Worth to repair the air conditioner on 2002 corolla?

[rivet]

Hello, the air conditioner has not been working well for more than 2 years. So I bring it to Toyota dealer to check it up, it cost 100$ to diagnose and I got a quote of 650 parts and 330 labor +tax to repair it. Basically there are some leaks there. Is it worth to repair? Can I find cheaper price somewhere else? My car is a 2002 auto transmission Toyota corolla with around 210k mileage.

[RCGA]

Roll down the window.

The price to fix the AC is basically the value of the car. Not worth it, IMO.

[poedua]

Hello, the air conditioner has not been working well for more than 2 years. So I bring it to Toyota dealer to check it up, it cost 100$ to diagnose and I got a quote of 650 parts and 330 labor +tax to repair it. Basically there are some leaks there. Is it worth to repair? Can I find cheaper price somewhere else? My car is a 2002 auto transmission Toyota corolla with around 210k mileage.

If the AC WAS still working, all other things being equal , how much longer would you of planned on driving the car - i.e to 300,000 km ? to 400,000 km++++ ?

[hdom]

You checked and replace the cabin filter regularly ?? If you don't then it may just be a case of a dirty filter, the car is too new to require major AC work.

[booblehead]

Portable car fan @ Walmart
$13 + taxes

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-Fan/13005737

[boredstudent3]

Hey you got an 8th gen corolla

Nice nice

I got the same gen but before the face lift

I have to get my AC fixed as well

It's not blowing cold air

[hdom]

^You have been changing your filter regularly too ??

[l69norm]

Is the air still coolish or is it totally warm?

[rivet]

It still blows coolish air, just not really cooling the car down in the summer. I checked with another mechanic, and he says there is no refrigerant in the car, the only way he know what is going on is to put some refrigerant in and test whether it works and what can do next (if there are leaks), and it is $60 charge for that process. Since I already paid the dealer $100 to diagnose so I didn't continue. I didn't drive that much mileage, when I bought the car in 2006, it already has 165k mileage on it. I plan on driving for another 4 to 5 years for another 50k mileage if the maintenance cost does not go up significantly.

If it helps, here is what dealers wrote for the quote:

Cause: Leak at Piping for receiver dryer
Correction: will require receiver dryer, 2 lines, clean purge system,

I could have go ahead and let dealer repair it if it is sth. like $500, at > $1000, I don't know. Just wish there are cheaper ways to repair, why are those parts so expensive, they looks like pretty regular part, like pipe and lines.

[rivet]

I didn't, have to check which one is cabin filter. I do send it for oil change every 3 to 6 months.

You checked and replace the cabin filter regularly ?? If you don't then it may just be a case of a dirty filter, the car is too new to require major AC work.

[BDSL]

Hello, the air conditioner has not been working well for more than 2 years. So I bring it to Toyota dealer to check it up, it cost 100$ to diagnose and I got a quote of 650 parts and 330 labor +tax to repair it. Basically there are some leaks there. Is it worth to repair? Can I find cheaper price somewhere else? My car is a 2002 auto transmission Toyota corolla with around 210k mileage.

There are DIY kits at Canadian Tire, PartSource, and Princess Auto that you can get for $50.
There are also canisters for seal conditioner.

First, attach the line/gauge to the lower pressure port to see if there is positive pressure.
If the line pressure is at 0psig, then you can't use the kit. You have to get a shop to vacuum the line.
If the line pressure is above 0psig, then you still have small leak. Inject the seal conditioner and R134a into the lower pressure line until it meets the specs.

[ji2o0k]

My only experience with AC units in cars were with America cars, our Ford Taurus, Chevy Malibu and Cutlass Ciera...

All of them went and our mechanic friend basically said, once it goes there will always be problems....you can fix it or repair it but it might last a year and still go....seems like AC units in cars are pretty delicate...

It probably isn't worth to fix it....as it will go shortly after fixing....at least from my experience (take it for what it is worth, I am not car savvy at all)....

[thrifthunter]

In terms of the value of the car it's not worth it. But in terms of the cost for your own comfort is it worth it? That is up to you to decide.
Also, if the stealership is charging that you could probably get it done for half somewhere else.

[poedua]

It still blows coolish air, just not really cooling the car down in the summer. I checked with another mechanic, and he says there is no refrigerant in the car, the only way he know what is going on is to put some refrigerant in and test whether it works and what can do next (if there are leaks), and it is $60 charge for that process. Since I already paid the dealer $100 to diagnose so I didn't continue. I didn't drive that much mileage, when I bought the car in 2006, it already has 165k mileage on it. I plan on driving for another 4 to 5 years for another 50k mileage if the maintenance cost does not go up significantly.

