# 2004 Subaru Forester A/C issue

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-subaru-forester-a-c-issue/65592>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [June 21, 2011, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-subaru-forester-a-c-issue/65592 "2011-06-21T02:16:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![SailingSuzie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@SailingSuzie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SailingSuzie)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-subaru-forester-a-c-issue/65592/1 "2011-06-21T02:16:07Z")

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I have a 2004 Subaru Forester xs and the a/c goes out intermittently. I was told I need a new compressor clutch and that the whole compressor assembly will have to be replaced. I contacted another mechanic and he said that he would fix just the clutch but I should replace the whole thing. I was quoted $500 for just the clutch and $900 for the whole assembly. So, what do I HAVE to do? Are these prices in line? Can I get used parts or discounted parts?

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-subaru-forester-a-c-issue/65592/2 "2011-06-21T02:40:10Z")

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Automotive air conditioning is a profit center, a cash cow to the automotive industry…You can install central air conditioning in your HOUSE for $900…The complete unit. $900 for a crappy belt-driven compressor?

See if you can find a salvage compressor online. AutoZone, a nationwide parts chain will sell you a new one (complete with clutch) for $439 or a rebuilt one for $379…A used one will cost around $150-$175. You should be able to have it installed and the system re-charged with freon for around $200-$250…

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**Author:** ![SailingSuzie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@SailingSuzie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SailingSuzie)\
**Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 2:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-subaru-forester-a-c-issue/65592/3 "2011-06-21T02:46:47Z")

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Thanks Caddyman! I thought that was an obscene amount for some cold air in a car…I knew another car talk fan would help me!