Questions and Answers

Dodge Intrepid A/C Problem Q. Hello I'm having a problem with my 1995 Dodge Intrepid's A/C system it has a 3.3 liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission. I've had the A/C charged about three days ago. It is now blowing hot air and the compressor is making a ticking noise. I don't see any drainage under the car like it used to do.

Could the compressor be shot and causing a leak? This dealership claims they didn't find a leak?? I took it back and told them it's not working. They said it could be an evaporator problem and their leak test wouldn't have picked up this problem.

They want $700.00 to completely redo my A/C system. Something about having to remove the dash and the passenger air bag to get at the evaporator. Am I being taken by this dealership repair shop? I'm not going to take it in until I'm sure it can be fixed for less then what they say?

Thank you,
Sincerely,
James

A. I think you should take this somewhere else. I never had a problem finding a leak in an evaporator with my trusty, hand held, leak detector. Also a dye can be added to the refrigerant to make spotting a leak easier. Before I put $700.00 in my A/C I would get a second opinion from another shop that does A/C work.

Could the evaporator be leaking? Yes, it could be. Could the compressor be bad and leaking? Yes, it could be. There are also a dozen other places it could be leaking.

But since you say the compressor is making a ticking noise, I can infer that it is running and maybe the problem lies elsewhere. Do yourself a favor, get that second opinion.