1996 Dodge Caravan Replace Compressor?

KIRTLAND1836

MEMBER
1996 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
151,000 MILES

Our 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan with 151,000 miles on it recently had the airconditioning compressor fail in such a way that the pully siezed up and the belt started to smoke. A mechanic just disconnected the compressor switch so it does not engage and the failed compressor is still in because it spins freey with a decent bearing when it is not engaged. We were advised not to fix it, becasue the part costs over $600 and because of the failure mode the system needs to be thoroughly flushed before the new one is placed on. Also they said that this repair often snowballs so the total cost could be anywhere between $1000 and $2000, and further it is difficult to completely flush the system, so a repeated failure shorter afterwards is fairly common with a second compressor failure. My question is whether it is really as dire as it sounds? The Minivan is in very good condition otherwise, but it too hot to drive it without AC and with a pregnant wife. Should I repair it or start looking for something newer?

3 Replies

LEGITIMATE007

MECHANIC
5,121 POSTS

You know, people will start talking about the proper way to do things, but they will be the same people thats taking all of the shortcuts. Let me tell you what I did to my van before I started working here. My compressor had a leak, I went to the junkyard, bought a 20.00 compressor off of a damaged vehicle. Came home unbolted the compressor, gently unscrewed the pressure lines so that the coolant would gently leak out, (threw a towel over it to help absorb the leakage and so that the fumes would not be released into the air). When it was done releasing the coolant I finished taking the hose off, put the compressor that I bought in, hooked the line up and bought some 134a refrigerant from autozone and filled it. This sucker has been ice cold for two years now. What do u think these people are doing when they buy refrigerent from the parts place? Vacuuming their system out and presure checking it and all that? No they are not. I would buy a new compressor have it put on(if you cant' do it yourself) and buy some refrigerant or bring it to one of those shops to fill it up. They will usually vacuum the system out and pressure test it for you. Before refilling it, two hundred doolars or even less or maybe a little more as opposed to whatever those other people(mechanics) are talking about. Sometimes you have to cut corners. And you cant feel guilty about it. Write back if you have any further thoughts or questions