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Thread: mechanic says A/C compressor is bad

  1. #1
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    mechanic says A/C compressor is bad

    5 years ago A/C doesn't work, mechanic couldn't find any obvious leak so I end up with refilling every other year. This year after refilling, the air is just a bit cool. A different mechanic did the vacuum and refill with dye and air comes out the same way. The mechanic says my compressor is bad. The compressor cost $250 + $160 labor. I just wonder if there is a way to make sure it's the compressor, not O-ring kind of small thing. Thanks.
    EDIT: the compressor clutch is engaging after pushing snowflake button.
    Last edited by yxd0018; 05-29-2021 at 05:47 PM.

  2. #2
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    One thing a compressor will do when it’s bad is the low and high pressures are about equal, instead of say 35 psi low 180 high

  3. #3
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    yes there is a way. Have him show it to you where the dye comes out of the system, that's where it's leaking.

  4. #4
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    During hot noon, I do feel a bit cool air sometimes, around 28c. But other time it just blows hot air around 39c. Neither I nor the mechanic check pressure, but I guess the machine has 2 gauges during flush.

  5. #5
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    no visible leakage

  6. #6
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    there must be visible leakage if you have to refill so often. The point of dye is to find the leak. Look for a better mechanic that is able to find the leak.

  7. #7
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    If aux fan is not running, does that prevent compressor clutch from running? I see my clutch turning with the belt.
    From another thread about similar issue when clutch is engaged, people suggest to check evap temperature sensor. There is no error about evap temp sensor from OBD2. Is there a way to check the sensor without ordering one first?
    Last edited by yxd0018; 05-29-2021 at 05:41 PM.

  8. #8
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    Mechanic injected dye but not bothered to wait longer to check. I found lots of leak in the condenser. There are some dye near the compressor and not sure if it's just because dye flies everywhere or what. I wonder if replacement of only condenser will restore the cooling.
    condenser.jpgcompressor.jpg
    Last edited by yxd0018; 06-06-2021 at 10:44 PM.

  9. #9
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    The green sticker for the car says 1.82-0.05lb. Is it totally 1.82-0.05=1.77lb = 28.32oz?
    e36_328i_R134a.jpg
    Last edited by yxd0018; 06-08-2021 at 12:30 PM.

  10. #10
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    Most often, the cause of failure of an automobile air conditioner is unfavorable working conditions because some parts of the system are constantly clogged with dirt, debris, poplar down, water, and antifreeze reagents.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by AmandaLee View Post
    Most often, the cause of failure of an automobile air conditioner is unfavorable working conditions because some parts of the system are constantly clogged with dirt, debris, poplar down, water, and antifreeze reagents.
    I told the mechanic the big dye stain at the condenser. But he insists that average cold a/c is due to the compressor even with leaking condenser. Is he right? I plan to replace condenser myself as the new condenser only costs $40 while labor cost from the mechanic runs $120+ $65 a/c charging.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by AmandaLee View Post
    Most often, the cause of failure of an automobile air conditioner is unfavorable working conditions because some parts of the system are constantly clogged with dirt, debris, poplar down, water, and antifreeze reagents.
    I think we have a budding scammer here. Tell us more about poplar down.

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