Question:
I have a December 1993 Dodge Caravan (VIN # 2B4GH2537PR133731) with the
NEW freon in it. It has only 57,000 Kilometers (about 37,000 miles) and
the system was not cooling very well this summer but still cooling
intermitently.
I took it to the local Chrysler dealer and was told the evaporator (or
is it the condenser) that is installed infront of the radiator grill
needs replacing. (I personally think, as it was cooling somewhat it only
needed more freon but what can you say to a dealer...right ?) So I had
the work done and it cost me $500 in parts and labour!!
I do have a 5 year/115Km powertrain warrenty but this did not cover
anything.
Answer:
As you stated the condenser is in front of the radiator and is subject
to road debris that can damage a condenser sufficently to cause it to
leak.
Your dealer did not just add more refrigerant because it is illegal to
do so. Your options with a leaking air conditioning system are:
replace the leaking component and recharge the system
or
have the system evacuated of all refrigerant and not repaired.
Your powertrain warranty did not cover the repair because it is a
powertrain warranty. Air conditioning parts are not part of the
powertrain.
