# Air conditioner repairs

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-repairs/11141>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [February 26, 2008, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-repairs/11141 "2008-02-26T01:53:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![dutiful\_daughter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/838e76/32.png) [@dutiful\_daughter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dutiful_daughter)\
**Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-repairs/11141/1 "2008-02-26T01:53:02Z")

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My mother drives a 1995 Olds Cutlass, and the air conditioner has gone out. Essential since she lives in Las Vegas. A mechanic told her it needs a compressor, and that it will cost between $900 and $1000 to repair. Does that sound right?

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**Author:** ![oblivion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3ab097/32.png) [@oblivion](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oblivion)\
**Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-repairs/11141/2 "2008-02-26T02:04:40Z")

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Sounds about $300 too high. I’m assuming the car uses 134A as the refrigerant–if it needs a conversion from R12, it could be a whole different story. But I live in OH. Prices in Vegas might be a lot higher for all I know. If she’s going to a dealer, I’d consider going to an independent mechanic. I suppose another option is to get a used compressor, but I’d probably stay away from that route since you have no warranty and any garage that installs it could blame any problems on the junkyard part.

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**Author:** ![cappy208](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cappy208/32/31_2.png) [@cappy208](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cappy208)\
**Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 2:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-repairs/11141/3 "2008-02-26T02:06:27Z")

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that sounds a little high. take the car to an AC repair shop. get at least one more estimate. share the estimate info.

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**Author:** ![tractorman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e8c25b/32.png) [@tractorman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tractorman)\
**Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 3:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-repairs/11141/4 "2008-02-26T03:21:44Z")

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for a proper A/C repair, in addition to replacing the compressor. You should flush the system with solvent, replace the receiver/dryer, replace the expansion valve or orfice tube, and install new o-rings at the fittings. Then the system must have a vacuum applied for a period of time to remove moisture. Then re-charged with coolant, oil and dye. It sounds like a lot, but should only take a few hours. You might have $500 or so in parts and materials and then your shop time. This bid does seem high. Shop around a bit, but DO NOT skimp on Quality parts. Used or remanufactured compressors are not the way to go. Good Luck.

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**Author:** ![Craig58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3da27b/32.png) [@Craig58](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Craig58)\
**Post date:** [February 26, 2008, 3:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioner-repairs/11141/5 "2008-02-26T03:25:32Z")

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Maybe a little high, but in the neighborhood. If she shops around a little she may same a couple $100, but not much more.