AC unit failed...YOU HAVE TO READ MY STORY!!!
07-19-2008, 12:22 AM
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ac Unit Failed Due To Shop...you Have To Read My Story!!! I'm so pissed off at this point with my Camaro's AC system. I just relocated to Las Vegas, NV and I've found the service level here even worst compared to Florida.
My E-True Hollywood story begins like this....
1.) I went out to get an over priced AC diagnosis check for $99.00 from a placed called Tire Works! They over charged me like hell and told me my AC was fine. Two week later then AC stopped working in my car and I had to take it to yet another stupid Tire Works in Las Vegas whom also tryed to charge me another $99.00 only after I told then that I already payed for it at another one of their shops. They did manage to get another $43.99 for charging my system with freon only to find that it leaked yet again completely to where there was nothing but hot air blowing out of my car in less then an hours time. The very next day I returned to the same shop and had them include another AC check which they didn't end up charging me extra for. They checked for leaks on my AC unit with their special light and glasses only to find or should I say I was told that my AC compressor has a leak which would result in a $1,400 repair which I wasn't about to pay for. The manager of the first store that's located at the other location got fired for his shadowy practice which indeed made me feel so damn good inside. Anyway, after all that I decided to buy all the parts I would be needing for the proper install. I went online and purchased the following parts....
1.) AC Compressor
2.) AC Orifice tube
3.) Freon flush
4.) Drier
5.) AC Hose Assembly
I went to a shop here in Las Vegas whom goes by the name Precision Tune Auto Care. I worked out what it would cost for the labor factor for a shop to replace the entire unit from the parts listed above. The labor cost was $400.00 The shop ended up keeping my damn car for two days and the end result was back to point A The freon leaked out all over the damn place. I saw it spraying out. I also saw it leaking on the ground under the car. This happened in only two hours time. All that money and time wasted and this was the end result! The shop did it for cash and not once did the owner ever give me a valid sales receipt for the work/labor being done. I would assume that the shop would guarantee to warranty their labor but not the parts. So here I am with nothing and now I have to return back to the shop to have them check the system again on Monday. What the hell is this world coming to....
My E-True Hollywood story begins like this....
1.) I went out to get an over priced AC diagnosis check for $99.00 from a placed called Tire Works! They over charged me like hell and told me my AC was fine. Two week later then AC stopped working in my car and I had to take it to yet another stupid Tire Works in Las Vegas whom also tryed to charge me another $99.00 only after I told then that I already payed for it at another one of their shops. They did manage to get another $43.99 for charging my system with freon only to find that it leaked yet again completely to where there was nothing but hot air blowing out of my car in less then an hours time. The very next day I returned to the same shop and had them include another AC check which they didn't end up charging me extra for. They checked for leaks on my AC unit with their special light and glasses only to find or should I say I was told that my AC compressor has a leak which would result in a $1,400 repair which I wasn't about to pay for. The manager of the first store that's located at the other location got fired for his shadowy practice which indeed made me feel so damn good inside. Anyway, after all that I decided to buy all the parts I would be needing for the proper install. I went online and purchased the following parts....
1.) AC Compressor
2.) AC Orifice tube
3.) Freon flush
4.) Drier
5.) AC Hose Assembly
I went to a shop here in Las Vegas whom goes by the name Precision Tune Auto Care. I worked out what it would cost for the labor factor for a shop to replace the entire unit from the parts listed above. The labor cost was $400.00 The shop ended up keeping my damn car for two days and the end result was back to point A The freon leaked out all over the damn place. I saw it spraying out. I also saw it leaking on the ground under the car. This happened in only two hours time. All that money and time wasted and this was the end result! The shop did it for cash and not once did the owner ever give me a valid sales receipt for the work/labor being done. I would assume that the shop would guarantee to warranty their labor but not the parts. So here I am with nothing and now I have to return back to the shop to have them check the system again on Monday. What the hell is this world coming to....
Last edited by 3dfuzion; 07-19-2008 at 12:34 AM.
07-19-2008, 12:26 AM
#2
First mistake was going to a tire shop. I would've found an A/C specialist. Being out in the desert, I'm sure there are several shops in Vegas that specialize in a/c repair.
I took an old 88 Toyota pickup to an a/c repair shop when it was blowing somewhat "warm" air. They shoved a piece of foam between the radiator and metal core support that redirected the air to the a/c coil. Problem solved, charged me $20.
