Took my durango today to have the AC system looked at since it was blowing regualr/warm air.

Found out that the only faulty item is the Expansion Valve, that's not opening as I was told.

How easy is it to change that? They cost about $37.

 

changing it is probably not too bad, but you still need a shop to evacuate the system before refilling with refrigerant and compressor oil

i would just have the shop do it to save time and effort

 

So i need a shop that knows about A/C systems not just some here and there mechanic since they need to evacuate teh system etc?

Most shops here in MA charge between $90-$100 / hour same for the dealership.

For a proper mechanic, how lomg do you think it would take.

 

it depends on how hard the expansion valve is located, but yes you definitely need to find a shop that will deal w/ A/C systems and knows what they are doing to recharge it correctly.

 

You do need a shop certified in A/C to work on the system because the refrigerant has to be recovered before the system can be opened. Warrenty time from ALLDATA to replace the valve is 1 hour. plus shops usually cahrge 1 hour to evacuate and recharge the system. It is also recomended that the RECEIVER DRYER also be changed whenever the system is opened (extra 0.3 hour).

 

They mostly charge between $90-100. The garage said 2 hours labor plus evacuation of system and filling it back up. So looking about $400. The part is cheaper from the dealership ($32).

I didn't think it would take that long. It's funny how most gerage are wishy washy about the cost.