My A/C stopped blowing cold, so I took it to the dealer, who charged me $3,000 for the privilege of replacing the refrigerant lines. Ouch but bad luck, it happens.
However they're saying there's still a small leak and the evaporator core needs to be replaced at a cost of an additional $6,500. This... I haven't been able to swallow.

I'm not sure what to do at this point. I love the car but I'm not mentally prepared to drop close to 5 figures on a leaky A/C for an 8-year-old car with very low miles.

 

Try getting a quote for a good independent mechanic. It should be less than the dealer.

 

The independent shop that I normally go to already told me it won't be much less... I'll try asking around a few more places.

 

Hello my friend,
I'm sorry to read about your troubles pertaining to your AC problem with your car. I have a question for you. You indicate your car is 8 years old with low miles. Would you mind telling us how many miles are on your car. Also regarding the AC lines and the evaporator the AC lines are aluminum if I'm not mistaken and the evaporator is the same. So how would they go bad. Did the aluminum AC line piping corrode somehow. How's this possible. Those parts do not rust. Do you know the answer to my question? Did the Jaguar dealership give you a thorough explanation of how this all happened?
Look forward to your reply. Thank you so much.

 

Alternatively, replace the evaporator core yourself. They are abut $2k from Jaguar.

If you don't want to vacuum and recharge the system, then a local shop should be willing to once you replace the component. I did that before buying my own vacuum pump and gauges.

 

The car has 11K miles. I originally took it to an independent shop and they were able to visually identify that the lines were leaking but they couldn't get the parts due to the CDK ransomware attack. I then went to the dealer and they initially said it's not leaking and the system is charging but they needed to keep the car overnight to finish. The next morning they said actually it's leaking and they need to replace both the high pressure and low pressure lines. It then took them 3 weeks to get the hoses and replace them, so I should have just stuck with the independent...
I basically asked them the same questions and the service advisor wasn't exactly able to give any details beyond "it's leaking from the evap core and won't hold a charge." I'm not spending this kind of money at a place that can't tell me what the source of the problem is, and nothing about my interactions with them indicate that they actually know what they're doing.

What I really don't understand is how the A/C system suddenly starts leaking in multiple locations at once??? I don't use the A/C much but it was working fine in the spring.

 

If you do not trust them have someone else leak test.

 

Lani ....
id demand to know where are the leaks are originating from, exactly what area, show it to me, point it out to me. Last question, does the AC lines have any pinprick hole? Is it cracked? Why is it leaking? Where is it leaking from pointed out.

I wish you success....
Roberto

 

Unfortunately you can’t see the leaking evaporator (or perhaps it’s not leaking at all) while still installed in the car. I have not replaced an evaporator in a
F-Type but, I have replaced an evaporator in a 17’ F-Pace 2 weeks ago. It had 88k miles on it though. There are tests that can be done to determine if in fact the evaporator is leaking. Making an assumption (for the moment) that it’s leaking it does take time and patience to properly diagnose and repair. The dealer does not care to spend their time (time = $ and $ = no patience, sadly) to properly diagnose a potentially leaking evaporator. In and out as quickly as possible is likely their goal more so due to the large overhead. It really depends on how large the leak is also. Just my opinion, I’d take it to a trusted independent who has experience working on the newer jags.

 

That is simple. They misdiagnosed it originally and charged you $3k for work that was unnecessary. Those lines weren't leaking, refrigerant was probably just leaking down them from the core. Only after you returned did they realize the actual issue. Like a lot of dealers now days they just replace parts til the problem goes away rather than actually doing a proper diagnosis.

 

As I understand it, using the A/C keep the seals nicely lubricated so if you "don't use the A/C much" maybe the seals have dried out and no longer seal, resulting in multiple leaks. With A/C, or rather "climate control", it seems to be a case of use it or lose it.

 

I think, perhaps a bit unscientifically, the moral of this story is "use it or lose it"!!
The car is 8+ years old with 11K miles!!
Somebody mentioned AC seals.
I am guessing there are other gremlins lurking.

 

Hmmm…I barely ever use A/C. Perhaps not the best idea.

 

With so few miles, the fuel must be pretty rancid as well

 

Thanks, just the encouraging words I needed from this kind community.

 

Well, if you decide to keep the car after all, you might consider draining the tank (use the car) and subsequently only leave a minimum amount of fresh gas in the tank with an added fuel stabilizer.

 

"Don't let them sit!" - Jason Cammisa

 

You should also check the tires for dry rot.

 

Just leave it on Auto and let the car keep it comfortable for you. It's not always about chilling you!

 

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