I took an old 88 Toyota pickup to an a/c repair shop when it was blowing somewhat "warm" air. They shoved a piece of foam between the radiator and metal core support that redirected the air to the a/c coil. Problem solved, charged me $20.
07-19-2008, 12:35 AM
#3
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First mistake was going to a tire shop. I would've found an A/C specialist. Being out in the desert, I'm sure there are several shops in Vegas that specialize in a/c repair.
I took an old 88 Toyota pickup to an a/c repair shop when it was blowing somewhat "warm" air. They shoved a piece of foam between the radiator and metal core support that redirected the air to the a/c coil. Problem solved, charged me $20.
I took an old 88 Toyota pickup to an a/c repair shop when it was blowing somewhat "warm" air. They shoved a piece of foam between the radiator and metal core support that redirected the air to the a/c coil. Problem solved, charged me $20.
Anyway, I can recover money for the parts but let's hope it's not going to come to this. I assume it's the hose and I hope it's not the damn AC Comprossor!
If it is the AC Compressor then man it's going to be one hell of a fight to get the shop to redue the work on faulty parts. I stressed to them that I wanted to keep my old parts which I never did get back from them.
Last edited by 3dfuzion; 07-19-2008 at 12:41 AM.
07-19-2008, 02:27 AM
#4
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Ventura County, California
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First mistake was going to a tire shop. I would've found an A/C specialist. Being out in the desert, I'm sure there are several shops in Vegas that specialize in a/c repair.
I took an old 88 Toyota pickup to an a/c repair shop when it was blowing somewhat "warm" air. They shoved a piece of foam between the radiator and metal core support that redirected the air to the a/c coil. Problem solved, charged me $20.
I took an old 88 Toyota pickup to an a/c repair shop when it was blowing somewhat "warm" air. They shoved a piece of foam between the radiator and metal core support that redirected the air to the a/c coil. Problem solved, charged me $20.
-----------
3dfuzion, good luck with the mechanic shop they shoul repair it correct
Last edited by 98boxer; 07-19-2008 at 02:32 AM.
07-19-2008, 06:46 AM
#5
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I sure hope so. On the front of the building it says family owned and operated so that to me translates honestly with Integrity to be truthful and to do what's right! 
Let's hope so when I take it back to them.
Let's hope so when I take it back to them. 
07-19-2008, 02:11 PM
#7
Tech Resident
This is exactly why I don't buy ebay parts. I've heard hundreds of stories like this. I can't pity anyone anymore for getting bad car parts off of ebay. I'd be willing to bet that it's a bad part because 90% of all car stuff ebay sellers sell is pure junk. An AC compressor is something you should have bought genuine GM 
Trending Topics
07-19-2008, 02:28 PM
#8
TECH Enthusiast
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm so pissed off at this point with my Camaro's AC system. I just relocated to Las Vegas, NV and I've found the service level here even worst compared to Florida.
My E-True Hollywood story begins like this....
1.) I went out to get an over priced AC diagnosis check for $99.00 from a placed called Tire Works! They over charged me like hell and told me my AC was fine. Two week later then AC stopped working in my car and I had to take it to yet another stupid Tire Works in Las Vegas whom also tryed to charge me another $99.00 only after I told then that I already payed for it at another one of their shops. They did manage to get another $43.99 for charging my system with freon only to find that it leaked yet again completely to where there was nothing but hot air blowing out of my car in less then an hours time. The very next day I returned to the same shop and had them include another AC check which they didn't end up charging me extra for. They checked for leaks on my AC unit with their special light and glasses only to find or should I say I was told that my AC compressor has a leak which would result in a $1,400 repair which I wasn't about to pay for. The manager of the first store that's located at the other location got fired for his shadowy practice which indeed made me feel so damn good inside. Anyway, after all that I decided to buy all the parts I would be needing for the proper install. I went online and purchased the following parts....
