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.