2003 OBW AC not working

[Brian Wasson]

Thought I'd ask here before taking it in for service:

Our one-year-old 2003 OBW's AC is not blowing cold. Worked fine last
summer (purchased July 2003), but hasn't worked this summer at all. It
blows, but is warm. I've checked for a blown fuse, but don't see any.

Is there a simple thing I'm missing?

Thanks for any thoughts...

Brian W.
Philadelphia, Pa.

 

[mulder]

Does the compressor engage? If it doesn't the most likely cause is a
leak that has allowed the refrigerant level to drop partially or fully.
There is a low-pressure cutout that protects the compressor from
operating with insufficient charge. A line may have a loose fitting, or
a rock may have damaged the condenser which is in a vulnerable spot in
front of the radiator.

 

[A7N8X-X]

yeah, for one it's under warranty, so why in Mid-August are you just dealing
with it?

 

[mulder]

Actually depending on the cause it may or may not be warrantied. If it's
due to a defect such as a leaking line or failed component, it will be
covered. However if the cause is something like road debris (rock)
damaging the condenser, you have to pay.

 

[Kurt C. Hack]

My '02 had the same thing happen the first summer I had it. Turned out
to be a bad seal and was repaired under warranty. Been great ever since!

-Kurt

 

[Alan Peterman]

Actually depending on the cause it may or may not be warrantied. If it's
due to a defect such as a leaking line or failed component, it will be
covered. However if the cause is something like road debris (rock)
damaging the condenser, you have to pay.

If it's a rock the insurance has to pay under the comprehensive coverage. Which
is one reason I pay the extra few bucks for no deductible comp coverage.

 

[CompUser]

If it's a rock the insurance has to pay under the comprehensive coverage. Which
is one reason I pay the extra few bucks for no deductible comp coverage.

Really?

Would comprehensive also pay out for say, a tire,
suffering "road hazard" damage?

 

[Brian Wasson]

Thanks for the thoughts, folks. (Except for the person who berated me
for not taking it in for warranty service... that helped a lot,
thanks.)

 

[busterb]

Thanks for the thoughts, folks. (Except for the person who berated me
for not taking it in for warranty service... that helped a lot,
thanks.)

That person was right. New car just let the dealer fix it. My check
engine light came on before july 4 weekend. I didnt care what caused
it I called dealer they scaneed and reset. No charge.

 

[George Adams]

From: (e-mail address removed) (busterb)

That person was right. New car just let the dealer fix it. My check
engine light came on before july 4 weekend. I didnt care what caused
it I called dealer they scaneed and reset. No charge.

Hmm. Did they fix the problem that caused the CEL to go on???


George Adams

"All good fishermen stay young until they die, for fishing is the only dream of
youth that doth not grow stale with age."
---- J.W Muller

 

[Brian Wasson]

With two working adults that work in opposite directions (and nowhere
close to the dealer), no spare cars, and a dealer that is 30 minutes
away, taking the car in for service is not always an easy proposition.
If it's a simple matter of throwing a switch or replacing a fuse, it's
a lot easire to do that myself than spend the time and hassle dealing
with the dealer.

 

[busterb]

Hmm. Did they fix the problem that caused the CEL to go on???


George Adams

The code had something to do with intermittent fuel level. They said
it could have been a false code and if it came back they would take
the time to track it down. It has not come on again. Fuel gauge
appears to work fine. I didnt really care if I needed a new engine,
awd or trans since it was under warranty.
I was impressed that the dealer squeezed me in on friday pm right
before the 4th of july weekend. I dont understand why people really
care whats wrong when they can get it fixed free is all.

 

[George Adams]

From: (e-mail address removed)

I dont understand why people really
care whats wrong when they can get it fixed free is all.

You'll understand when the warranty expires. Also, there's the chance of
getting stranded in East Podunk on the Friday night of a holiday weekend 200
miles from the nearest dealer, who won't be open until Tuesday. To me,
reliability is much more important than the cost of repairs.


George Adams

"All good fishermen stay young until they die, for fishing is the only dream of
youth that doth not grow stale with age."
---- J.W Muller