Auto Air Conditioner
 

My 2017 SUV air conditioner is not dead, but it is failing. Sumter Tire diagnosed it as needing to be replaced, but their price is $2,400. Wildwood Tire says to not replace it now, but their price is $1,600. Firestone will replace it for $1,850. I am leaning toward using Firestone. Can someone recommend another repair shop?

By the way, I have used and recommended Sumter Tire for years for routine maintenance, but their pricing for high end items does not seem to be competitive. When I replaced my tires a few years ago, they were $150 higher than Firestone for the same tires.

Shop around since its not totally dead as far as tires go to many sales monthly at Firestone, Good Year BJ’s or Sam’s even Walmart.

I recommend getting a quote from Michael's Automotive in Fruitland Park. He's no nonsense, straight forward, and most of all I believe to be honest. Good Luck !

Michael's Auto Repair Inc

Did they say what was failing? Compressor?

Sumter Tire charged it, but it really didn't need a charge. They added a dye, I returned it a week later, and they said that the compressor was not working properly and they recommended a new AC kit to include a compressor. Sometimes it cools, but sometimes it doesn't. It definitely does not work correctly, especially when the outside temp is in the 90's, and I would not be able to take it on a long trip. Wildwood Tire said they would not recommend a new compressor, but they did not seem interested in fixing it either. Go figure.

This sounds like a problem with the electric clutch that operates the AC compressor. This could be a wiring problem, or a control problem. I would research a replacement clutch, as these are typically easy to install. It may be possible to test the clutch. I am sure there are some automotive AC companies that could trouble shoot your problem.

Thanks. I will tell that to Michael's Automotive when he checks it out on June 3.

Great choice!!! Give us a follow up afterwards.

You’re leading us astray. You should have said Sumter Tire was including a new compressor while Wildwood was not. What about Firestone what was included in their quote? I would be tempted to go with Sumter Tire.

Agree, excellent suggestion for Michael's Auto Repair. We have used him many times.

Sounds like the clutch. You did not say the make/model but some clutches have shims behind them. If you are mechanically inclined, It is possible to remove one to make the gap less which will make the clutch work correctly. Do some googling on this for your make/model and see if you can find anything. I did it successfully on our Subaru.

I had a labor only problem with a Pacifica. Shopped around and Sumter was lowest price. Then I called Kraken 352 234 6872. Half of Sumter price. Near Sparr lumber. Can't hurt to call Or click krakenautorepair.com

Search Youtube for your problem. Also chat groups for your specific car.
 

You can bet that you're not the only one that has had that problem.
A YouTube video or comments from a chat group about your specific vehicle may hold the answer.

My Honda Odyssey minivan did the same thing.
YouTube saved me considerable expense and it became a simple DIY fix.
In my case, it was a relay located in the engine compartment along with other fuses and relays. It was not operating normally to kick in the AC clutch when needed. YouTube video had me remove an identical relay in that box and swap it with the potential bad one.

BINGO ! that was the problem. Local parts store had the new relay for ten dollars.
I hope your issue turns out to be as simple!

Sorry, but I didn't mean to lead anyone astray. The Wildwood quote, and 3 other quotes, all included an AC kit that included a compressor and other items needed to completely restore the air conditioning system, and included a 2-year warranty for parts and labor. The quotes were $1,424 (Michael's), $1,600 (Wildwood Tire), $1,750 (Firestone), and $2,400 (Sumter Tire). Wildwood Tire quoted the job, but they did not recommend replacing anything. So, they gave me a quote, but I don't think they were interested in doing the job. Michael's has agreed to test the system for no cost to see what it needs. I am happy to replace the system, but I don't want to replace the compressor unless it really needs to be replaced. I am not a car guy.

It sounds like a "go away" quote to me. If the system doesn't need charging their should be no refrigerant added. From the symptoms you described it sounds like one of the components may be malfunctioning but probably not the compressor.

Before I would do anything, I would add new freon and replace the cabin filter if necessary. If that doesnt work then I would consider taking it too a different shop and see if I got 3 same diagnosis. Thats a lot of money.

After 6 years I suspect it was at least little low? Probably moisture problem. I would think they would have done pull down test to check for leaks and evac the system of any moisture?

