Question:
I am interested in installing an air conditioner in my 2003 Corolla. I
originally purchased this car without an air conditioner.
Is this possible? If so about how much would it cost? Is this
something I can do myself or do I need to pay someone to install it?
Answer:
the mechanical installation part anyone
good at following instructions can do. Tear apart the heater box,
install evaporator core, install new box, add AC switch to controls,
mount compressor, condenser, filter/drier, connect with hoses.
But you need too many expensive specialized tools to handle the
refrigerant system evacuation, leak testing, and charging part of the
job. And many mechanics don't want to do just half the job if they
are responsible for making the whole thing work
You may have to track down a Factory AC Kit somewhere on the Web,
get it shipped to you, and have a local independent shop install it.
But check with a few more local Toyota Dealer service departments and
the independent AC/Radiator shops in your area first to A: see how
much can they install a system for, and what parts they will use
(Factory or Aftermarket) and B: if they will install a factory kit for
you if you locate and buy it elsewhere.
The kit just makes it easier and a bit cheaper to do the work, since
all the pieces you need are in the one big box. But it does you no
good to buy one if you can't find someone local to put it on the car.
If you need to assemble a system from pieces, they can get many of
the components from the aftermarket part manufacturers - evaporator
and condenser coils, hoses, receiver/drier. And a properly
remanufactured compressor will work just fine.
