A/C trouble

[Barkleymut]

Anyone who knows much about A/C systems, your advice would be greatly appreciated.

My wife 2001 Chrysler Town and Country LXI van recently made some very odd noises that came from the AC unit. As I have told her a million times, if something really odd happens pull over and shut the car off immediately. Well she had noticed that the AC wasn't putting out cold air so she ignored me but at least she did turn off the air. I started the car and it runs fine, but when I hit the AC it made a really bad noise, like a belt squealing really bad, but I checked and the belt was still rotating fine. I then shut off the AC and left the engine running and there was a light hissing noise, but I think most AC units do this for a short time after you turn them off.

Anyways after reading around on the net it seems like it may be the AC clutch. So what I really want to know is, is there anyway for an amateur wannabe mechanic to fix an AC unit in this van, could it possibly just be the AC clutch and if so is this contained within the compressor? Is there any danger at all in driving this vehicle without the AC on?

Thanks

 

[tom slick]

It needs a new compressor at the least. you could take the van into a mechanic and have it the r-134a removed, change the compressor, and then have a mechanic evacuate and re-charge it. the receiver/drier would also need to be changed as a preventative measure.

 

[duaneb9729]

you can drive it with the a/c off safely till you get it fixed, the bolting on of parts really isnt hard its the handling of the refrigerant in the system that can be dangerous for the amateur, and i would advise you to take it some where, my two cents worth

 

[Chris142]

If the compressor siezed it most likely blew chunks into the rest of the system. Replacing the compressor w/o removing the chunks and possibly replacing the condensor, lines etc will ruin the new compressor.

If you brought the van to me and I did the whole job figgure $1200 minumum. This includes a new not rebuilt compressor, dryer,evac/charge and the labor to R&R the condensor which you can't get out of the van w/o removing the radiator. Quite a big job.

If the system got really contaminated and I have to replace the rear expansion valve, front expansion valve, lines then your lookin @ about $1600.

 

[Barkleymut]

thanks guys, Chris i would bring it to you being a BITOGer but the gas bill from Virginia to Calif. and back would match the repair bill. I found a reman compressor at AutoZone for $299 but I think I'm gonna leave this one to the pros, this really hurts my pride but I know I would have the van parked for 3 months and still take it to a shop in the end. Ya'll sure I cant just fix the clutch??? LOL

 

[Chris142]

The clutch is fine. You stated that it's ok untill you turn the AC on. When you do this it energizes the clutch coil which pulls the clutch hub to the pully......Since the compressor is seized the belt slips on the clutch pully and squeels.

I recomend that you get a new compressor and not a reman. At our shop and most others around here we will not install a reman compressor. Too many problems with them. You should be able to get a new one with a new clutch.

 

[onion]

+1 on everything Chris said.

 

[Barkleymut]

Finally took it in to the shop, decided to take it to the local Dodge dealer. Ready???? $950 for everything including a new compressor. **He did say that after they get done they are going to run a dye test to check for leaks, any chance they are going to find more?

 

[babyjay8495]

I've worked on cars for years and don't understand why everybody thinks a/c work should be left to the pro's. It doesn't take a genius to figure this stuff out. I've never sucked the system out and I’ve done dozens of cars. Just use a screw driver in the low side port and it's all gone, all you people saying take it to a shop to have it sucked out, I know I know, EPA, blah blah. Disconnect the lines to the compressor and throw it back together. A little moisture won't kill the system. People on this board need to relax.

 

[rcy]

A little moisture won't kill the system....

...and a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

 

[Kestas]

Originally Posted By: babyjay8495
... A little moisture won't kill the system...
That depends on whether you simply want to patch a system so it can live out its final days, or whether you want a robust repair that'll last for a while.

 

[Anduril]

Originally Posted By: Barkleymut
Chrysler Town and Country

I think we've identified the problem. Suggest you remedy this as soon as possible

 

[Barkleymut]

trust me see my signature, my next vehicle will be First On Race Day

 

[andyd]

meh, all my ventures into the Blue Oval were the Fix Or Repair Daily variety. The last one was mostly Found On the Road Dead, until it was totalled in a parking lot where it was towed awaiting a new transmission.

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: babyjay8495
I've never sucked the system out and I’ve done dozens of cars. Just use a screw driver in the low side port and it's all gone, all you people saying take it to a shop to have it sucked out, I know I know, EPA, blah blah. Disconnect the lines to the compressor and throw it back together. A little moisture won't kill the system. People on this board need to relax.


How do you manage to get a full charge of refrigerant into a system that is now already full of air? Since you have apparently found a way to bypass the laws of physics, I am on the edge of my chair waiting for your reply.

 

[Tom_T]

TooMany,
I did this once back in the day before I knew better and Freon was $.99/can. My back was against it as I didnt have money for a vacuum pump.

Dump in a can, cycle the system, vent out the mixture. Do this 3 times to purge the air. Fill up the 4th time as a keeper.