Based on this compressor way down they list…

https://www.wkcdjrsedalia.com/resear...%20connections.

[QUOTE=retiredguy123;2333318]My 2017 SUV air conditioner is not dead, but it is failing. Sumter Tire diagnosed it as needing to be replaced, but their price is $2,400. Wildwood Tire says to not replace it now, but their price is $1,600. Firestone will replace it for $1,850. I am leaning toward using Firestone. Can someone recommend another repair shop?

I had the same issue mine was on its last leg worked sometimes and not others. I shopped around and got similar quotes as you. Then I found Michael's auto repair shop in fruitland Park. I took it to him and he said if the compressor hadn't failed fully and thrown metal into the condenser then only the compressor needed to be replaced. His price was $600. If it also needed a condenser it would be $300 more. Mine only needed the compressor replaced and works fantastic. You might want to try to check him out. It's not a big shop it's just a small owners shop but does great work at a reasonable price.

Check with Pep Boys I had Pep Boys in South Florida do a system replacement they were completive and they have a great warrantee

[QUOTE=Cneigoot;2333654]Yes, Michael will be checking it out. He said that he could install a new compressor (no complete kit) for $300 to $400.

That is possible, but I didn't want a "go away" price. I want it to be fixed. I guess some people would just pay the $2,400. Not a good business practice.

You didn't say what make of vehicle, but I know a lot of GM vehicles including my own Yukon have problems with the blend doors going bad. My Yukon use to do the same thing, when it got warm in the vehicle I would have to stop and turn off the motor and immediately restart and it would work fine, until the next time.

Sometimes it is better to go to the Dealer's service dept. I believe they will give a free quote. Call and ask!

2017 Ford Escape Titanium

I called a dealer parts department. They said that they do not sell AC kits, just individual parts. I would need to make an appointment with the service department to have the vehicle diagnosed. It didn't sound like that was going to be free, but I could be wrong.

I used to go to Wildwood Tire on 44 until some really shady things came up. Couldnt prove anything so I will leave it that. It was firestone that saved me from a $900.00 repair at Wildwood Tire for $125.00.

You could try doing it yourself with a little help from your friends, if you had just basic tools.

Here's the facts, the compressor would cost you about 350.00 to 400.00, The freon would be 2 cans for about 40.00 each. To test and install the freon, you would need the gauges, that you could get from Autozone for a 150 deposit to rent it, they would return ALL of the depots when you returned it, no cost to use.

Youtube videos would show you exactly how to do it. 440.00 DONE

Just saying......

Thanks for the suggestion, but I am not a car guy. If I can just find a mechanic who can properly diagnose the problem, I will be happy to pay the going rate to fix it.

Go to Fruitland Park Auto and ask for Harry, he will work with you ! 452-325-0303

Now do we really think a EV will be cheap to maintenance, seriously, at least the EV owners now think they’re cheap, just wait!

Update - I took my car to Michael's Automotive this morning and they confirmed that I needed a complete AC kit. They installed it today and the total cost was $1,523, which was $877 less than the Sumter Tire quote. In fact, the Sumter Tire quote was at least 50 percent higher than 3 other quotes. Wildwood TIre charged me $213 and told me there was nothing wrong with my AC, which was definitely incorrect. I know that many people think that Wildwood Tire and Sumter Tire are excellent repair shops, but, in this case, I cannot agree.

It appears there may be some technical service bulletins on that vehicle related to AC. Might be worth a call to the dealer.
2017 Ford Escape Air Conditioner Technical Service Bulletins

Reynolds auto air conditioning
 

Had a similar situation...went to Reynolds...great work much lower price than ANYONE quoted

Reynolds Auto Air Conditioning 1326 N 14th St, Leesburg, FL 34748 +13527877285

Auto air conditioning
 

I had an air-conditioning issue with my auto also a few years ago the dealer wanted a ridiculous price to fix it. I found a place called Reynolds auto air conditioning. That’s all they do is auto air conditioning so they really know their stuff. Reynolds auto air conditioning‘s phone number is 352-787 7285. They are about 15 minutes away on 441 in Leesburg. They fix my air conditioning problem and I saved hundreds of dollars maybe you want to try them.

Thank you for the update. I do believe Michael to be capable and trustworthy.