Air Conditioner Repair Question
 

99 EX 2.3L Auto 210,000 miles. Bought in 2004 with 99K. I've kept up with regular maintenance, only big event was transmission replacement at 160K and catalytic converter 205K. Not beautiful, as exterior clear coat has some burn-off on roof and trunk, but my teenage daughters use it to get to and from school fine. Recently committed to car with timing belt, water pump, radiator fix, new tires, and the catalytic converter.

At last oil service I had the AC serviced (evacuated, leak checked, and charged). Two days later the AC was not working. Fan works, air blows, but ambient temp, no cold temp. I brought it back to my mechanic (who I do trust and have had work all of my cars for 5+ years). He identified that refrigerant was still fully charged with no leaks and it is either: (1) expansion valve replacement or (2) compressor. He recommended expansion valve replacement first ($300-400), and if this doesn't work, compressor repair/replacement (another $600).

We are in SoCal, and although in my younger years I was able to function without AC, I do need to have it in the car (You see the influence of my better half). Looking for recommendations on addressing this:

(1) Are there specific questions I should be asking or actions I should take regarding the diagnosis?

(2) Sell or Repair? What is better value decision?

(3) Most economic and effective means of repair: Stay with my mechanic (is his estimate reasonable?), AC specialist, etc.

(4) DIY Recommendations and Resources. Unfortunately very busy with other commitments now and I must address asap. I don't have bandwidth now for major project.

Any advice you have is highly appreciated!
Cheers!

You don't provide enough information.

Is the compressor engaging and running but no cooling or is compressor never engaging?

Only reason I can think expansion valve replacement is a solution is if the compressor is engaging but no cooling is resulting (large AC line from firewall stays warm).

DiY should be possible w/o tremendous effort, but still looking at 4-8 hrs at least, if expansion valve or compressor need to be replaced.

good luck

A resource:

honda-tech(dot)com/showthread(dot)php?t=2900177

An A/C specialist may be able to diagnose the problem better than your mechanic.

Used cars are selling for a premium now. With only 50K on the trans and other major service recently done this Gen 6 might run for another 50K or 100K miles. Amortize the cost of A/C repair over a few years and compare it to the net cost of selling/trading this car and buying a new or newer car.

I agree w/ Roader on cost of AC repairs, other than DIY. I've never spent more than $200 or so to repair my AC systems by DiY.

Parts are not prohibitively expensive, but labor is and AC shops want to replace everything to maximize profit and minimize return risk (their risk, your cost!).

That is why one of the first major DIY jobs I undertook was AC repair on a 1978 Toyota Corona Wagon. Shop wanted $500 in 1982 for new compressor. I felt compressor was good and was right. AC evaporator was leaking. AC was still working when I sold my Corona wagon years later. I hated to see that baby drive off!

good lcuk