Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting shady a/c diagnosis at the shop?

i just got a call from the shop telling me that my ac clutch is bad, which i expected, but also that they have to replace the compressor too. is there any particular reason why a compressor needs to be replaced just because the clutch is bad? the only reason they have given is that the compressor is "most likely bad as well" and that they can't warrenty the repair if they only replace the clutch. the system is fully charged, and still blows cold air. are they trying to pull a fast one (to the tune of $1000) or am i off base?

The only reason I could see to replace the compressor when the clutch fails is if the compressor made the clutch fail (usually due to the compressor locking up or seizing). That seems unlikely if it's still blowing cold air.

I see that you're in Centreville---what shop did you take it to?

Brian

Well, I have a 1995 Ford Contour, I just had my clutch replaced, I didn't replace the ac compressor. I guess Ford doesn't know how to check only the compressor. They told me the same thing. So, I brought my car to another shop and he did what I asked. He checked it, replaced the clutch only. Then it was working. He then checked for leaks and found one in the accumulator, which WAS rusted out. I would take your car else where. Have then replace the clutch only, it can be done. My car is proof of it. And my ac works like a charm! Unless it's covered under warrenty, I am never taking my car to Ford, never again. Good Luck!

i took it to master mechanics in chantilly right by my work. i asked them for a quote on just replacing the clutch and they haven't gotten back to me yet. i think i'll just go pick it up and take it somewhere else.

quz, can you recomend any good shops in the area? the shop i had been using tried to screw over my mom a few months back for a power window motor that i found on the net for $450 less than they wanted to charge, so i'm not too keen on them anymore. have you dealt with any of the local dealers? thanks

I use Park Center Automotive in Manassas Park for all of the work on my cars that I don't do myself.

I highly recommend them...they are honest and they let you into the service bays (none of this "customers are not allowed in service bays due to insurance regulations" crap). They also communicate well with customers...if you want to know why they recommend doing something they will take the time to explain it.

They'll also install used parts if you ask them to (some shops have something against using used parts).

I found out about them based on some recommendations on the Bloom's Crossing HOA website/message board.

703-330-1058 is their phone # I believe.

They're located off Manassas Drive...take 28 South, left on Manassas Drive, go past Euclid, make a left immediately after City Hall onto Park Center Ct and they are on the right.

Brian

thanks for the recomendation. i'll give them a call.

number is 703-335-1058, not 330-1058...sorry about that..

Brian

i just got off the phone with the shop again, telling him i wanted to come pick up my car, and had to sit through a drawn out explanation of why the complete compressor replacement is nessicary. sounded like crap to me, but i need a second oppinon. he said that the clutch not cycling would cause internal damage to the compressor, put particles in the lines which would damage the condensor and evaporator, and would cause another clutch failure in the long run. i don't see how a clutch failing to engage could damage a compressor. if the clutch does not transfer power, the compressor would not work. that seems to me to be alot like what happens when the a/c is turned off, but then again i'm no HVAC or electric clutch expert. if an electric clutch goes all at once, as mine did and you stop using your a/c, as i did, wouldn't your compressor be just fine?

If the problem is a failure of the clutch to engage, that shouldn't cause any damage to the AC at all.

If it was a failure of the clutch to DISENGAGE, that could theoretically damage it.

Brian