If it helps, here is what dealers wrote for the quote:

Cause: Leak at Piping for receiver dryer
Correction: will require receiver driver, 2 lines, clean purge system,

I could have go ahead and let dealer repair it if it is sth. like $500, at > $1000, I don't know. Just wish there are cheaper ways to repair, why are those parts so expensive, they looks like pretty regular part, like pipe and lines.

So, you've got 3 options..


1) fix the AC for $1,000 and drive it for at least another 4 or 5 years ( till approx 260,000 km )
2) drive it without AC for at least another 4 or 5 years ( till approx 260,000 km )
3) ditch it and get another used car

....notwithstanding the fact that car should last at least until about 300,000 km, can you afford to do #3 ?

Have you got quotes for ( cheaper ) AC parts from a wreckers ?

[rivet]

I can afford to do #3, I usually do that to my computers, phones when they start to be outdated. But it is just a lot of hassle to buy and sell a car, consider you always pay 13% tax to government when buy used cars, so if the value of buy and sell is fair, you always lose money during the process to the goverment. I might consider buying a new car or a close to new car when my financial situation gets better, but right now it is just not the best time to change cars, and I just bought a set of new tires for it.

The wrecker didn't give me a quote on parts as he need to check it first, which means more diagnose cost that I don't want to pay.

Also, can any one estimate how much is my car worth, assume no major problems mechanically and cosmetically.

[rivet]

If I try to use the DIY to recharge the refrigerant, and if there is a leak, do I still need to pay that much to a dealer or another mechanics to repair. Just want to know if it is worth it try myself, I am not a car savvy obviously.

[hdom]

My mistake, looks like the 2002 was the last yr and they added the filter in 2003.

For your question, you can check the books or kijiji for a rough cost of what your car is worth.

Do a private sale if you want the most for your money.


I didn't, have to check which one is cabin filter. I do send it for oil change every 3 to 6 months.

[boredstudent3]

^You have been changing your filter regularly too ??

i don't think the car has a cabin filter. mine is a 1998


Is the air still coolish or is it totally warm?

blows air that is the same temp as outside...lol...doesn't help me feel comfortable.


My mistake, looks like the 2002 was the last yr and they added the filter in 2003.

yeah i thikn so as well.

OP: if you decide to get the A/C inspected for leaks and have parts replaced and system recharged, let me know where you got it done.

i'm also searching for places to get my A/C fixed. i didn't have A/C since last year or maybe the year before, it's bad when it's hot and humid outside, don't like sweating in the car and having to deal with traffic.

[MS MSP]

Hello, the air conditioner has not been working well for more than 2 years. So I bring it to Toyota dealer to check it up, it cost 100$ to diagnose and I got a quote of 650 parts and 330 labor +tax to repair it. Basically there are some leaks there. Is it worth to repair? Can I find cheaper price somewhere else? My car is a 2002 auto transmission Toyota corolla with around 210k mileage.

only worth fixing it if your Corolla is beige


My only experience with AC units in cars were with America cars, our Ford Taurus, Chevy Malibu and Cutlass Ciera...

All of them went and our mechanic friend basically said, once it goes there will always be problems....you can fix it or repair it but it might last a year and still go....seems like AC units in cars are pretty delicate...

It probably isn't worth to fix it....as it will go shortly after fixing....at least from my experience (take it for what it is worth, I am not car savvy at all)....

Seriously though, i have to agree with this.

[Heero01]

So, you've got 3 options..


1) fix the AC for $1,000 and drive it for at least another 4 or 5 years ( till approx 260,000 km )
2) drive it without AC for at least another 4 or 5 years ( till approx 260,000 km )
3) ditch it and get another used car

....notwithstanding the fact that car should last at least until about 300,000 km, can you afford to do #3 ?

Have you got quotes for ( cheaper ) AC parts from a wreckers ?

Need to emphasize that more. My dads old corolla was still running at half a million.

I would suggest keeping the car and just keeping windows down.

[rivet]

Thanks for all the advice. Still debating now. OK, I just try the AC again, it seems it does not blow cool air any more, I remember two month ago, at least it still blows cool air even though it is not enough to cool the car, maybe the dealer took away the last refrigerant left during testing, who knows. I am personally not so objective to no air conditioner, is just when I drive with parents/parents in law along with my four year old daughter on a trip, it becomes quite awkward when they don't feel confortable.

