The A/C in my 2005 E150 was working fine but making a loud noise. I stopped turning on the A/C until I could take it to a shop. I found a shop in Dallas. I was told the problem was the compressor. I was quoted $750 to $1200 to replace the bad (probably original) compressor. I agreed and when I returned to retrieve the van, the owner of the shop said the charges were $1200 and change, but for cash he would only charge me $900. I paid the cash price.

The next day I noticed that any time I drove slightly uphill, the A/C would cut out: the blower, the A/C, et. al. I drove the van for about a week and then took it back to this shop.

The original mechanic checked it out while I waited, and came back in with a black hose, about 12 inches long. It was worn and had a sizable rent in it. He explained that this was the vacuum hose that ran from the A/C to a "reservoir" (which he referred to as a check valve box) These parts would need replacing but had to be ordered. The shop owner quoted $60 for the part and zero for the labor. I raised an eyebrow at the labor quote, but the owner confirmed.

The van is my only ride. I could not leave it for days. I asked if they could just put it back the way it was, and I would bring it back when the part arrived. They agreed and said the part would be there the next day.

When I drove the van home, I realized that I now had no A/C at all, up or down hill, and that the blower motor was not functioning. I called the shop and told them this, and they confirmed that was the condition of things at this stage, but it would be resolved when the parts were replaced. I waited 2 weekdays and a weekend and did not get a call. I returned to the shop the following Monday to see what was up. I was told that the part had still not arrived.

I began to get that bad run around feeling, so I asked if they could just put it back together the way it was when I first brought it in (A/C working except for going up inclines). The shop owner said no. He said that the part would be arriving on the next day, and to bring the van back in and they could have it back to me 24 hours later. So, I left the van with them the next day.

24 hours and no call later, I returned to the shop. When I walked in the owner would not establish eye contact with me. The mechanic came in and started explaining that the work had not been started because he realized that he was going to have to approach it from the cab of the van. I just asked for my keys back and left with the van.

My gut feeling is the worn vacuum hose and reservoir/valve check issue should have been seen while the mechanic was doing the compressor work. But maybe the mechanic was smoking crack or something and just replaced the compressor and did not notice the weak vacuum when he did the check. Thus, when the owner of the shop realized that the mechanic had not taken the opportunity to do this work in the first place, he quoted me no labor to go back and retro the fix. The mechanic, knowing this labor was coming out of his own time, waffled. I now have no A/C, no blower motor (thus no defroster blower, vent blower, heat, etc.)

I am a single mature female with little knowledge of automotive. I was lucky at one time to have help with this van that I have owned and taken really good care of for 10 years. Need Help in Dallas, TX. Any feedback greatly appreciated.

 

The thread you started back in August: E150 2005 ac
I thought you DIY and fixed it already.

 

I am a female in my late 60's and have arthritis in my hands. I cannot do DIY.

 

The reason why you shouldn't repair or replace the original a/c reservoir because it's very labor intensive, can cost you $1000+ on labor alone.
The relocation solution was already given from the previous thread to get your a/c back, if you can't handle the task yourself you will need to find a shop (another one) or your friend to do it.

 

Center of my dash this panel gives you access to vacuum lines. Mouse chewed hole in on line everything stop working. Oriellys has vaccum line repair kits.