1998 Jeep Cherokee Repair failed

Tiny
DEBINRHODEISLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 164,000 MILES
We bought this Jeep a couple of years ago, and the a/c has never worked (I had it recharged once and it only held it for a week or so). I have no idea how long the a/c has not worked on this vehicle.

We decided to have the a/c system repaired. I took it to the local Jeep dealer. They replaced the compressor, the "acc" (not sure what that is, cost about $130) and a tube and a hose, to the tune of $1,563.49. But, when I picked it up, it was barely even blowing cool air, let alone cold. I took it back the next day, they agreed that it wasnt' right, kept it another 2 days. They promised that there were no other leaks and they recharged it again and told me it was blowing "freezing". I picked it up yesterday, and it was better, but still not really cold- definitely not freezing. I drove it today and with the hot sun coming in the window, I could barely even tell there was A/C on even though I had it blowing full steam. I just don't think this can be right. I would expect that an A/C system on a vehicle of that size could freeze the front seat passengers! (I have an 11-year old Acura that blows twice or even 3x as cold as the Jeep A/C!) Since I didn't own the Jeep when it was new I have no idea what the capacity should be. Also, if there are no leaks in the system, and it is fully charged up, what could possibly be wrong with it? I'm going to take it back again, since the dealer MUST make this right, but I'd like some advice on what COULD be the problem. Those guys could possibly just hope I'll go away and leave them alone. But for the price I paid, I feel like I should have a system that works and works well!
Any advice?
Thanks!
Thursday, July 10th, 2008 AT 8:54 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
The "tube" they replaced. Was it called an orifice tube? If so then the system may be low if it isnt blowing cold air. If it doesnt have an orifice tube, but an expansion valve, then it would make sense that the valve is the problem providing the system is full
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Friday, July 11th, 2008 AT 7:19 AM
Tiny
DEBINRHODEISLAND
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Yes - orifice tube. Also, I have a better list of the parts: compressor, accumulator, orifice tube and liquid line; obviously freon and dye to identify leaks.

Could it be possible the orifice tube is defective?

Thanks much.
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Friday, July 11th, 2008 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
If the old compressor came apart internally it could have contaminated the system with metal debris. This will plug the orifice tube and cause the high- side pressures to increase to the point that the pressure switch will shut the compressor off to prevent damage resulting in warm air. Take it back and let them flush the system out again.
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Friday, July 11th, 2008 AT 12:02 PM

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