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Compressor/condenser/etc. on 2000 Jeep Cherokee
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earksiinni
New User
Jul 16, 2010, 5:07 PM
Post #1 of 5
(6147 views)
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Compressor/condenser/etc. on 2000 Jeep Cherokee
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Hi all,
I've got a 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L with 68,000 miles and a broken A/C system. My local shop told me that the compressor needs to be replaced, and after they quoted me an exorbitant price, I decided that I wanted to try replacing it myself. I'm new to serious car repair and I'm aware that this is a pretty involved job, but I'm pretty handy with tools and have done small car repairs in the past. Plus, learning how to fix my car is as important a motivation as saving money for me.
Before I replace the compressor, I wanted to test it to see for myself whether it's broken, but the service manual only mentions acoustic tests to determine whether the compressor is the source of strange noises rather than if the part is actually broken or not. How can I tell whether it needs to be replaced? Also, after having read up on A/C systems, I understand that I should have a condenser in my car, but the manual doesn't mention it at all. Is there a way I can diagnose that, too?
Thanks!
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 16, 2010, 5:41 PM
Post #2 of 5
(6144 views)
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Re: Compressor/condenser/etc. on 2000 Jeep Cherokee
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eark; Tom G. is the one with the A/C knowledge, but until he sees this, I'll put my 2 cents worth in; LOL.
You can take off the belt that drives the compressor and turn the compressor by hand (not just the clutch assy.). You'll probably feel a roughness, or maybe even it won't turn, at all. When the compressor takes a dump, it needs to be replaced along with the reciever/drier, orifice tube, system flushed, evacuated, and recharged. Replacing the compressor doesn't take rocket science, but the rest of it takes a professional. Good luck. <smile>
Loren
SW Washington
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 17, 2010, 11:32 AM
Post #3 of 5
(6133 views)
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Re: Compressor/condenser/etc. on 2000 Jeep Cherokee
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Loren has it. It's not so simple and lots to consider and know or it will all be for waste. If compressor is just leaking they can be simpler jobs but if rough now or about to seize it's big trouble and lots to do.
What happens is compress fails frequently if lower miles because of low charge so if it's not the leak then throw finding and fixing that too. Could be a 5 cent O ring or who knows? The low charge doesn't carry sufficient oil to keep compressor lubed and all hell breaks lose. They can just up and quit too but you still need to know if it left a debris field.
Yes it's expensive but consider the mega thousands in equipment it can take to do this right and the training it took. It's a tough call on whether to try to save money DIYing A/C stuff as a mistake can cost you all your efforts and still need it done.
Not trying to discourage you but know it's not always so simple,
T
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comnavguy
User
Jul 19, 2010, 9:44 PM
Post #4 of 5
(6110 views)
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Re: Compressor/condenser/etc. on 2000 Jeep Cherokee
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Do you live anywhere near Dallas? I'm mr. help'em in my neighborhood and would be glad to give you pointers.
Autozone puts out a pretty good CD on AC repair, but you'll need a decent set of gauges and a vacuum pump among a good set of tools and an air compressor to blow out the lines...BUT you can't JUST blow out the lines. AND if you have a parallel condenser, you can't blow it out. Lots and lots of things to consider.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 20, 2010, 5:56 AM
Post #5 of 5
(6103 views)
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Re: Compressor/condenser/etc. on 2000 Jeep Cherokee
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comnavguy: You can flush out/blow out HE and parallel flow condensers. It's usually not worth it is the problem. They need be set flat with unreal volume of compressed air to get lacquer thinner or flush agents out or it would trash more of the system.
The cost of new vs cost of flush materials and time for all that is impractical for most. You risk messing the whole job up again so it's not suggested when debris is found for one of those. That and if it has an unseen leak itself it's all for nothing,
T
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