A/C Condensor went out, $1200 to fix?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi/College Station, TX
A/C Condensor went out, $1200 to fix? I made a road trip home from college station (4 hour drive) and when I got back, the next day my air condition was hot. It would not blow cold air and so my father and I thought it needed some freeon maybe. We took it to Firestone for them to recharge the Freeon in the A/C and they told us that it is not that. They said that the whole A/C Compressor is shot. They said it would be $1200 to replace because of uninstall and install. I have to leave back to school tomorrow but am going to leave my car here and take my father's truck.
But basically, is this right? I have no real knowledge of air conditioning systems and how they work. However, when you flip the air on you can hear the compressor turn on so I do not know. Can anyone give me any sort of advice or lead me into any direction on this topic? I greatly appreciate your help.
Thanks, Jason.
But basically, is this right? I have no real knowledge of air conditioning systems and how they work. However, when you flip the air on you can hear the compressor turn on so I do not know. Can anyone give me any sort of advice or lead me into any direction on this topic? I greatly appreciate your help.
Thanks, Jason.
Originally Posted by JimmyxBly
I made a road trip home from college station (4 hour drive) and when I got back, the next day my air condition was hot. It would not blow cold air and so my father and I thought it needed some freeon maybe. We took it to Firestone for them to recharge the Freeon in the A/C and they told us that it is not that. They said that the whole A/C Compressor is shot. They said it would be $1200 to replace because of uninstall and install. I have to leave back to school tomorrow but am going to leave my car here and take my father's truck.
But basically, is this right? I have no real knowledge of air conditioning systems and how they work. However, when you flip the air on you can hear the compressor turn on so I do not know. Can anyone give me any sort of advice or lead me into any direction on this topic? I greatly appreciate your help.
Thanks, Jason.
But basically, is this right? I have no real knowledge of air conditioning systems and how they work. However, when you flip the air on you can hear the compressor turn on so I do not know. Can anyone give me any sort of advice or lead me into any direction on this topic? I greatly appreciate your help.
Thanks, Jason.
Trust me. Pick up a used compressor or even a new one $275, and do the install yourself.
Last edited by Z28Venom; Oct 9, 2004 at 08:46 PM.
TECH Addict
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 0
AC compressor pricing from gmpartsdirect:
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $723.30
OUR PRICE: $361.65
Even IF you payed list price, which I sincerely doubt you would, you are still getting raked over the coals.
I also doubt you would get a GM one from them either. Advance Auto has one that will fit you application (remanufactured) for $248.88 with a $10 core charge. Autozone has one for $249.99 with a $30 core. Firestone sucks. Never get work done at the first place you go to unless you know the shop, or you know that you are getting a good deal.
Here is a picture to describe your situation:
You --->
<--- Firestone ........Any questions?
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $723.30
OUR PRICE: $361.65
Even IF you payed list price, which I sincerely doubt you would, you are still getting raked over the coals.
I also doubt you would get a GM one from them either. Advance Auto has one that will fit you application (remanufactured) for $248.88 with a $10 core charge. Autozone has one for $249.99 with a $30 core. Firestone sucks. Never get work done at the first place you go to unless you know the shop, or you know that you are getting a good deal.
Here is a picture to describe your situation:
You --->
<--- Firestone ........Any questions? 
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,157
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Your not really considering paying 1200 bucks are you? If it was me, I would just roll the windows down (and I do). If i had to have ac, I would just replace the condenser (if your not too good with a wrench get pops to help)
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First, make sure it isn't the compressor. I thought mine had gone out too, but it was a leaking line. There is a place where the line is prone to crack or break. At the top of the condensor, right near the radiator cap, one of the lines connects to the top of the condensor. Take the bolt out with a 10mm socket and inspect the o-ring and fitting. Mine was cracked and allowed the 134 to escape slowly.
