Jay Lagare

Less than a month after I had its refrigerant replenished, the Sentra’s aircon is not cooling again. So this morning, I went to Frigid Zone, my favorite car aircon shop. They used to be near, they’re not of the small side-of-the-road variety, they have an air-conditioned waiting area, and they accept credit cards.

After a taking down the components and inspecting them, they confirmed that there’s a leak and it’s in the evaporator. So that had to be replaced. And because of the leak the system was contaminated with air and moisture as there was no positive pressure to keep them out. This means the dryer (it’s really a disposable filter) and the expansion valve (not sure about this having to be replaced) also had to be replaced and the system flushed (i.e. vacuumed out to remove any air and moisture). I ended with the following bill:

1. Cleaning, flushing, and refrigerant recharge P1300
2. New evaporator P5000
3. New expansion valve P1500
4. New dryer P1200
5. New fittings P600
6. New o-rings and valve cap FREE

More expensive than smaller shops. But the parts were new and in good condition and the technicians did their work quickly and neatly. It took around 2 hours but I sure hope the fix lasts more than 2 years. So far it feels good and cold.

Just after lunch yesterday, Michelle called that the Sentra’s engine was smoking and it stank. Signs of an overheat. Good thing she had already stopped the car. So I just asked her to let the engine cool, replenish the water in the coolant reservoir, and proceed to the parking.

Some helpful passersby also advised her to pour water over the radiator but I’m not too sure that helped much. Since the engine is off, coolant (if there is any left) is not circulating and that would mainly cool down the radiator and not the engine.

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