Just bought a 2013 Dart SXT with the 2.0 engine. The upper a/c line has ridden against the plastic engine cover and over time worn a hole in it (see picture - not my car but the arrow shows where the hole is). The a/c works when you pump refrigerant in for the 2-3 minutes it takes for it all to leak out again, so I'm confident the rest of the system is operating correctly.

The dealer wants $400 to replace this hose (and additional to recharge the system, of course). I'm pretty sure I've identified the hose correctly as the A/C manifold assembly UAC HA 111790C, which I can buy online for about $60. I'm a moderate mechanic - can do basic maintenance and charge out simple parts. - but I'm a little concerned about trying to change this out myself because it's a pressurized line. How difficult is it to replace this hose? Does it require special tools? And can someone point me to a self-help video since I couldn't find anything on You Tube. Thanks.

 

If th refrigerant has leaked out, there won't be any pressure. Should be just a fitting on each end that you would use an open end or adjustable wrench to remove.