AC is shot

[pooleman]

Well during the winter I was driving and smoke started comming from the dash vents and under the hood and a loud screeching sound came from what I believe to be the ac clutch. I took it to ford (bad decision) and they said it was the ac clutch so i told them to go ahead and replace it you filthy theives. They called me and told me that it was the compressor it self so i said well just fix it so to where i can just drive without that awful noise penetrating my ears. They ending up charging me 400$ :thumbdwn: to stop the noise and not fix the ac. I wonder what they did actually do? Well now i have spare time on my hands and was wondering what i need to replace in order to get the ac working and it is starting to warmup outside so it is beggining to be a slight problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Ohh and also my heater was shifting on and off untill it completely died the other day. Any thoughts on that would also be a great help thanks. Also, this forum is a wonderful problem solver for the exploder's many other problems! :roll:

 

[zx6-guy29]

first of all, these idiots should have checked if the compressor was seized (which can take the clutch along with it in some cases) because in many cases the new compressor comes with a new clutch already on it. So I would tell them you want your money back since they did not troubleshoot the problem correctly. (I just got through dealing with a bunch of AC issues, but I have a good private mechanic who is honest) Next, if your compressor IS really shot, you can get them at auto zone for about 140 bucks or so. It is also possible that the expansion valve and accumulator are now clogged from your compressor trashing if that is the case. First determine if the compressor is out, have the system purged and evacuated, replace the compressor, and get it recharged. If it still isn't blowing cold, then you might have to look into replacing the accumulator & expansion valve. I am not sure about the heating issue. Find a private shop with a good reputation and avoid the stealership like the plague! Good luck!

 

[pooleman]

Thanks alot, I was wondering how much they did cost. Do you really think I could get my money back? That would be nice. Also how difficult are they to replace?

 

[zx6-guy29]

Get a Haynes manual, (if you don't already) it gives detailed instructions on replacing the compressor. I have the OHV V-6 and it looks pretty simple on mine. BE SURE to have the A/C system evacuated by a shop before trying to replace anything. Would also be a good idea to replace O-rings if you swap the compressor.