AC Compressor

[gs750]

Bummer. My '12 LHU's AC compressor crapped the bed, in the 2nd hour of a two day 900 mile road trip no less. Got it into my normal local mechanic today and here's the damages he quoted. $1100 parts and labor to replace the compressor. OK, seems a bit high, but NAPA wants $600 for the compressor so I could live with that. Then the bad part. Failed compressors require a complete cleaning of the entire system, including a new dry/condenser, to eliminate any metal contamination in the system, then a recharge. Total damages quoted were $2400.

I have an appointment at a Buick dealer next Monday to have them take a look. It'll be interesting to see what they say.

 

[luke_dubs]

Big bummer. Right in the middle of summer.

RockAuto obviously has a couple of compressors and condensers, and the cheapest ones together are $303.58. So it depends on how long you're willing to wait for parts, hopefully this can help lower the cost for you

 

[MelsRegal]

Bummer. My '12 LHU's AC compressor crapped the bed, in the 2nd hour of a two day 900 mile road trip no less. Got it into my normal local mechanic today and here's the damages he quoted. $1100 parts and labor to replace the compressor. OK, seems a bit high, but NAPA wants $600 for the compressor so I could live with that. Then the bad part. Failed compressors require a complete cleaning of the entire system, including a new dry/condenser, to eliminate any metal contamination in the system, then a recharge. Total damages quoted were $2400.

I have an appointment at a Buick dealer next Monday to have them take a look. It'll be interesting to see what they say.

What is the hourly rate of your mechanic and the dealer?

 

[gs750]

What is the hourly rate of your mechanic and the dealer?

Local is $150. I'll find out the dealer's rate next week. I've not gone there before so it's more of a comparison of the overall diagnosis as well as cost. I've used the local guy for some time and trust him but sometimes he can be too much of a perfectionist, like maybe a system flush would be effective rather than replacing all the peripheral parts. We'll see what the dealer says.

 

[MelsRegal]

Local is $150. I'll find out the dealer's rate next week. I've not gone there before so it's more of a comparison of the overall diagnosis as well as cost. I've used the local guy for some time and trust him but sometimes he can be too much of a perfectionist, like maybe a system flush would be effective rather than replacing all the peripheral parts. We'll see what the dealer says.

Dryer definitely needs to be replaced.

 

[HotZ28]

Typical compressor warranty shown below, otherwise there is none!

Warranty Information:
Compressors 2 years/24,000 miles. Commercial, heavy duty, or fleet use - Compressors 12 month. IMPORTANT A/C COMPRESSOR WARRANTY NOTE: In order to ensure that proper warranty credit is issued if needed, the compressor installation instructions must be adhered to. All compressors returned for defect must show proof of purchase of an A/C Orifice Tube (or A/C Expansion Valve), A/C Receiver Drier/Accumulator, and A/C System Flush or a Work Order showing the purchase of these items and that the system was flushed.

 

[gs750]

Typical compressor warranty shown below, otherwise there is none!

Warranty Information:
Compressors 2 years/24,000 miles. Commercial, heavy duty, or fleet use - Compressors 12 month. IMPORTANT A/C COMPRESSOR WARRANTY NOTE: In order to ensure that proper warranty credit is issued if needed, the compressor installation instructions must be adhered to. All compressors returned for defect must show proof of purchase of an A/C Orifice Tube (or A/C Expansion Valve), A/C Receiver Drier/Accumulator, and A/C System Flush or a Work Order showing the purchase of these items and that the system was flushed.

Thanks. I appreciate the info as I clearly know very little about this stuff.

 

[gs750]

Buick dealer just called and said the AC diagnostic fee was $279 and it didn't apply to any repair cost. TCanceled that appointment. My guy charged $99 but Buick wouldn't accept his diagnosis, which I kind of understand for liability reason. Anyway, on the search for another independent to check pricing.

 

[HotZ28]

Buick dealer just called and said the AC diagnostic fee was $279 and it didn't apply to any repair cost. TCanceled that appointment. My guy charged $99 but Buick wouldn't accept his diagnosis, which I kind of understand for liability reason. Anyway, on the search for another independent to check pricing.

Always get get at least 3 EPA 609-A certified shops estimates & ask for the their certification with a card or certificate of that license! Some estimates will be verbal but that is not good! Ask for a Firm price quote in writing. A lot of mum-nuts & shysters out there!

 

[dartworth]

How does the mechanic know it a catastrophic A/C compressor failure?

 

[gs750]

How does the mechanic know it a catastrophic A/C compressor failure?

I didn't ask specifically. I was too thunderstruck by the quote. I won't make that mistake again.