Problem with AC compressor

[RR]

I have a 99 Dodge Intrepid that has a bad AC compressor. I was trying to
save up a down payment on a new car, so I didn't want to pay the dealer
2,500 to fix it. I got a new AC compressor at a local salvage yard, and had
the AC system drained. When I did that I was told that since my AC
compressor is locked up that I need to flush the whole AC system, and also
replace the dryer.

My goal here is to get the heat in the car to work. Since I am going to
trade it in I really don't care if the AC works this summer. The dealer
know that it has a problem. Once I found out that I needed a new dryer and
to flush the whole system I put my replacement of the compressor on hold,
because I don't think that I can do it all.

What would happen if I just replaced the AC compressor?
If I don't flush do I run the risk of having the new one lock up right away
from dirt in the system?
Where can I find directions on how to flush the AC system (I know that you
don't flush the whole thing).
If I don't replace the dryer what happens?

Thanks,
Doug

 

[Tom & Debbie Heintz]

I have a 99 Dodge Intrepid that has a bad AC compressor. I was trying to
save up a down payment on a new car, so I didn't want to pay the dealer
2,500 to fix it. I got a new AC compressor at a local salvage yard, and had
the AC system drained. When I did that I was told that since my AC
compressor is locked up that I need to flush the whole AC system, and also
replace the dryer.

My goal here is to get the heat in the car to work. Since I am going to
trade it in I really don't care if the AC works this summer. The dealer
know that it has a problem. Once I found out that I needed a new dryer and
to flush the whole system I put my replacement of the compressor on hold,
because I don't think that I can do it all.

What would happen if I just replaced the AC compressor?

You would probably have to do it yourself because nobody would do that &
offer even a 5 minute warranty on it.

If I don't flush do I run the risk of having the new one lock up right away
from dirt in the system?

Yes, it could lock up from dirt, debris, any number of foreign material
issues.

Where can I find directions on how to flush the AC system (I know that you
don't flush the whole thing).

Every line and reused component (i.e.-condensor) gets flushed. If you don't
you still possibly have foreign material in the system.

If I don't replace the dryer what happens?

You will have problems with A/C system due to moisture in the system. The
dryer has dessicant which removes moisture from the system during operation.
Between operation & then opening the system the dessicant won't have a long
life left in it.


Don't take it as a putdown, but if it can't done right you're better off not
doing it. The heat should still work without the A/C compressor working.
The defroster won't work quite as well because the A/C compressor cycles
during defroster operation to remove moisture. I'd check around on getting
work done as $2500 sounds like it would replace every component in the
system. Best of luck with your car.

Tom Heintz "Mopar Maniac"

 

[BG]

I have a 99 Dodge Intrepid that has a bad AC compressor. I was trying to
save up a down payment on a new car, so I didn't want to pay the dealer
2,500 to fix it. I got a new AC compressor at a local salvage yard, and had
the AC system drained. When I did that I was told that since my AC
compressor is locked up that I need to flush the whole AC system, and also
replace the dryer.

My goal here is to get the heat in the car to work. Since I am going to
trade it in I really don't care if the AC works this summer. The dealer
know that it has a problem. Once I found out that I needed a new dryer and
to flush the whole system I put my replacement of the compressor on hold,
because I don't think that I can do it all.

What would happen if I just replaced the AC compressor?
If I don't flush do I run the risk of having the new one lock up right away
from dirt in the system?
Where can I find directions on how to flush the AC system (I know that you
don't flush the whole thing).
If I don't replace the dryer what happens?

Just out of curiosity, wouldn't it (99) still be under warranty?

 

[Daniel J. Stern]

I have a 99 Dodge Intrepid that has a bad AC compressor. I was trying
to save up a down payment on a new car, so I didn't want to pay the
dealer 2,500 to fix it.

Why would you be consider letting a dealer touch a car out of warranty?

I got a new AC compressor at a local salvage yard,

I doubt it. Most salvage yards sell used parts, not new ones.

and had the AC system drained. When I did that I was told that
since my AC compressor is locked up that I need to flush the whole AC
system, and also replace the dryer.

That is quite correct.

My goal here is to get the heat in the car to work.

Then why are you even messing with the A/C system? Your heat will work
fine without it. All you need to do is disconnect the A/C compressor --
there's a pull-apart/snap-together connector right near the front of the
compressor -- so that it won't engage when you turn on the defogger.

trade it in I really don't care if the AC works this summer. The dealer
know that it has a problem.

Again with the dealer. Why?

Once I found out that I needed a new dryer and
to flush the whole system I put my replacement of the compressor on hold,
because I don't think that I can do it all.

Don't do any of it. Just leave it alone and disconnect the compressor.

What would happen if I just replaced the AC compressor?

It will fail again quickly (minutes). When compressors like this seize up,
they tend to spread shrapnel through the system. When the system's opened
for any reason, the filter-drier quickly (minutes) becomes saturated.

Where can I find directions on how to flush the AC system (I know that you
don't flush the whole thing).

YOU don't flush any part of it. It takes special tools and chemicals.

If I don't replace the dryer what happens?

Substantial and expensive system damage.

Just leave it alone. Disconnect the compressor and keep driving.

DS

 

[Joe Pfeiffer]

Why would you be consider letting a dealer touch a car out of warranty?

Locally, my dealer had the best mechanics in town. Not only did I
take my Chryslers to him, I took my off-brands as well. So I can
easily understand taking an out-of-warranty car to the dealer.

Oddly, since they sold the dealership to somebody across the street
and became an independent used car dealer/mechanic), the quality of
work done by the same people under the same management has declined to
the point that I'm not going to be taking it back... I have
absolutely no explanation for this.

 

[Doug Schaible]

Nope. It ran out in March.

Just out of curiosity, wouldn't it (99) still be under warranty?