My 97SE'* air conditioning started blowing warm about a month ago. Had my dealer check it when I was in for an oil change. They added UV dye, found no leaks, added refrigerant and said it must have just been low. It worked after that for a week, then got warmer over the next couple weeks, until it just blows warm again. I took it back. They reinspected it, and said the only leaks are from the compressor itself. Quote for cost to replace: $1150, lifetime warranty.

I declined to have them replace it just now, I wanted to pass it by the group here and see what this has cost anyone else.

An independent shop qoted me $950 out the door including tax, with a one year warranty if I "brought it in tomorrow." -I also declined.

Another reason I declined, is that there was a shop in the area that was known for being *the* place to fix auto AC problems. I had them convert my wife'* old 88 GP from R12 to R134A back in 1997. When I ask any of my neighbors who grew up in this area for recommendations, they all recommend this shop, but unfortunately they went out of business three years ago.

Side question: Do the L36 and L67 use same or different AC compressors?

TIA

At those costs it seems like they are replacing the normal replacement parts.. I think condensor and other things as well.

Compressor here cost me a little over $200...

Install ... it'* nice to have friends..

Okay, the second shop broke down their estimate, and their price for just the compressor as a part was $600. I'm glad I decided to get some information about this first.

A quick search of Advance Autos site shows compressors ranging from 200-459 in price. Some of those are brand new high quality.

They also say the condensor should be replaced automatically.

I just replaced the compressor in my '97 SE this spring. I had a reputable local shop do it, since I lack the proper equipment now and I don't have Bill'* friend close by.

A brand new compressor with lifetime warrenty was about $459. Then there was the Accumulator assembly (which is considered mandatory once you open the system due to the dessicant in it). I did not replace the condensor and don't buy that mandatory hogwash unless your compressor has had a catastrophic failure, which blows all kinds of crap that can clog up a condensor.

Total price about $800. Not the best price, not the worst. I'm happy though.

BTW, my symptoms were exactly the same as yours, I just did the diagnosis myself.

Go to this link and fill in the blanks at the top of the page.
If you plan to keep your car do NOT consider a rebuilt compressor.

http://www.ackits.com/

http://www.ackits.com/merchant2/merc..._Code=15-20195

New AC Delco compressor $285.94 + shipping.

When you remover the compressor if the discharge port is black and dirty looking it may be best to replace the condenser. Somehow the crud that is trapped in the condenser manages to get in to the new compressor killing it.

That'* a valid point, Ron.

I'm just a believer that you don't replace perfectly good parts "just because". There should be a logical reason and a verification of need in each case. Thus my comment.

this is my exact invoice for my ac repair i had done this fall
A/C Compressor $510.04
A/C Dryer 65.18
R-134a per lb 29.95 (2lbs)
Labor 150.40
5% discount -39.20

Sub-total 746.24
tax 44.77

total 791.01

i gave him 800 bucks and he gave me a ten back i love going to local shops they appreciate your bussiness, the actual discount i got i needed to purchase some special card but he didn't even bother selling me it. however later that winter when i went to do an oil change i looked at the bottom of the compressor and it had a sticker on it that said remanufactured compressor they forgot to mention that in their invoice however i've had no problems so far so i'm happy, side note i thnk i might try and learn to fix broken compressors might make some good side cash

wf2tm51

That is a good deal, where I am the prices start at $1K.


lash

My compressor started leaking oil over two years ago and I have put off replacing it till now.
If the discharge port and the matching line is clean I will leave the condenser and line set alone.
If I find chunks of Teflon piston and crud on the o-tube screen I don’t know what I will do.
Maybe pull my hair out and scream. LOL