Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting AC not working - bad accumulator

I know NOTHING about AC systems...My local SVT dealer checked my car's AC system which was not blowing any cold air at all.

Said the accumulator was needing replacement. Here in Canada, it's a $130 part, though the labour is the killer charge at something like $350-400 Canadian (4.8 hours labour I think they quoted me).

My question is this:

Would an accumulator that's packed it in cause the AC system to leak out refrigerant and stop working as it's supposed to??

If it rusted out due to the insulating wrapper trapping condensation, yes.

The fix is to rip off that wrapper BEFORE the accumulator rusts out.

Find an independent shop--there's no way that
the accumulator could take 4.5 hours to replace.

I think I could do it in less time, and that
includes the time spent figuring out HOW to do it.

Brian

I remeber my local dealer wanted over $1000 to fix my probes a/c. I went around the corner to "joe blow" and $130 latter a recharge and been great ever since!

Every situation is different

Thanks. I'm going to check around to see if I can get a small shop with a good reputation in my hometown to do the job for less money.

Maybe it will take them 4hrs, but at least they won't charge as high a labour rate as the Ford dealer...

I just repaired my own A/C. Tab on this project was as follows:

Rebuilt A/C compressor with 1 year warranty $186.00
Accumulator $57.00
Orfice tube $4.79
Compressor Orings $3.00
Orings for Accumulator assorted $4.00
PAG OIL $12.00
low pressure fitting replacement $6.00
Pressure cycle switch $20.00
Freon $15.00
Rented Gauages $20.00
Rented Vacuum pump $25.00
Purchased flush kit $12.00

Total cost on this system was approximately $365.00!!!!

And oh yes.....I'm cool to say the least in this hot texas weather!!!!