A/C Evaporator Core repair
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
ol blue add me to you're list please 98 xj
why isnt this a sticky so we dont have to keep bothering you(copyright issues)?
why dosent someone here do a photo how to or a youtube vid?
and dont ask me to i cant even post a pic without it coming up as the link only. even after reading how to do it
why isnt this a sticky so we dont have to keep bothering you(copyright issues)?
why dosent someone here do a photo how to or a youtube vid?
and dont ask me to i cant even post a pic without it coming up as the link only. even after reading how to do it
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: The Colony, TX
Year: 2002
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Hello ol" blu,
I have a 98 ZJ and could use the info on evaporators. My AC is not draining through the firewall at all. So I'd like to see something before I tear it apart.
I have a 98 ZJ and could use the info on evaporators. My AC is not draining through the firewall at all. So I'd like to see something before I tear it apart.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
I'll send you a Private Message too.
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Mexico
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
I really don't want to try and fix the A/C in my wife's 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I would appreciate some advice though.
About 3 weeks ago I purchased a new oem compressor,dryer and evaporator tube (maybe $300). Then I found a local mechanic (same spot for at least 25 years but we had never been there) to install that stuff for $295. Cold air lasted about 2 days and then it got warm.
Went back and he said they found a leak and needed to replace the hose/manifold assembly ("it coils all over the place") - $400. Stayed cold for 2 days. We went back and he said - sorry - I forgot to charge it fully. He recharged it. Stayed cold 2 days.
Went back today. "Must be the evaporator coil. There is no way to diagnose this stuff. It's very hard to replace the a/c dryer in these Jeeps without ruining the evaporator at the same time". Now he wants minimum another $875. I called the dealership and they will do the work for $1050. At this point I think I'll pay up and be done with this nightmare.
Given that history - is there anyway for me to confirm that I NEED a new evaporator coil ? Ya know what hurts - before we started fixing any of this stuff we had frigid cold air almost all the time. 1 hour a day the A/C blew out hot air and then it would be freezing for 3 days. I figured the clutch was going on the compressor and was trying to nip the problem early. Given that the A/C was almost always very cold I don't think we had a leak BEFORE this guys started fixing anything.
Thanks for your ideas/thoughts.
I was very very angry with this guy today. I want to tell this story to BBB but wife says let it be.
About 3 weeks ago I purchased a new oem compressor,dryer and evaporator tube (maybe $300). Then I found a local mechanic (same spot for at least 25 years but we had never been there) to install that stuff for $295. Cold air lasted about 2 days and then it got warm.
Went back and he said they found a leak and needed to replace the hose/manifold assembly ("it coils all over the place") - $400. Stayed cold for 2 days. We went back and he said - sorry - I forgot to charge it fully. He recharged it. Stayed cold 2 days.
Went back today. "Must be the evaporator coil. There is no way to diagnose this stuff. It's very hard to replace the a/c dryer in these Jeeps without ruining the evaporator at the same time". Now he wants minimum another $875. I called the dealership and they will do the work for $1050. At this point I think I'll pay up and be done with this nightmare.
Given that history - is there anyway for me to confirm that I NEED a new evaporator coil ? Ya know what hurts - before we started fixing any of this stuff we had frigid cold air almost all the time. 1 hour a day the A/C blew out hot air and then it would be freezing for 3 days. I figured the clutch was going on the compressor and was trying to nip the problem early. Given that the A/C was almost always very cold I don't think we had a leak BEFORE this guys started fixing anything.
Thanks for your ideas/thoughts.
I was very very angry with this guy today. I want to tell this story to BBB but wife says let it be.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
I really don't want to try and fix the A/C in my wife's 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I would appreciate some advice though.
About 3 weeks ago I purchased a new oem compressor,dryer and evaporator tube (maybe $300). Then I found a local mechanic (same spot for at least 25 years but we had never been there) to install that stuff for $295. Cold air lasted about 2 days and then it got warm.
Went back and he said they found a leak and needed to replace the hose/manifold assembly ("it coils all over the place") - $400. Stayed cold for 2 days. We went back and he said - sorry - I forgot to charge it fully. He recharged it. Stayed cold 2 days.
Went back today. "Must be the evaporator coil. There is no way to diagnose this stuff. It's very hard to replace the a/c dryer in these Jeeps without ruining the evaporator at the same time". Now he wants minimum another $875. I called the dealership and they will do the work for $1050. At this point I think I'll pay up and be done with this nightmare.
Given that history - is there anyway for me to confirm that I NEED a new evaporator coil ? Ya know what hurts - before we started fixing any of this stuff we had frigid cold air almost all the time. 1 hour a day the A/C blew out hot air and then it would be freezing for 3 days. I figured the clutch was going on the compressor and was trying to nip the problem early. Given that the A/C was almost always very cold I don't think we had a leak BEFORE this guys started fixing anything.
Thanks for your ideas/thoughts.
