My R is at the dealer A/C was less then optimal and their diagnosis was the HVAC high pressure switch/sensor needs replacing….they’re asking for nearly $1,300 to change it…from what I can tell the part is relatively cheap and the process seems reasonably easy, does this seem excessive cost to replace this switch?
thx in advance
Mark
Hi Mark,
I'm removing the duplicate of this post that you made to the New Member Introduction forum, and moving this copy to the technical area for a 987.2. Please DO post in the correct area (you'll get better responses that way) and please DO NOT post duplicate posts.
Hang on.. it's being moved..
OK - to address your question:
The part isn't very expensive and is easy to change
The price seems high to me, but if the system has been open to air for any time, the HVAC "dryer" will need replacing before vacuuming the system out and refilling it with refrigerant. It is very likely you can save money on this repair by finding a good independent shop that has the tools needed to do the job (primarily a vacuum pump to clean out the system, gauges for refilling the refrigerant, and a small scale to weigh how much refrigerant is put back in.
If the system still has gas in it - and hasn't gone entirely to air - my WAG - maybe 90 minutes of labor, and the part cost (~$25.) If it has been open to the air - and the dryer needs to be replaced, that part is around $115 and would add 30 minutes or so to the job labor charge. So - 90 minutes if it hasn't gone to air, 2 hours if it has. Parts less than $200. Figuring an independent shop at roughly $150/hour - $300 labor and less than $250 in parts and R134A - so less than $600. Even if the dealer is charging $300/hour - that still doesn't come close to the price they quoted you, so if it was me - I'd ask for justification of that price.
Some dealers may charge full labor rate for when the system is connected to a vacuum system, even though the mechanic can be doing another job while it's being pumped out (it doesn't need any attention..) That's pretty much a ripoff. They'll undoubtedly charge for waste disposal of the remaining R134A in the system (if there is any), but it still sounds as if they're being somewhat creative with their billing. Wonder how much of that charge is for the Porsche loaner car and the coffee/muffin bar in the showroom?
Thx Don! Their muffins and lattes are good, but certainly not $600-700 good!
Sorry for the post location and accidental double post…have a great New Year!!
