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Problem with AC compressor

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

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

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

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

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"

Reply to
Tom & Debbie Heintz

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

Reply to
BG

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

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

That is quite correct.

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.

Again with the dealer. Why?

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

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

Substantial and expensive system damage.

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

DS

Reply to
Daniel J. Stern

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.

Reply to
Joe Pfeiffer

Nope. It ran out in March.

Reply to
Doug Schaible

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