AC issue

[Lionel B]

I drive a 2021 ram classic (warlock). Today my AC stopped blowing cold air still blows hard but not cold at all. I put soapy water on the lines but didn't notice any bubbles. Thinking i need a to refill the refridgerant but i must have a leak somewhere, right? I have 122,000 kms on it. Thanks

 

[Rock Crawler]

Some dye and a black light might help find a leak if there is one.

 

[Lionel B]

Some dye and a black light might help find a leak if there is one.

Found out today that the AC compressor needs to be replaced cost $1500

 

[Rock Crawler]

Found out today that the AC compressor needs to be replaced cost $1500

Ouch

 

[uncc_99xj]

Found out today that the AC compressor needs to be replaced cost $1500

What does that price include? Depending on how it failed (i.e. if the compressor locked up), there could be metal shavings in the system. The filter (orifice tube) would need to be replaced as well, and in a lot of cases it's integrated into the suction line so you have to replace the entire line.

 

[mikeru82]

What does that price include? Depending on how it failed (i.e. if the compressor locked up), there could be metal shavings in the system. The filter (orifice tube) would need to be replaced as well, and in a lot of cases it's integrated into the suction line so you have to replace the entire line.

I was wondering the same thing. That's not a bad price if it's the total cost of the repair including any other parts needed, and labor. But it's a lot if it's the price of the compressor alone. The Mopar compressor is available for around $400 (not including core charge) on one Mopar website (BAM Wholesale).

 

[tristainbdts]

I have a odd issue at times, maybe I'm just weird but I can smell the difference between with the compressor and when it is not running by the way the air smells (best way i can describe it is it doesn't smell crisp) I use the automatic a/c option and leave it at 70º. I notice specifically after driving for about 15-20 minutes the smell change, about a minute or so later the crisp smell comes back. I tried a couple of times to turn it down to the "Lo" setting and no difference. Keep in mind I live in Texas and we frequently have 100º+ days in the summer. When I first noticed it I took it to the dealer and they said that it was a little low on freon so they topped it off and checked for leaks. No leaks found. That was almost two years ago so I do not think its compressor or refrigerant issue. Possibly programming......

 

[Cbty2050]

I was wondering the same thing. That's not a bad price if it's the total cost of the repair including any other parts needed, and labor. But it's a lot if it's the price of the compressor alone. The Mopar compressor is available for around $400 (not including core charge) on one Mopar website (BAM Wholesale).

It's not fair to compare an online price vs a service department price. Wholesalers will sell parts at a minimal markup usually around 10-20% over cost. Most parts paid by manufacturer warranty is 60-75% over cost. There is not a single service department marking up parts only 10-20%.

 

[tristainbdts]

It's not fair to compare an online price vs a service department price. Wholesalers will sell parts at a minimal markup usually around 10-20% over cost. Most parts paid by manufacturer warranty is 60-75% over cost. There is not a single service department marking up parts only 10-20%.

I work for a dealer and can speak for the parts employees that handle the back side of the service work. we will not mark down parts below 25% unless it is specified in a contract to a extended warranty on new parts( not very common, unless dealing with a wholesale customer or fleet services). Used parts are a standard 25% over cost generally across the board. Word of advice if a service writer quotes you one price and it turns out to be cheaper at the end it is because they originally over quoted you to cushion the repair order, typically to account for extra fluids or shop supplies etc they do not want to call you about( makes people feel like they are being nickeled and dimed) not very often will a service writer cut their profits to help you out. Some dealers don't even give employees cuts on labor rates.

 

[theblet]

Found out today that the AC compressor needs to be replaced cost $1500

who told you this? A reputable shop hopefully. The compressor won’t turn on if there is no refrigerant in the system, and the low pressure shutoff is active.

 

[Cbty2050]

who told you this? A reputable shop hopefully. The compressor won’t turn on if there is no refrigerant in the system, and the low pressure shutoff is active.

The compressor clutch is actually a fairly common failure. The cost of parts on a coil and pulley is more than the AC compressor. The coil is on backorder also.

 

[mikeru82]

It's not fair to compare an online price vs a service department price. Wholesalers will sell parts at a minimal markup usually around 10-20% over cost. Most parts paid by manufacturer warranty is 60-75% over cost. There is not a single service department marking up parts only 10-20%.

I have no idea how much dealerships are paying for that part but I know it's well below $400. That's the retail price listed on the BAM site. My point was that the OP might want to look for another shop if they quoted $1500 just for the compressor. It would be helpful if the OP would come back and provide more details so we don't need to speculate about it.

 

[Cbty2050]

I have no idea how much dealerships are paying for that part but I know it's well below $400. That's the retail price listed on the BAM site. My point was that the OP might want to look for another shop if they quoted $1500 just for the compressor. It would be helpful if the OP would come back and provide more details so we don't need to speculate about it.

$350 is about cost on the part.

 

[theblet]

Maybe 1500 is for the compressor, oil, refrigerant and labor.

 

[mikeru82]

$350 is about cost on the part.

So 25% over cost would be $437.50. My point was that the quoted price of $1500 has to be for more than just the compressor. Or someone is trying to rake the OP over the coals on this. What would your shop charge for a compressor replacement on a 4th gen 1500, including all parts that are usually replaced, labor, and supplies?

 

[Cbty2050]

So 25% over cost would be $437.50. My point was that the quoted price of $1500 has to be for more than just the compressor. Or someone is trying to rake the OP over the coals on this. What would your shop charge for a compressor replacement on a 4th gen 1500, including all parts that are usually replaced, labor, and supplies?

List is over 600 on that part. 4 hours labor. Plus any 1234yf and pag oil.

 

[mikeru82]

List is over 600 on that part. 4 hours labor. Plus any 1234yf and pag oil.

Getting answers from you is like pulling teeth. So if I'm hearing what you're trying to say, $1500 is a reasonable price for a shop to charge to properly replace a compressor.

 

[kapinallinen2]

So what do they charge now a days for shop labor, buck fifty?

 

[Cbty2050]

Getting answers from you is like pulling teeth. So if I'm hearing what you're trying to say, $1500 is a reasonable price for a shop to charge to properly replace a compressor.

Yes do the math. I attached cost and list for the compressor. Add anything else needed, pag oil, 1234yf, shop supplies and so on. You are at almost $800. Another $700 in labor(its a 4 hour job with diag, evac, replace and recharge)..... not hard.

Dealers do NOT sell parts from manufacturer at a 25% margin, that isn't smart business for anyone in the auto industry.

Do you now understand it? The price is reasonable, maybe slightly high because we do not know labor rates or what the actual failure is.

 

[Cbty2050]

So what do they charge now a days for shop labor, buck fifty?

$150 is most likely on the low side. We are nearly $170. Other Ram dealers in the area are approaching $200.