Is There a Mechanic in the House?

[danie]

Hi,
Any mechanics or car-knowledgeable people out there?
I have a 2007 Mazda RX-8 and the air sometimes doesn't work so great. Does that mean it needs more refrigerant? I wasn't sure because sometimes it works normally.
I called the Mazda dealership a while ago, and they said it would be about $100 to add refrigerant!
Can I add it myself? Will a non-dealership mechanic charge less?
Any and all help appreciated!
If others have questions about cars, post them here as well.

 

[mjs9153]

Yeah you probably to need to add more freon.. If you google it or check on youtube you can probably find a video that shows you how to do it yourself or if you know somebody that's a little mechanically inclined could do it for you.. And much cheaper than a hundred bucks I'm sure..

 

[danie]

Yeah you probably to need to add more freon.. If you google it or check on youtube you can probably find a video that shows you how to do it yourself or if you know somebody that's a little mechanically inclined could do it for you.. And much cheaper than a hundred bucks I'm sure..

I just found a video on youtube...now to find a mechanically inclined person...
Thx!!!!!

 

[swiftdog2.0]

The air conditioning on cars manufactured after 1995 usually cannot be fixed by adding refrigerant. Car companies changed how the cooling systems work in the mid-90's and they do not use CFC-12 any longer. Adding coolant may resolve your issue. It's basically a $75- $100 gamble. If it works, great. If not, you're out between $75-$100 and still have no AC

Unfortunately, in most cases like this the AC condenser is dying or is already gone and will need to be replaced My advice would be to take it to a reputable independent mechanic and have them take a look at it. IMHO, the only time you should use a dealership's service department is for warranty work. Dealers typically charge higher prices and a good many of them try and take advantage of people that aren't familiar with how their cars operate and will try to soak you for unnecessary repairs.

I wish you luck and hope they can resolve it without having to replace the condenser. If your condenser has to be replaced It will probably run you between $500 - $800.

 

[shookme]

The air conditioning on cars manufactured after 1995 usually cannot be fixed by adding refrigerant. Car companies changed how the cooling systems work in the mid-90's and they do not use CFC-12 any longer. Adding coolant may resolve your issue. It's basically a $75- $100 gamble. If it works, great. If not, you're out between $75-$100 and still have no AC

Unfortunately, in most cases like this the AC condenser is dying or is already gone and will need to be replaced My advice would be to take it to a reputable independent mechanic and have them take a look at it. IMHO, the only time you should use a dealership's service department is for warranty work. Dealers typically charge higher prices and a good many of them try and take advantage of people that aren't familiar with how their cars operate and will try to soak you for unnecessary repairs.

I wish you luck and hope they can resolve it without having to replace the condenser. If your condenser has to be replaced It will probably run you between $500 - $800.

As a dealership mechanic I can say with great certainty that there as many (if not more) independent shops that will f*** you without batting an eye.

 

[swiftdog2.0]

As a dealership mechanic I can say with great certainty that there as many (if not more) independent shops that will f*** you without batting an eye.

Yeah, there are crooks in all businesses. And I mean no offense to you or dealership mechanics everywhere. Just stating my opinion. Peace out.

 

[shookme]

Yes, it may need more refrigerant which would indicate something is leaking.

If you charge it yourself please don't buy the junk with stop leak in it. That stuff will plug a shop's A/C machine if they unknowingly recover refrigerant from your car. Big money for the shop to fix, hence the reason your Mazda dealer probably wants $100 for an A/C service.

 

[shookme]

Yeah, there are crooks in all businesses. And I mean no offense to you or dealership mechanics everywhere. Just stating my opinion. Peace out.

No problem. I'm just throwing around my opinion too.

To suggest not to go to a dealer for anything but warranty work takes bread off my table. Peace.

 

[Jojo87]

I have same trouble with my car. I have a 2006 Ford Focus. Summer months is super hot in the car, I don't get enough cold
air in the car. My boyfriend said that I have to take the car to a dealership mechanic. I don't understand anything about cars, my boyfriend
is the car expert not I. But he also mentioned something about freon.

 

[carrie's younger brother]

No problem. I'm just throwing around my opinion too.

To suggest not to go to a dealer for anything but warranty work takes bread off my table. Peace.

We have brought our 10-year-old car to the dealership where we bought it for every single tune up, oil change, etc. since day 1. Always excellent service from reception desk to garage. I'm behind you shookme.

 

[Out of Order]

Roll the windows down.............

 

[GNTLGNT]

...Dearheart, try one of the commercially available DIY canned Freon recharge kits first-there are several available at Nationally known auto-parts shops...one of the fellas there will help, and if that doesn't cure the problem-then take it to the dealer and get the system checked or a local shop that people trust...ask around, lots of good mechanics out there....