Tag Archive for ‘A/C compressor’

How your car’s air conditioning system works – how to troubleshoot

How Your Car's A/C System Works

Have you ever wondered how your car's air conditioning system works?  How it seems to magically create cold air on a hot day?  Here are the basics of how your car's air conditioning works.

A gas such as Freon or another refrigerant is placed in a sealed system. The gas actually doesn't add cold air, rather it removes heat from it's environment.

Repair Estimate on 2000 Dodge Caravan A/C Compressor Replacement – $332 to $460

How much would it cost me to have my air conditioning compressor replaced?  I have a 2000 Dodge Caravan with the 3.0 litre engine and A/C in the back of the van.

Annette W.   Baton Rouge, Louisiana

-Annette we would estimate the repairs to break down like this.

Labor Cost Range - 1.5 Hours  $112.50-$150.00 (depending on shops hourly rate)

Parts Cost Range - A/C Compressor $200.00-$275.00

                                     Serpentine Belt (recommended) $20.00-$35.00   (depending on part quality and manufacturer)

Total Repair Cost Range = $332.50-$460.00

Auto Parts – What is a Serpentine Belt?

1998 Ford Explorer Serpentine Belt

What is a Serpentine Belt?

Serpentine Belt in a car is a flat rubber belt that loops around like a serpent around pulleys in the engine compartment. It functions to drive many devices such as the alternator, water pump, air pump, A/C compressor, power steering pump etc.

Some cars and models use more than one belt, but more often than not nowadays you will only see one single serpentine belt.

If you hear squealing while driving the serpentine belt may be the culprit. You can inspect the belt yourself to see if it is frayed, cracked or otherwise broken, if it is it may need to be replaced.