2006 Suzuki Forenza AC

MADELEM1

MEMBER
2006 SUZUKI FORENZA
85,000 MILES

My AC compressor went out due to a "defect". I recall paying for a new compressor. I over heard mechanic on the phone say it was black and that it possible was a rebuilt compressor. That's not new is it?

Also, it's not blowing as cold as it was before it broke. They put more Freon in and it blew colder for a while, but now it's not blowing as cold. What's that mean?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,910 POSTS

It is highly doubtful you paid for a new compressor. Normally you only get a new one when it is replaced under warranty and the manufacturer is paying the bill. New ones cost about four times what a rebuilt one would cost.

A rebuilt compressor is just as good as a new one, and oftentimes better. The housing and crankshaft don't typically wear so they are reused. That's where a lot of the cost is saved. Other parts that wear are replaced and if there is a known common problem, that is addressed also to improve reliability.

When the system doesn't cool as well as normal it can be due to a problem with the insane computer controls on newer cars but it's usually due to low refrigerant due to a leak. Most specialists perform an electronic leak check with every service to the system but real small leaks may not show up. For those they can add dye when they charge the system. Later you search with a black light and the dye will show up as a bright yellow stain that you can follow back to the source of the leak.