AC Repair Advice

[lfhoward]

I’ve got no AC in my 2008 with 229,000 miles. The compressor was replaced a couple of years ago. Other than that it has been trouble free. At some point last fall or this winter I heard a hissing sound from behind the glove box accompanied by a dripping sound. The AC hasn’t worked since. I suspect the evaporator core gave up the ghost.

I would love to get this fixed but an evaporator core replacement needs an entire dash disassemble, which is multiple hours of labor. I’ve done it before to replace the heater core back in 2018 or so, so I am not worried about taking it apart again. In fact I labeled every pigtail and electrical connector so it will be easy to do.

However, what are the steps to take re: the evaporator core? I don’t know if there is any refrigerant left but I wouldn’t want it to escape into the atmosphere if there was. Also, would I have to worry about debris in the lines, or is that only when a compressor bites the dust? Can I just swap in a new evaporator core and have my local shop top off the refrigerant? Or is it not that simple… looking for advice from anyone who has worked on their AC before.

Thanks in advance! Today was 80° and I was missing the AC.

 

[ltd02]

I am no professional! However I replaced a failing compressor on the wife's minivan a few years back. It was starting to growl and I knew the bearings were going. Anyway I feared debris so I also swapped the condenser including the drier. That does take oil, just a bit. As far as I remember, you actually don't want much if any oil in the evaporator. I think it will decrease efficiency. I think you'd be fine swapping the evaporator only and having it vacuum tested and then recharged. I did that part myself but a qualified shop should be able to check and charge.

I'd replace the drier too and the vacuum test should remove most moisture.

 

[ltd02]

BTW if you just briefly hit the low pressure Schrader valve you'll be able to tell if any freon is in there.