A/C questions

[robk98]

I have a 1997 Corolla, and the A/C is weak at best. I thought (hoped) it was the freon, but I checked the pressure and it reads 100 PSI, which I believe is full.
What is correct PSI?
So, any ideas on what this could be? How much should I expect to pay in repairs?

I called my usual mechanic and he said it was $150 just to refill and flush the freon, which seems rather high, so I'm a bit concerned about being ripped off. Then again I do live in Hotlanta, and it is an unusually hot august, even for us.

[FinalGear]

If worst comes to worst...just remove the A/C units and free up some ponies power for your car. But $150 don't sound too bad in my book. WOW...at least you CAN AFFORD A/C in your car.....!!!!

[robk98]

Final Gear,
Living in Atlanta without A/C is like living in Denver without heat in; You could get by, but it's hard most of hte year. Its nearly 100 F with over 90% humidity here lately. A/C is a must.

The $150 was just the cost for a few pounds of freon (which between $10 and $25 in the auto store). So based on the 600% to 1500% mark up they're giving me, I'm a bit scared of having a compressor and/or condenser put in. I'd like to know what a fair price for an A/C repair is.

[daniel2002p]

I thot AC compresors get like 3lb of freeon or something close to that

D

[wiccanferret]

Originally Posted by robk98

Final Gear,
Living in Atlanta without A/C is like living in Denver without heat in; You could get by, but it's hard most of hte year. Its nearly 100 F with over 90% humidity here lately. A/C is a must.

The $150 was just the cost for a few pounds of freon (which between $10 and $25 in the auto store). So based on the 600% to 1500% mark up they're giving me, I'm a bit scared of having a compressor and/or condenser put in. I'd like to know what a fair price for an A/C repair is.

A lot. AC is one of the most expensive things on the car to repair. What I usually do is have someone pump it ($20) then do the work myself, then recharge it myself. The parts are pretty pricy though. If you go this route make sure the first thing you add is AC compressor oil.

[blb]

Originally Posted by robk98

I have a 1997 Corolla, and the A/C is weak at best. I thought (hoped) it was the freon, but I checked the pressure and it reads 100 PSI, which I believe is full.
What is correct PSI?
So, any ideas on what this could be? How much should I expect to pay in repairs?

I called my usual mechanic and he said it was $150 just to refill and flush the freon, which seems rather high, so I'm a bit concerned about being ripped off. Then again I do live in Hotlanta, and it is an unusually hot august, even for us.

It reads 100 psi where and when? Is the gage hooked up to the suction line or high presssure line? Was the engine on and compressor cycling when the reading was taken? What was the ambient temperature when the pressure reading was taken? To properly diagnose the A/C system you must know, at a minimum, the suction side reading, high side reading and ambient temperature.

BTW, you don't fill and flush refrigerant like you do with coolant. If the system has leaked out refrigerant, an attempt should be made to repair the leak and the system refilled with the proper amount of refrigerant. The only time the system would require flushing would be if the compressor failed catastrophically and spread metal bits throughout the system. Then, the system would have to be discharged, repaired, flushed, a vacuum would have to be pulled on the system and then refilled with the proper charge.

If you can answer the questions above, we may be able to help.

[toltec tacoma]

robk98 the condenser in front of the radatior is cloged or dirty