A/C Problem Need answer FAST!

[jnjshep]

My husband drives an 03 Stratus. The a/c quit working this week (in 105 Degree heat) so we took it to Dodge to see what is up. They said the heater core needs to be replaced and they will have to take out the dash to do it and it will cost us $980.00. Please tell me if this is reasonable or are we getting screwed? I remember replacing the heater core on my husband's 96 Dodge Ram a long time ago but I don't remember it being that expensive.

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[tomthedog]

REAL odd the heater core (nothing to do with a/c) needs replacing. try taking it to an auto mech (other than the dealer), and have them check the a/c coolant (r134a) press or pull a vac on the sys to see if you have a leak (and are loosing coolant).

try some simple checks first. turn on the a/c and see if you hear the fan kick on. if no fan, no a/c. check the fuses in the cab and eng bay. might be a bad a/c relay (in the eng fuse box, black 1x1 in cube). are you SURE the a/c don't work on just HIGH (very common prob).

if you are loosing coolant you will see an oil leak someplace in the a/c lines (if you can see from where its leaking). oil is mixed in with the coolant to lube the a/c compressor. the a/c sys has a low and high press cut out switch. if press is too low or high it keeps the sys from comming ON. saves you from frying the compressor. with the car off, if you can turn the center of your a/c pully by hand yor compressor is still good.

you can get a coolant recharge kit at the local parts store, get the filler hose with the press guage. don't go higher than 35psi when filling (2 small cans).

might be some saftey cut off for the high heat you have, not sure. write back and good luck.