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Problem with AC compressor on 1997 T&C

6 messages,  Last post on Aug 15, 2009 at 9:08 AM

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#1 of 6 Problem with AC compressor on 1997 T&C by mickeyrom Jun 13, 2009 (6:06 am)
My 97 Town and Country developed a howling noise under the hood.Initially it was diagnosed as a tranny problem,but I later found that it was not the tranny,but the AC compressor. I had a Chrysler mechanic replace it with a rebuilt one at a pretty high cost.It helped,but the noise while reduced,is still there.He told me not to worry about it.Any thoughts? Replies to this message: joepeterson56 (Jun 13, 2009 7:53 am) mickeyrom (May 08, 2009 2:21 pm) joepeterson56 (Jun 13, 2009 9:25 am)
#2 of 6 Re: Problem with AC compressor on 1997 T&C [mickeyrom] by joepeterson56 Jun 13, 2009 (7:53 am)
Replying to: mickeyrom (Jun 13, 2009 6:06 am) Had the same problem with mine, it stopped when the compressor seized up and snapped the belt! I would NOT listen to the mechanic at all if I were you. In my experience with all the Chrysler mini's I have owned, the A/C compressors seem to get very noisy over time, but USUALLY are not that easy to pin-point as the source of the noise. They can have you thinking it is a tranny noise or internal engine noise or power steering pump or rack noise. What id did find out after my last one blew & snapped the serpentine belt was that the replacements can be bad right out of the box and make noise also. But after changing mine twice, I did some more research and found the following info: Chrysler calls for the following specs: All Eng. w/ Front & Rear AC.. R-134a 46.00 ounces, & PAG-46 Oil 13.00 ounces All Eng. w/ Front AC Only.. R-134a 34.00 ounces, & PAG-46 Oil 9.00 oz. It is very important that you use the right amount and weight of PAG oil or you will blow the new compressor! Most parts stores do not have or give the proper amounts to install, and most times the PAG oil comes in individual doses of 8oz bottles! So, I suspect you have too little pil in your new compressor. Replies to this message: mickeyrom (May 08, 2009 2:21 pm) joepeterson56 (Jun 13, 2009 9:25 am)
#3 of 6 Re: Problem with AC compressor on 1997 T&C [joepeterson56] by mickeyrom Jun 13, 2009 (8:39 am)
Replying to: joepeterson56 (Jun 13, 2009 7:53 am) Thanks for the reply,very prompt too I didn't install the compressor myself.My mechanic did.he is a full time Chrysler mechanic who just does work on the side for me. He installed a rebuilt compressor for $400 total,but unfortunately that noise is still there,just diminished.I don't want to put a fortune in a 12 year old car with 155,000 miles on it,but as I bought it new I am somewhat attached to it. Believe me,he was not happy when I complained that some of that howl was still there. Replies to this message: joepeterson56 (Jun 13, 2009 9:25 am)
#4 of 6 Re: Problem with AC compressor on 1997 T&C [mickeyrom] by joepeterson56 Jun 13, 2009 (9:25 am)
Replying to: mickeyrom (May 08, 2009 2:21 pm) Hi, Your welcome for the reply! I understand that a mechanic did the job for you. My point was that just because he is a mechanic, it doesn't mean the job was done right. For example, he went to the parts counter and purchased the compressor and the pag oil and the freon. He took what they gave him, and took it to the garage and did the job with what was given to him. Most parts countermen do not look up the specs as to how much oil or freon is needed for the job, and most parts places only carry and sell the PAG 100 and PAG 150 oil, in 8 ounces bottles. PAG oil comes in many different weights like motor oil does, and each compressor calls for a different weight and amount depending on the workload of the compressor which is directly caused by the type/or design of each vehicles cooling system. So, I still think he used either the wrong weight PAG oil, or not enough, whether he is happy about it or not. My experience also has proven to me that dealers, dealer parts department and dealer specific mechanics do not always do the job right, or just take for granted that when they order things for a job, they are given the right items to do the job right. Good luck, but I fully expect that if you decide to live with the noise, you will end up with a blown compressor and a snapped drive belt.
#5 of 6 Re: Problem with AC compressor on 1997 T&C [mickeyrom] by maknine Aug 15, 2009 (7:37 am)
i agree with joepeterson56, and you may also want to ask your mechanic if he used the old a/c compressor clutch. most times i have found the compressor is fine, but the bearings in the clutch went, freezing up the belt and actualy catching fire. ask him if it was a complete assembly or if he had to use your old clutch. just a thought Replies to this message: mickeyrom (Aug 15, 2009 9:08 am)
#6 of 6 Re: Problem with AC compressor on 1997 T&C [maknine] by mickeyrom Aug 15, 2009 (9:08 am)
Replying to: maknine (Aug 15, 2009 7:37 am) He says that there is nothing wrong with the rebuilt compressor, and refuses to do anything more about it.I am considering making by 12 year old ,babied and coddled Chrysler into a "clunker". Thank you for your input.

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