I think my mechanic screwed up

97DevilleBeige · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-07, 05:07 PM

Hi guys. I went in for an oil change to my regular mechanic, and I asked him to refill the refridgerant because the message said to put some in. It locked out the a/c when the message came on, which I understand is normal. When he put the refridgerant in, the compressor started making all sorts of weird noises besides the normal rattle. He told me to shut the car off. Then he let some of the r134 out, and told me to start it up again. Same thing, it was very violent. The third time, the car shut off by itself, everything, including the engine. He then said "you need a new compressor." He disconnected it, and told me not to use the a/c. What do you guys think? Is it something he could have screwed up, or was filling it up the straw that broke the camels back? Thanks in advance.

misfit6794 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-07, 07:05 PM

I doubt it was anything he did. The a/c compressor went on my 96, made some really really bad sounds too. Eventually it will seize up and in turn melt your serpentine belt. I got away with driving with it bad for awhile tho, and I traded it in that way. The compressor is anywhere between 400-600 dollars, and the labor? big $$$$, its on the bottom of the engine.

skankyfrankie · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-07, 09:07 PM

If the clutch went out they make a bad noise and are not all that expensive to replace. If the compressor went the whole system will have to be backflushed, evap filter will have to be changed. When they go out like this they come apart and send debri down the lines. Since they pretty much cycle on and off winter and summer they were out faster than the old days.

z06bigbird · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-07, 09:24 PM

Used to be able to change out the parts yourself, evacuate the system, and let the a/c guy complete the job. Not anymore. Big $$ now.

**Ranger** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-09-07, 10:54 PM

Sounds like the camel and the straw to me. I don't think he caused it.

97DevilleBeige · #6 (**permalink**) 05-16-07, 02:56 PM

Ok, well here's the story... my mechanic doesn't do big jobs like this, so he sent my car over to a guy who he farms bigger jobs out to, and he estimated about $1000 for the job. I called the Cadillac dealer I work with occaisionally, and he quoted me the same price. I'm probably going to have it done by him.

NOW the question is... what do I ask him to do? What should I make sure that the dealer does? Just the compressor? what about changing an evaporator, condensor, and all sorts of other thingamabobs that go along with the job? There is some sort of leak in the system somewhere, because I've been recharging the R134A about once a season per the message on the dashbaord that pops up. How do I know if this will go away once the compressor is changed? Also, is there anything else he should do while he's got the car apart in that area?

misfit6794 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-16-07, 03:28 PM

I am sure if they replace the compressor they will inspect the rest of the a/c to make sure its working properly. 1000 dollars seems to be the number when it comes to replacing those.

**Ranger** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-16-07, 09:26 PM

Most A/C leaks come from the compressor shaft seal. Is the front of the clutch plate wet? If the compressor has started to disintegrate, debris will be carried through the system. The orifice tube will catch most of it and will tell the tale when it is inspected. If that is the case, then the accumulator and the condenser need to be replaced as well and all the lines must be flushed, but I am sure the dealer mechanics would know that.