Also, it is safe or OK to drive on 401 and left windows open? What is the drawback, if I can do that, I might be able to live without AC on the car fine.

[BDSL]

Thanks for all the advice. Still debating now. OK, I just try the AC again, it seems it does not blow cool air any more, I remember two month ago, at least it still blows cool air even though it is not enough to cool the car, maybe the dealer took away the last refrigerant left during testing, who knows. I am personally not so objective to no air conditioner, is just when I drive with parents/parents in law along with my four year old daughter on a trip, it becomes quite awkward when they don't feel confortable.

Also, it is safe or OK to drive on 401 and left windows open? What is the drawback, if I can do that, I might be able to live without AC on the car fine.

I have a kit. Where are you located? If close by, I would like to help you. It would only take 1 min for me to check. Free of charge...consider it donating my time to other RFDer's for all the deals I found here.

[poedua]

Thanks for all the advice. Still debating now. OK, I just try the AC again, it seems it does not blow cool air any more, I remember two month ago, at least it still blows cool air even though it is not enough to cool the car, maybe the dealer took away the last refrigerant left during testing, who knows. I am personally not so objective to no air conditioner, is just when I drive with parents/parents in law along with my four year old daughter on a trip, it becomes quite awkward when they don't feel confortable.

Also, it is safe or OK to drive on 401 and left windows open? What is the drawback, if I can do that, I might be able to live without AC on the car fine.

However, I think your car uses the A/C compressor for defrost in winter.

[EPcjay]

My friend has a 2002 civic, and was quoted 650 parts and labour. He's going to drive his car to the ground so he ended up fixing it.
Its quite difficult to de-fog your windows without AC. Takes so much longer.

[rivet]

That is very nice of you. Thank you. Too bad I am in Kingston.

I have a kit. Where are you located? If close by, I would like to help you. It would only take 1 min for me to check. Free of charge...consider it donating my time to other RFDer's for all the deals I found here.

Does defrost use the refrigerant as well? In the past, I don't have much problem de frog the windows in the winter. Not sure if the A/C compressor is working though.


However, I think your car uses the A/C compressor for defrost in winter.

[BDSL]

That is very nice of you. Thank you. Too bad I am in Kingston.

Welcome

[DJ_Peanuts22]

Also, it is safe or OK to drive on 401 and left windows open? What is the drawback, if I can do that, I might be able to live without AC on the car fine.

Perfectly fine. Just don't follow gravel trucks or 18 wheelers that can kick up rocks.

If you want to reduce wind noise get some of those window visors that stick or clip on.

[forthewinwin]

Your car, assuming roughly 150-180k kms mileage, should be around 2500-3500 (or at least in Vancouver area). depends on condition and exact mileage of course. 2500$ should be relatively easy to sell.

And as others said, bring it to a mechanic/car shop. They should charge you less.

[Tornado F2]

No.

[BobyYoo]

try refilling with those refill kit.

my uncle did it on two of his cars. 1 car lasted 2 months, and other car lasted whole summer.
not bad for $20 bottle. it usually require 1 bottle.

some may say that it is bad for the environment if you dont fix the leak...it's up to you.

surprisingly, my 1999 corolla a/c still work at 280000km without refill. i bought it at 215000km

[BDSL]

Right now, at PartSource, 50% off on RedTek cans/accessories.

[rivet]

Thanks, I'll come by to take a look at Partsource.

[Little Johny]

Correct me if I am wrong. I do not think you can buy R134a without some kind of certificate or license.

What you get from Canadian Tire over the shelf is not R134a and the gas content could be flammable.
I also heard that there is fire retardant mixed in as well. Therefore, You may want to read the bottle carefully to see they are. I certainly do not want to use propane/ butane in my system even though they would work.

Best bet would be DIY changing parts and have a local garage to charge up the system for you.

[BDSL]

Correct me if I am wrong. I do not think you can buy R134a without some kind of certificate or license.

What you get from Canadian Tire over the shelf is not R134a and the gas content could be flammable.
I also heard that there is fire retardant mixed in as well. Therefore, You may want to read the bottle carefully to see they are. I certainly do not want to use propane/ butane in my system even though they would work.

Best bet would be DIY changing parts and have a local garage to charge up the system for you.

Yes, correct. It is not R134a. It is a substitute.
If you are worrying about the freon igniting and causing a fire hazard, you also have the followings to worry about:
- some engines are fueled by propane
- gasoline leak can also cause a fire
- engine oil dripping on exhaust component can cause a fire

[rivet]

I thought all the DIY charging kits sold in Canada (Canadian tire) etc. are not R134a.