1.) AC Compressor
2.) AC Orifice tube
3.) Freon flush
4.) Drier
5.) AC Hose Assembly
I went to a shop here in Las Vegas whom goes by the name Precision Tune Auto Care. I worked out what it would cost for the labor factor for a shop to replace the entire unit from the parts listed above. The labor cost was $400.00 The shop ended up keeping my damn car for two days and the end result was back to point A The freon leaked out all over the damn place. I saw it spraying out. I also saw it leaking on the ground under the car. This happened in only two hours time. All that money and time wasted and this was the end result! The shop did it for cash and not once did the owner ever give me a valid sales receipt for the work/labor being done. I would assume that the shop would guarantee to warranty their labor but not the parts. So here I am with nothing and now I have to return back to the shop to have them check the system again on Monday. What the hell is this world coming to....
My E-True Hollywood story begins like this....
1.) I went out to get an over priced AC diagnosis check for $99.00 from a placed called Tire Works! They over charged me like hell and told me my AC was fine. Two week later then AC stopped working in my car and I had to take it to yet another stupid Tire Works in Las Vegas whom also tryed to charge me another $99.00 only after I told then that I already payed for it at another one of their shops. They did manage to get another $43.99 for charging my system with freon only to find that it leaked yet again completely to where there was nothing but hot air blowing out of my car in less then an hours time. The very next day I returned to the same shop and had them include another AC check which they didn't end up charging me extra for. They checked for leaks on my AC unit with their special light and glasses only to find or should I say I was told that my AC compressor has a leak which would result in a $1,400 repair which I wasn't about to pay for. The manager of the first store that's located at the other location got fired for his shadowy practice which indeed made me feel so damn good inside. Anyway, after all that I decided to buy all the parts I would be needing for the proper install. I went online and purchased the following parts....
1.) AC Compressor
2.) AC Orifice tube
3.) Freon flush
4.) Drier
5.) AC Hose Assembly
I went to a shop here in Las Vegas whom goes by the name Precision Tune Auto Care. I worked out what it would cost for the labor factor for a shop to replace the entire unit from the parts listed above. The labor cost was $400.00 The shop ended up keeping my damn car for two days and the end result was back to point A The freon leaked out all over the damn place. I saw it spraying out. I also saw it leaking on the ground under the car. This happened in only two hours time. All that money and time wasted and this was the end result! The shop did it for cash and not once did the owner ever give me a valid sales receipt for the work/labor being done. I would assume that the shop would guarantee to warranty their labor but not the parts. So here I am with nothing and now I have to return back to the shop to have them check the system again on Monday. What the hell is this world coming to....
I had my A/C completely redone, compressor and all, for $800. Lifetime parts and labor warranty. Which a couple weeks ago I had to cash in on. My 3 year old brand new A/C Delco compressor that they installed went bad. I waited for a couple hours and drove away with a new compressor and didn't spend a penny. Gotta love that.
And before anyone asks, "why so cheap?" Not all dealerships **** their customers.
07-19-2008, 03:08 PM
#9
Definately sounds like that shop has no idea how to diagnose an HVAC concern. Are they even licenced by the state? You should always go with OEM parts, and go to a dealer!
07-19-2008, 08:56 PM
#10
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Update:
I took my car to yet another shop today called PURRFECT Automotive.
They did me a huge favor today and did a free ac check which I was able to watch and review right in front of them. The end result was just like I assumed it would be. The leaking was coming from the ac compressor at the back/rear end were the ac assembly hose connects to it. I saw a mist coming from it when the auto tech was doing the test. After he turned the car off I could also hear a hissing sound coming from the same area. The shop "Purrfect automotive" was very honest and they believe that whom ever installed the unit didn't put the O-rings/seals onto the rear-end ac compressor which was also included in the kit that I gave to the shop to install.
If anyone has followed this topic you might of recalled that "Tireworks" when doing their over priced AC check claimed that the AC compressor was leaking. I find it very interesting that I'm now having the same problem with a new ac compressor leaking which is totally visible. It can only make one wonder if the ac compressor was ever changed out? Something smells fishy right now! Everything they have touched has been bad from replacing my power window which now appears to be off track to my car's AC unit. These guys just suck at anything and everything! I think their shop might go down under sooner or later! I sure want to make sure I get my stuff fixed correctly before I waste more time and money on a bunch of armatures whom think they know more then their own customers.
I took my car to yet another shop today called PURRFECT Automotive.
