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General Vehicle Related Discussion / AC Compressor Replacement
« on: August 27, 2019, 10:43:02 AM »
One of my wife's coworkers/ friends has been having issues with her car's AC. She took it into a shop over the weekend and told her the compressor was shot. They quoted $1000+ to replace the AC compressor etc.. Most of my wife's coworkers are mid to late 20's with no vehicle maintenance abilities. I try to help them out and teach them as I can. A few months ago I showed her how to do an oil change and replace some head lights and tail lights in her car. This project will also be a bit of a learning experience for myself as well. I have never dealt with AC systems before.
The subject vehicle is a 2010 Honda Civic with I believe a 1.8L engine. A little research tells me I can get a compressor, dryer and expansion valve for about $200. It will take a bit of wrenching but I can get to the compressor from underneath without to much work. Not sure about the location of the dryer. The expansion valve is tucked up under the dash someplace and most don't replace it due to the difficulty of getting to it. I see the warranty for the compressor requires both these parts to be changed for the warranty to not be voided. Is it a big deal if the valve isn't changed?
Having never dealt with AC systems before, can I just crack the lines open or do I need to take it someplace to have the refrigerant evacuated? I know I can buy the refrigerant at auto parts stores now. Am I able to recharge the system myself after doing the install or do I need to bring it to a shop to recharge?
The subject vehicle is a 2010 Honda Civic with I believe a 1.8L engine. A little research tells me I can get a compressor, dryer and expansion valve for about $200. It will take a bit of wrenching but I can get to the compressor from underneath without to much work. Not sure about the location of the dryer. The expansion valve is tucked up under the dash someplace and most don't replace it due to the difficulty of getting to it. I see the warranty for the compressor requires both these parts to be changed for the warranty to not be voided. Is it a big deal if the valve isn't changed?
Having never dealt with AC systems before, can I just crack the lines open or do I need to take it someplace to have the refrigerant evacuated? I know I can buy the refrigerant at auto parts stores now. Am I able to recharge the system myself after doing the install or do I need to bring it to a shop to recharge?