rocket44

I recently started having ac problems on my 96 RL (purchased in 2-05) so I decided to go to dealer to get it checked out.

Visit#1
Found out that the person who owned the car had taken it there, too and was told his ac needed to be replaced. He told the service guy to "just cut the ac belt to stop that aweful noise and I'm just gonna go trade it in for a M series Infi." So I end up purchasing the vehicle with a new ac belt and fully charged. When I take it in the mechanic states that "it looks like a new compressor". BTW, My problem is that it's not blowing cold so they say lets charge it and put some dye(UV) in system. $118 for diagnosis and freon. Works for 1 month but knew it would.

Visit#2
Am told that the compressor is leaking at the front seal and needs to be replaced. Ok I say, but thought it was new. I'm told who knows. My problem still exists so I'm glad I purchased the extended warranty cause it's covered, if not it's $1,682 at the dealer to replace. I tell them to replace as much of the ac system as possible to prevent any more problems. They replace the compressor, clutch, reciever drier, and freon. So I pay my deductible $100 and a couple days later I pick it up.

The car never really got cold so I take it back after the weekend.

Visit#3
They tell me that it's my expansion valve which wasn't replaced. Small piece costs about $70, but to replace it will cost $720 because they have to remove my dash. I can't believe what I'm hearing. I call around to some reputable ac mechanics in the area and they say to replace the whole system(compressor, clutch, reciever drier, and expansion valve) will cost $750-800 including freon charge and warranty. So now I have to pay $350 to finish the job at an ac mechanic.


So beware with the dealers on AC repairs, they have a different protocol that the specialists do for twice the $$$. RL AC systems are basically the same 96-04'.

msu79gt82

You may have better luck in the First Generation RL Forum: https://acurazine.com/forums/acurazine-articles-2/

youngTL

Why is there a freon charge? It should be R-134a which is what all cars built 95 and after have. R-134a is typically cheap, less than $100 usually for a charge.

But that's bullshit, that they already had everything apart, and you told them to replace as much of the A/C system as possible, and they failed to do that! It would cost you more to hire an attorney, so the best thing you can do is switch dealerships...they are trying to scam you out of money it sounds like.