They did me a huge favor today and did a free ac check which I was able to watch and review right in front of them. The end result was just like I assumed it would be. The leaking was coming from the ac compressor at the back/rear end were the ac assembly hose connects to it. I saw a mist coming from it when the auto tech was doing the test. After he turned the car off I could also hear a hissing sound coming from the same area. The shop "Purrfect automotive" was very honest and they believe that whom ever installed the unit didn't put the O-rings/seals onto the rear-end ac compressor which was also included in the kit that I gave to the shop to install.
If anyone has followed this topic you might of recalled that "Tireworks" when doing their over priced AC check claimed that the AC compressor was leaking. I find it very interesting that I'm now having the same problem with a new ac compressor leaking which is totally visible. It can only make one wonder if the ac compressor was ever changed out? Something smells fishy right now! Everything they have touched has been bad from replacing my power window which now appears to be off track to my car's AC unit. These guys just suck at anything and everything! I think their shop might go down under sooner or later! I sure want to make sure I get my stuff fixed correctly before I waste more time and money on a bunch of armatures whom think they know more then their own customers.
Last edited by 3dfuzion; 07-19-2008 at 10:34 PM.
07-19-2008, 11:59 PM
#11
Banned
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: san fernando valley, california
Posts: 3,093
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
correct! there is an O ring right behind that ac line, u must also inspect to make sure that there is no stress cracks from the bolt being too tight, that line can crack REAL easy! and u shoulw inspect and look at everthing that shops do, u should have marked the a/c compressor to know if they changed it or not
07-20-2008, 01:00 AM
#12
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Exactly! the shop never once took my phone number down or contact information for any kind of paper work. I never ever got a sales receipt for the labor that was done. This shop is not very friendly and unpersonable. They just flat out suck *** Vegas style all the way!!!
Last edited by 3dfuzion; 07-20-2008 at 01:48 AM.
07-20-2008, 01:49 AM
#13
07-20-2008, 07:29 AM
#14
If you don't think they changed the compressor get under the car and look at it, it's either going to be dirty and say GM on it or be clean and say remanufactured.
I see a ton of problems here, from getting **** parts to not asking for paperwork.
Bite the bullet---take it to a GM service dept, tell them to fix it with a warranty.
Pick the car up when it's done and move on with life. If you don't have the money for that drive something else or sweat, don't make a repair based on what you have to spend, look where trying to save a few bucks got you. ebay parts=trying to save money.
I see a ton of problems here, from getting **** parts to not asking for paperwork.
Bite the bullet---take it to a GM service dept, tell them to fix it with a warranty.
Pick the car up when it's done and move on with life. If you don't have the money for that drive something else or sweat, don't make a repair based on what you have to spend, look where trying to save a few bucks got you. ebay parts=trying to save money.
07-22-2008, 09:56 AM
#16
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Update:
Thank you all for you're valued advice!
The problem came from the cheap aftermarket Auto Zone AC Hose Assembly line. The shop told me that they had to grind the hose's aluminum valve tips down just to make it fit onto the back of the ac compressor thus making the leak come about. The shop replaced the hose free of charge and did an evac and recharge on my ac unit as a result. Last but least, the only thing I had to do was buy an OEM ac assembly house line from the dealership which work like clock work! Well, there you have it! Problem fixed! Now the ac runs like a champ! Plus, I also had my ac/heater blower motor replaced now it doesn't make a load noise when ever I turn it on max. Auto Zone's parts suck even for things such has a house! I will from now on use the dealership or NAPA for most of my parts. I did in the long run get more parts replaced and saved $590.00 compared to having a shop order the parts and replace the entire system which would of ran $1,800 compared to my $900.00 because I got everything replaced for the AC unit not just the compressor but everything!
Thank you all for you're valued advice!
The problem came from the cheap aftermarket Auto Zone AC Hose Assembly line. The shop told me that they had to grind the hose's aluminum valve tips down just to make it fit onto the back of the ac compressor thus making the leak come about. The shop replaced the hose free of charge and did an evac and recharge on my ac unit as a result. Last but least, the only thing I had to do was buy an OEM ac assembly house line from the dealership which work like clock work! Well, there you have it! Problem fixed! Now the ac runs like a champ! Plus, I also had my ac/heater blower motor replaced now it doesn't make a load noise when ever I turn it on max. Auto Zone's parts suck even for things such has a house! I will from now on use the dealership or NAPA for most of my parts. I did in the long run get more parts replaced and saved $590.00 compared to having a shop order the parts and replace the entire system which would of ran $1,800 compared to my $900.00 because I got everything replaced for the AC unit not just the compressor but everything! Last edited by 3dfuzion; 07-22-2008 at 10:02 AM.