Correct me if I am wrong. I do not think you can buy R134a without some kind of certificate or license.

What you get from Canadian Tire over the shelf is not R134a and the gas content could be flammable.
I also heard that there is fire retardant mixed in as well. Therefore, You may want to read the bottle carefully to see they are. I certainly do not want to use propane/ butane in my system even though they would work.

Best bet would be DIY changing parts and have a local garage to charge up the system for you.

[jerrysiz]

blows air that is the same temp as outside...lol...doesn't help me feel comfortable.

yeah i thikn so as well.

OP: if you decide to get the A/C inspected for leaks and have parts replaced and system recharged, let me know where you got it done.

i'm also searching for places to get my A/C fixed. i didn't have A/C since last year or maybe the year before, it's bad when it's hot and humid outside, don't like sweating in the car and having to deal with traffic.

I had the same problem, and if you're still looking for a place, you can try Continental Auto Repairs on Keele south of Steeles. I had a dealfind voucher for an AC tune up and free pound of refrigerant (and I went ahead and also got them to fix my broken AC). I'd reccommend them. They seem to run a fair number of group deals for oil changes and AC tune ups, so if your timing is lucky you may be able to get it done for even less (though, even without the voucher savings, I thought what they charged me was very reasonable). There was a recent thread in group deals (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/39-4-oil-changes-one-use-per-car-need-help-clarification-rule-1194709/#post14993249) where some people posted their experiences with their service.

[batu8]

First, attach the line/gauge to the lower pressure port to see if there is positive pressure.
If the line pressure is at 0psig, then you can't use the kit. You have to get a shop to vacuum the line.
If the line pressure is above 0psig, then you still have small leak. Inject the seal conditioner and R134a into the lower pressure line until it meets the specs.

I bought the kit, and tried it with the 1st bottle, unsuccessfully. The line pressure was at 0 psig throughout the charging/discharging process :-(
Wish the instructions could have given more details.
$60 down the drain ...

[poedua]

I bought the kit, and tried it with the 1st bottle, unsuccessfully. The line pressure was at 0 psig throughout the charging/discharging process :-(
Wish the instructions could have given more details.

$60 down the drain ...

You know what they say...." a poor man can't afford cheap repairs ".;)

Have a professional who knows what he's doing fix it properly for you.

[BDSL]

I bought the kit, and tried it with the 1st bottle, unsuccessfully. The line pressure was at 0 psig throughout the charging/discharging process :-(
Wish the instructions could have given more details.
$60 down the drain ...

You know I said "If the line pressure is at 0psig, then you can't use the kit. You have to get a shop to vacuum the line."
It means the line has been leaking for a long time or a big leak.

[BDSL]

You know what they say...." a poor man can't afford cheap repairs ".;)

Have a professional who knows what he's doing fix it properly for you.

But hey, if you never attempt, you will never know what you can / can't achieve.

[deltone]

While I have to admit that I have no idea of the exact problem my son had with his SUV's air conditioner, what I do know is that he was quoted $1100 to have it fixed (at the dealer). He had his dad fix it (my husband) and he only charged him the cost of the parts and it ended up costing my son $113. I think my husband spent about 2 hours working on it and didn't charge for the labour (of course). (My husband owns his own garage). My point is that it would seem that most of these garages are making a HUGE profit on fixing air conditioning.

Oh, and for the record I have no idea how much my husband would have charged a customer for this same job if said customer didn't happen to be his son.

[rivet]

Ok, just an update if any one is interested. I finally got it fixed in an independent garage as I previously inquired, end up costing me labor $225+around $140 parts (include the R134a refrigerant and 2 seal kits)+tax =$415 to get it fixed. I think the main difference is that he didn't suggest me to replace the whole receiver dryer, just replace a few sealed kits there that has leaks. I still think he over charges me a bit on the labor though because it seems that it only takes him one hour to diagnose and another hour to fix it. But I am happy in the end anyway. Just wish I didn't pay the $90 diagnose fee to the dealer which is basically money dump into water (not entirely, that is where I know that repair AC is not cheap).

[rivet]

Also, the wrecker told me that AC should be serviced every year, or at least every other year, the moisture and corrosion is what mostly cost the AC leaks. Not sure if it is true, but I would not mind pay $50 to $60 every other year, if it helps me prevent a huge $1000 repair.