jcktol
08-04-2004, 11:01 AM
Hello,
I am a newbie poster. I am not mechanically inclined. I am trying to gather information to make informed decisions for the upcoming repairs on my A/C system.
I have a 1997 3.3L V6 A/T Dodge Intrepid. 98,000 miles. Car is extremely sound. This is the first major mechanical issue for this car.
My A/C system began making a hissing sound and then would finally engage.
After engaging I got a nasty musty odor and then cool air would begin blowing through the vents.
Eventually the system engagement became more and more sporadic (with periodic bouts of musty air) after each morning's initial engagment of the A/C system. Finally the A/C system stopped engaging and would only blow warm air.
I took the vehicle to my mechanic who checked the the system.
The A/C system appeared to be low. They recovered the remaining refrigerant. They "evacuated the system to see if it would hold a vacaum - Tested-OK"
They then "recharged the system with ester oil, ultraviolet dye and R-134a. Performance Tested-OK"
"Checked for leaks with ultraviolet lamp. No leaks found at this time. Recommended recheck for leaks in the fall. $84.56
The A/C performed fine for about three weeks after the re-charge.
The hissing sound and musty smell then begin to reappear sporadically, yet the A/C system kept functioning providing cold air.
I went on vacation last week. Gone for 10 days. Returned home and began driving the Intrepid and discovered that the A/C will not engage at all. No hiss, no musty ordor, no cold air.
I would like to keep this car. Although I not inclined to spend thousands of dollars for a new A/C system.
Thoughts ideas and or suggestions will be greatly apreciated.
Is there anything I can easily check before taking it to the mechanic to rule out before he does his diognastics.
Great Site!
Many Thanks.
I am a newbie poster. I am not mechanically inclined. I am trying to gather information to make informed decisions for the upcoming repairs on my A/C system.
I have a 1997 3.3L V6 A/T Dodge Intrepid. 98,000 miles. Car is extremely sound. This is the first major mechanical issue for this car.
My A/C system began making a hissing sound and then would finally engage.
After engaging I got a nasty musty odor and then cool air would begin blowing through the vents.
Eventually the system engagement became more and more sporadic (with periodic bouts of musty air) after each morning's initial engagment of the A/C system. Finally the A/C system stopped engaging and would only blow warm air.
I took the vehicle to my mechanic who checked the the system.
The A/C system appeared to be low. They recovered the remaining refrigerant. They "evacuated the system to see if it would hold a vacaum - Tested-OK"
They then "recharged the system with ester oil, ultraviolet dye and R-134a. Performance Tested-OK"
"Checked for leaks with ultraviolet lamp. No leaks found at this time. Recommended recheck for leaks in the fall. $84.56
The A/C performed fine for about three weeks after the re-charge.
The hissing sound and musty smell then begin to reappear sporadically, yet the A/C system kept functioning providing cold air.
I went on vacation last week. Gone for 10 days. Returned home and began driving the Intrepid and discovered that the A/C will not engage at all. No hiss, no musty ordor, no cold air.
I would like to keep this car. Although I not inclined to spend thousands of dollars for a new A/C system.
Thoughts ideas and or suggestions will be greatly apreciated.
Is there anything I can easily check before taking it to the mechanic to rule out before he does his diognastics.
Great Site!
Many Thanks.