07-22-2008, 07:02 PM
#18
Update:
Thank you all for you're valued advice! The problem came from the cheap aftermarket Auto Zone AC Hose Assembly line. The shop told me that they had to grind the hose's aluminum valve tips down just to make it fit onto the back of the ac compressor thus making the leak come about. The shop replaced the hose free of charge and did an evac and recharge on my ac unit as a result. Last but least, the only thing I had to do was buy an OEM ac assembly house line from the dealership which work like clock work! Well, there you have it! Problem fixed! Now the ac runs like a champ! Plus, I also had my ac/heater blower motor replaced now it doesn't make a load noise when ever I turn it on max. Auto Zone's parts suck even for things such has a house! I will from now on use the dealership or NAPA for most of my parts. I did in the long run get more parts replaced and saved $590.00 compared to having a shop order the parts and replace the entire system which would of ran $1,800 compared to my $900.00 because I got everything replaced for the AC unit not just the compressor but everything!
Thank you all for you're valued advice!
The problem came from the cheap aftermarket Auto Zone AC Hose Assembly line. The shop told me that they had to grind the hose's aluminum valve tips down just to make it fit onto the back of the ac compressor thus making the leak come about. The shop replaced the hose free of charge and did an evac and recharge on my ac unit as a result. Last but least, the only thing I had to do was buy an OEM ac assembly house line from the dealership which work like clock work! Well, there you have it! Problem fixed! Now the ac runs like a champ! Plus, I also had my ac/heater blower motor replaced now it doesn't make a load noise when ever I turn it on max. Auto Zone's parts suck even for things such has a house! I will from now on use the dealership or NAPA for most of my parts. I did in the long run get more parts replaced and saved $590.00 compared to having a shop order the parts and replace the entire system which would of ran $1,800 compared to my $900.00 because I got everything replaced for the AC unit not just the compressor but everything!I have told guys for years to not go anywhere else but the manufacturer for parts. Look how long the factory original part lasted. I cannot begin to convey to you how many defective aftermarket parts I removed from vehicles in my 20 years as a Technician at New Car Dealerships.
You get what you pay for.
Good Luck man, hope that repair lasts you for a long time to come without further grief.
g
07-22-2008, 10:08 PM
#19
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nah... you didn't get everything replaced for that amount of money. There is an evaporator under the dash, a condenser under the hood in frt of the radiator and all sort of other little goodies. You got a compressor, related parts and a hose for your investment.
I have told guys for years to not go anywhere else but the manufacturer for parts. Look how long the factory original part lasted. I cannot begin to convey to you how many defective aftermarket parts I removed from vehicles in my 20 years as a Technician at New Car Dealerships.
You get what you pay for.
Good Luck man, hope that repair lasts you for a long time to come without further grief.
g
I have told guys for years to not go anywhere else but the manufacturer for parts. Look how long the factory original part lasted. I cannot begin to convey to you how many defective aftermarket parts I removed from vehicles in my 20 years as a Technician at New Car Dealerships.
You get what you pay for.
Good Luck man, hope that repair lasts you for a long time to come without further grief.
g
You're 100% correct! The parts last for years! It's OEM for me from this point out. Aftermarket parts do suck and are in many cases cheap quality.
07-22-2008, 10:09 PM
#20
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nah... you didn't get everything replaced for that amount of money. There is an evaporator under the dash, a condenser under the hood in frt of the radiator and all sort of other little goodies. You got a compressor, related parts and a hose for your investment.
I have told guys for years to not go anywhere else but the manufacturer for parts. Look how long the factory original part lasted. I cannot begin to convey to you how many defective aftermarket parts I removed from vehicles in my 20 years as a Technician at New Car Dealerships.
You get what you pay for.
Good Luck man, hope that repair lasts you for a long time to come without further grief.
g
I have told guys for years to not go anywhere else but the manufacturer for parts. Look how long the factory original part lasted. I cannot begin to convey to you how many defective aftermarket parts I removed from vehicles in my 20 years as a Technician at New Car Dealerships.
You get what you pay for.
Good Luck man, hope that repair lasts you for a long time to come without further grief.
g
True, at least it's working now!