I was very very angry with this guy today. I want to tell this story to BBB but wife says let it be.
About 3 weeks ago I purchased a new oem compressor,dryer and evaporator tube (maybe $300). Then I found a local mechanic (same spot for at least 25 years but we had never been there) to install that stuff for $295. Cold air lasted about 2 days and then it got warm.
Went back and he said they found a leak and needed to replace the hose/manifold assembly ("it coils all over the place") - $400. Stayed cold for 2 days. We went back and he said - sorry - I forgot to charge it fully. He recharged it. Stayed cold 2 days.
Went back today. "Must be the evaporator coil. There is no way to diagnose this stuff. It's very hard to replace the a/c dryer in these Jeeps without ruining the evaporator at the same time". Now he wants minimum another $875. I called the dealership and they will do the work for $1050. At this point I think I'll pay up and be done with this nightmare.
Given that history - is there anyway for me to confirm that I NEED a new evaporator coil ? Ya know what hurts - before we started fixing any of this stuff we had frigid cold air almost all the time. 1 hour a day the A/C blew out hot air and then it would be freezing for 3 days. I figured the clutch was going on the compressor and was trying to nip the problem early. Given that the A/C was almost always very cold I don't think we had a leak BEFORE this guys started fixing anything.
Thanks for your ideas/thoughts.
I was very very angry with this guy today. I want to tell this story to BBB but wife says let it be.
A shop can run dye in the system to find any leaks before replacing any parts.
The ac receiver/dryer is mounted under the hood, and can easily be replaced without disturbing the evap coil/HVAC housing, which is mounted inside the vehicle under the dash housing.
I'd post a full report with the BBB, and Angie's list too if possible. People need to be made aware of that shyster.
The evap coil takes time to replace, but isn't really difficult.
Last edited by ol"blue; Jul 12, 2012 at 10:58 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: middleburg fl
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Bbb- waste of time. Might want to see if the dealer is willing to put in writeing that it was the evap coil the whole time .if they are willing than sue in civil court to get your wasted repair money back.in addition the shop will be responsible for all you're filing fees. You may find out he's not even got techs licensed to handle refrigerant (epa certification)
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 1
From: Mexico
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Thanks for your replies.
The repair shop has loaded yellow die into the system to check for leaks all along. In fact it is the fact that they don't see anything (now) with their black light and special sunglasses that they conclude that it MUST be the evaporator coil. That and the fact that when the mechanic put his hand where the evap drains "it feels oily".
-> Is there anyway for ME to do a better job determining that it is truly the evap coil ?
... and I would appreciate it if you could pass along those instructions on replacing it if you don't mind.
Thanks again
The repair shop has loaded yellow die into the system to check for leaks all along. In fact it is the fact that they don't see anything (now) with their black light and special sunglasses that they conclude that it MUST be the evaporator coil. That and the fact that when the mechanic put his hand where the evap drains "it feels oily".
-> Is there anyway for ME to do a better job determining that it is truly the evap coil ?
... and I would appreciate it if you could pass along those instructions on replacing it if you don't mind.
Thanks again
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
Thanks for your replies.
The repair shop has loaded yellow die into the system to check for leaks all along. In fact it is the fact that they don't see anything (now) with their black light and special sunglasses that they conclude that it MUST be the evaporator coil. That and the fact that when the mechanic put his hand where the evap drains "it feels oily".
-> Is there anyway for ME to do a better job determining that it is truly the evap coil ?
... and I would appreciate it if you could pass along those instructions on replacing it if you don't mind.
Thanks again
The repair shop has loaded yellow die into the system to check for leaks all along. In fact it is the fact that they don't see anything (now) with their black light and special sunglasses that they conclude that it MUST be the evaporator coil. That and the fact that when the mechanic put his hand where the evap drains "it feels oily".
-> Is there anyway for ME to do a better job determining that it is truly the evap coil ?
... and I would appreciate it if you could pass along those instructions on replacing it if you don't mind.
Thanks again
I'll send you a Private Message.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: middleburg fl
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks for your replies.
The repair shop has loaded yellow die into the system to check for leaks all along. In fact it is the fact that they don't see anything (now) with their black light and special sunglasses that they conclude that it MUST be the evaporator coil. That and the fact that when the mechanic put his hand where the evap drains "it feels oily".
-> Is there anyway for ME to do a better job determining that it is truly the evap coil ?
... and I would appreciate it if you could pass along those instructions on replacing it if you don't mind.
Thanks again
The repair shop has loaded yellow die into the system to check for leaks all along. In fact it is the fact that they don't see anything (now) with their black light and special sunglasses that they conclude that it MUST be the evaporator coil. That and the fact that when the mechanic put his hand where the evap drains "it feels oily".
-> Is there anyway for ME to do a better job determining that it is truly the evap coil ?
... and I would appreciate it if you could pass along those instructions on replacing it if you don't mind.
Thanks again
