2007 Nissan Pathfinder A/C?

SFBROWN

MEMBER
2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

I noticed my 2007 Nissan Pathfinder was not getting as cold as normal. It is pretty hot here at 100 degrees plus so I know it is worker harder than ususal. I took my SUV into the dealership for check out and they stated I had a problem with My A/C compressor, and the Expansion Valve (in the dash), and the Dryer/Condensor all had to be replaced. They quoted me $1995.00 for all the work. Most of that was labor. I took my SUV into a smaller company (non-dealer), and they could not find anything wrong except a little low on freon. They put A/C dye to check for a leak and could not find anything. Do you think the dealer was trying to over-charge me. Would I need to replace my Expansion Valve and Dryer/Condensor if my Compressor had problems?

6 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

Is the system colder now that the refrigerant was topped off?

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 AT 3:49 PM

SFBROWN

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4 POSTS

Yes it is. My Dad suggested I put a thermometer in the vent to see what the temperature was. When I put the thermostat on 70 degrees, the temp read around 60 degrees (110 degrees outside). Later that night around 11:00 p.M, I dropped it to 60 degrees on the thermostat and the temp read around 54 degrees.

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 AT 4:11 PM

WRENCHTECH

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That means it's working fine right now. Your problem is a leak. The question is "what is leaking?" It could still be the compressor but it could be many other things also. Drive it until it starts to warm up again and then they can look for dye stains.

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 AT 4:23 PM

SFBROWN

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Thanks. That is what the non-dealer stated. He said the dye will help them pin-point the leak if it is one. But the dealership never mentioned using A/C dye. Now maybe their diagnostic is more accurate than the non-dealer but just thought it stranged all those things needed to be replaced and at such a round number like $1995.00.

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Tuesday, August 9th, 2011 AT 4:49 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

It can also be leaked checked with an electronic detector that "sniffs" leaking refrigerant but they aren't always conclusive. We have no way of knowing what their reasons were for recommending a compressor.