

Liberty for All · **Posted:** Mon Aug 17, 2009 2:38 pm

Thanks for this info. I am negotiating with two garages on cause and price to fix it. This info will be included in my diagnosis of the problem. :D

Quoted $954. to fix AC compressor on 2005 KJ low mileage

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