Hi everyone. N00b here. I live in Ottawa, Canada, but my 98 3.0 is a Florida import.

This summer, my AC stopped working. Took it into a mechanic, they said my compressor had "exploded". Said it would be about 2000 to fix it. I decided to drive with no AC this summer. Now, I can't even run the heat to de-fog my windows. If I do, there is a "clunking" noise coming from inside the hood, just as if I left the AC on, last summer.

It gets louder and more frightening-sounding the longer I leave it on. Gets as loud as a chainsaw at times, and Im scared to drive with it on.

I'm sorry I'm describing this as such a girl. Canadian winters suck, and it's only about 2, 3 weeks away. I need help ASAP or I wont be able to drive.

Does anyone have ANY clue as to what Im talking about, or what I'm looking at for repair?

Thanks a lot.

 

I'm guessing since the mechanic told you it's the compressor it's probably the compressor unless you don't trust him. $2000 seems high, but I've never had an A/C compressor replaced. Although I'm fairly certain the parts cost less than $1000 and over $1000 labor seems high for that type of repair. I've never had an A/C compressor repaired/replaced so I don't really know how labor intensive it is and I'm just going with my gut on that one.

Here is the compressor assembly.

http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...s=&view=normal

 

Yeah I definitely do not trust him, and neither does anyone I've told, just by how vague he was with me.

Is it possible to just disconnect the AC and still have heat?

 

Yeah, I do believe the green wire on the AC compressor is the one for the clutch... you can try unplugging it. Or when you turn the heat on, just hit the AC button so it says AC OFF. If you still have the noise, it's not the compressor but the blower.

 

watch the video and tell me if your problem sounds like this
https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-cl-problems-fixes-71/fan-problem-696050/
if so then it's just your blower motor, it needs to be replaced

 

If I hit "AC Off", then I cant defog my windows. That's the whole problem. In the rain or snow, Ill need to, but I have to leave AC as "on". Thats when the noise starts.

It does not sound like your video, Mitch. But thanks anyway.

Ahhhh what a piece of garbage!

 

You need to operate your heater controls in "manual" and unplug the AC compressor. Compressor automatically comes on when you attempt to use defrost in Auto mode. To defrost select Fresh Air symbol. Suggest you read your owner's manual carefully to understand how to operate the Auto Temp Controls in manual mode.

BTW, you can find a good rebuilt compressor for $200-300 and installation should be <$500. ackits.com is a good source for rebuilt compressors. I would ask around for a competent, AC/Heater mechanic.

good luck

 

Ok guys. The mechanic is right... If your compressor blew, then you need to replace pretty much the whole system UNLESS there is a filter in our cars, cars rarely have filters in the AC systems.

The thing is, when the compressor blows, all the metal particles that came out if it are all arround the system. So its not only the compressor you need to replace, you pretty much have to replace the whole thing. On some cars, you can leave some stuff and flush it, to get rid of all the metal sharpnels.

If you end up replacing only the compressor, it will blow again very shortly, as soon as a metal particle gets in it...