Hi Folks,
I own a 1993 Dodge Dakota with 53,000 miles that I purchased new in
August, 1993. I have a dilemma regarding it's A/C system. When I turned
on the A/C this past spring, the compressor did some major short cycling
which indicated to me that the system was low on R-12 refrigerant or there
was a possible problem with the low pressure cut-off switch. I didn't
drive the truck much and/or didn't need the A/C till this past June. When
I tried to use the A/C in June, the compressor clutch didn't engage at
all. Oh well, off I go to my friendly Dodge dealer's service department
to have my malfunctioning A/C system diagnosed and repaired. Since I
purchased a 5yr/70k Chrysler extended service contract with High Tech
option when I bought the truck new, I was confident that it would only
cost me the required $25 deductible to get my A/C system repaired.
Needless to say, I am very unhappy that it cost me $147.68 to get my A/C
system recharged with 40 oz of R-12 freon and the service department at my
Dodge dealership was unable to find a leak in the system. Since they
cannot find the leak that the service manager admits has to be there
somewhere (or the R-12 wouldn't have leaked out), they are unable to
replace the faulty part and therefore I am not covered by my Chrysler
service contract. I was told by the service manager to "keep an eye on
it" and if the freon leaks out in a reasonable amount of time (defined as
the rest of this A/C season a.k.a the next couple months here in Central
Illinois) they will check it out again and possibly do a fluorescent dye
test. My service contract covers every conceivable component
of the A/C system on my Dakota including hoses, seals and gaskets.
Obviously, a covered component is faulty or the R-12 in the system
wouldn't have found it's way to the ozone layer.
I've talked with a customer relations representative at the Chicago zone
office and his response was that since the service technician could not
find a leak in the system, the recharging with R-12 refrigerant would be
considered a maintenance item for which the customer is financially
responsible. My question to anyone who may have tangible knowledge or an
informed opinion is: "At what rate does the A/C system on a Chrysler
corporation vehicle have to spew CFC laden R-12 into the atmosphere before
Chrysler acknowledges that there may need to be a repair?"
Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Please let me
know if you would like more information.
Thanks!
Greg Smith <gmsmith@uiuc.edu>
1993 Dodge Dakota LE Club Cab V-8
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