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Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@Luvsmyfam wrote:

wow,got in my car today and my air conditioner has stopped running.i have a 2013 buick verano.has anyone had this problem with this make of car?and wouldnt you know it, quad cities is sizziling today.hope this isnt a $3000 dollar job.the car only has 50,000 miles on it.not sure what to do,but did make a appt for thurs for car to be looked at.any suggestions or comments would be appreciated

 

 

 

@Luvsmyfam 

 

It is an 8 year old car. First thing to check is whatever they use for the coolant(used to be freon), assuming the AC is turning on and blowing air. If not, it might be as simple as a blown fuse.

 

Our 2004 SUV quit working earlier this year, and the drivers seat heater won't shut off. My wife is gone Pet Sitting with our little car with the working AC. 

 

Think ours is low on the coolant and needs recharging. My mechanic friend works for a GM dealer. Will be taking it in soon for regular maintenance, oil/filter etc. He just unplugs something to turn the seat heater off(no charge).

 

Been driving it to the ice rink in this 95+° days with high humidity. I put a chair seat on top of our leather and it keeps the heat from my buttock. Heat isn't a problem for me. Don't use our houses AC at home when my wife is gone. 

 

If you fan is blowing, the best would be if your cooling system needs recharging. If not, it might be just a fuse.The worst would be if your compressor quit working, that cost some bigger $$$ to replace or repair.

 

All brands AC pretty much work the same or similar systems. Hope yours is the simple one, as is ours too.

 

 

hckynut 

 

 

hckynut(john)
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,987
Registered: ‎05-13-2021

@LuvsmyfamWhere are you taking it Thursday?  Please don't take a car almost 10 years old to the dealer.  You do know dealers charge for diagnostic time, right?

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,791
Registered: ‎11-26-2019

yes,I am taking to my local dealer,who I've taken car to since I bought it.they have all work history,not to mention they will take me to and from to work.yes I am aware they charge just to look at it.but as I said,I just don't want to start all over with a car payment.this has got to be cheaper than buying another car.trust me,I get so frustrated when one thing after another goes to heck.guessits better than being 6ft under right?

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,987
Registered: ‎05-13-2021

Re: airconditioner

[ Edited ]

@LuvsmyfamIt's always cheaper to repair than to buy a new car.  

I have a 2013 car.  About 4 years ago the dealer said I needed $1500 worth of work. The car didn't need it, it had about 25K miles on it.

If they come back that you need a big repair$$$, a whole new AC system (compressor) it really would benefit you to take it to an independent mechanic with excellent reviews and get a second opinion.  Don't divulge what the dealer said.  Let us know how it turns out.  Good luck

Edited- I don't want you to get ripped off.  If you're going to keep the car you should seriously get an independent mechanic for future maintenance and stop taking it to the dealer.  @Luvsmyfam 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,743
Registered: ‎05-02-2017

 

 

I think after a while the AC will go out and be unfixable on a lot of cars.

 

Well, I am a non air-conidtioner person.  I do not like it--it makes me cold and sneeze.  I love driving with an open window and feeling the breeze on my face. 

 

DH is the exact opposite.  So we have one very old car with almost 200,000 miles and no AC that I drive, and a newer car that he drives where he can blast the AC.  

 

Here in Philly the humidity is often worse than the heat!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,781
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Are you sure you just don't need freon.

 

 

I believe hockeynut eluded to the same....

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,184
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: airconditioner

[ Edited ]

WHOA!!!

 

 

Before you get some expensive repair....

 

AC in autos have FUSES that are in the electical system. It COULD be just a blown fuse in a car that age.

 

Here is a link:

 

https://fuse-box.info/buick/buick-verano-2012-2017-fuses-and-relays

 

Looks like it's fuse # 17 in the fuse box.

 

 

Fuse box looks like it's on the left side of your dash, to the lower left of the steering wheel behind a panel. Just pops open for access.

 

A LOT of people ( espeically WOMEN) don't know cars have fuses!!! (Men too!!!)

 

You Tube can show you where it's located and how to change it. VERY EASY and CHEAP place to start, that the shop will charge a fortune for as if it's some magic repair!!!

 

(65 YO woman here.....YES you can change the fuse. If it doesn't work, THEN go to the repair shop and tell them YOU checked the fuses!!! They will fall over!!).

 

Someone else suggested changing the cabin air filter. Also EASY to do, on You Tube...dealer here charges 100 for LABOR to do it. NO WAY!!! 

 

These parts are available at ANY auto parts store ( Auto Zone) or Amazon...Autozone may even do it for you free.

 

Fuse pulls straight out with a little tug. New one just pops in in it's place.

 

This hot weather and on and off cycling may have blown that fuse.

 

My AC fan stopped blowing once....that's how I found out about fuses in cars. It was a company car, so I didn't have to pay for the repair, but they charged a small fortune to replace that little fuse!!!

 

Live and learn!!  

 

Good Luck and let us know!!!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,327
Registered: ‎05-09-2016

I find it disheartening to read all of the "don't take your car to the dealer for service" comments.

 

My 2008 car has been serviced solely by the dearler that I bought it from, and it's been a wonderful experience. They do not charge me to diagnose problems. Pricing has been competitive and fair. I have run flat tires, and their price per tire is roughly $75 less than other options in the area. I've paid nothing to have bulbs replaced. They always have a service loaner available when I have scheduled service, and have made a car available to me about 75% of the time when something has come up that's needed immediate attention. 

 

I won't be so naive as to insist that all dealerships are wonderful just because I've had a great experience, but it's not fair to paint them all with the "don't go to the dealer" brush either. 

~The more someone needs to brag about how wonderful, special, successful, wealthy or important they are, the greater the likelihood that it isn't true. ~

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,024
Registered: ‎03-20-2010

@FrostyBabe1 wrote:

I find it disheartening to read all of the "don't take your car to the dealer for service" comments.

 

My 2008 car has been serviced solely by the dearler that I bought it from, and it's been a wonderful experience. They do not charge me to diagnose problems. Pricing has been competitive and fair. I have run flat tires, and their price per tire is roughly $75 less than other options in the area. I've paid nothing to have bulbs replaced. They always have a service loaner available when I have scheduled service, and have made a car available to me about 75% of the time when something has come up that's needed immediate attention. 

 

I won't be so naive as to insist that all dealerships are wonderful just because I've had a great experience, but it's not fair to paint them all with the "don't go to the dealer" brush either. 


Dealers have become much more competitive.  I addition with all the computer components on cars now, diagnostic equipment is necessary.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,913
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: airconditioner

[ Edited ]
 
hckynut(john)