2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission A/C evaporator coil

[Charliegeis]

What is the going rate to replace the evaporator coil and recharge the system? The local dealer quoted me $1000. Is this about what is to be expected on a 99 Ram?



25 years ago I would have considered it a do-it-your-self project, but I'm 72 and no longer have the gages and vacuum pump, so I really don't want to get into it myself.

 

[Piersol]

$1200

Charlie, I was just quoted $1200 today. You have a good deal. I might call an independent A/C shop for a 2nd opinion.

 

[jrollins]

that sounds about right, the parts aren't that expensive, you might be able to obtain a aftermarket coil for 100-200 dollars, but to install it you must remove the dash, it easily can turn into a couple of day job:--)

 

[Deezul1]

Getting at it is the tough part, you really do have to remove the dash assembly to get to it. Really dumb design.

 

[pjames]

Hi Charlie-I just replaced my 01 Ram evaporator coil myself after the dealer quoted me a price of about 600 clams (plus coil) to do the job. I did have to buy the coil from Dodge for $170. 00. I already owned a set of factory repair manuals so I decided to tackle the job myself. It took me about 10 hours. It wasn't all that hard. The manuals are a pain in the arse though. The only special tool I needed was the clips that allow you to take the A/C lines apart. Be sure to get the rest of the freon removed from the system. Now that I've done,I could probably do it again in 6 hours. I removed the dash and the steering wheel. Good Luck,and Ram on! Pete

 

[scbrown]

I just got a quote Friday for mine. $933. 00.

Local garage, he has three installs under his belt, told me I would have it back in two days.

 

[Cooker]

Last I checked the going gate is around $800 in my neck of the woods.

 

[JMichelson]

Charlie. If you are referring to the evaporator in front of the radiator, I just had mine replaced by the local radiator A/C shop for $360. 00. The evaporator was $265. 00 from Dodge. The rest was labor and a top off of the freon. The A/C guy said he couldn't’t get an aftermarket one for my 98 none of his distributor's carried them for a truck that new. He figured if an after market evaporator was available it would run about $175. 00 dollars. Hope this helps. Jeff

 

[krs]

JeffMic,

That's the condensor not the evaporator and it couldn't be much easier to change. The evaporator is located up under the dashboard and is much more difficult to access and R&R.



pjames,

Do you think that you could have done the job by removing the dash attachment bolts snd pieces and then pulling the dash backward from the top?

I mean without actually removing the dash completely.

 

[Cooker]

You do not need to remove the dash completely. You just need to remove everything from it, loosen it, and pull it towards the rear of the truck.

 

[standrey]

Just pulled mine out; took three hours. Waiting for parts to come in, had trouble finding after market evaporator but did not want the same junk. Debating leaving the foam wrap out? Might help stop corrosion? I may put a few drops of rtv around for rattle controls. Just lowered steering wheel, pulled dash onto seat on right side only. Previous threads have advised it is important to change the accumulator & orifice at the same time, I wonder if this is included in your estimates?

 

[Charliegeis]

I had it fixed at a small local dealer (Abernethy Dodge) in Lincolnton, NC. They gave me an estimate of $800 to do the evaporator core. I asked them to also replace the heater core while they had it apart. The heater core was $226. The total bill with taxes and "DISPOSABLES $20) ADDED IN CAME TO $1071. They did not replace the expansion valve. It seems to work good.

 

[standrey]

Finally found an after market evaporator,( special order from Pep Boys) $149. Everything went together smooth, also replaced the accumulator and orfice. The orfice screen was about 1/3 clogged & dirty so I was glad the threads had warned us to replace it whenever the system is opened, ( $4. 00 at Wuk's). Its been a week now & everything is working great so I think we got it. Total cost $250. 00 includeing freon. Thanks for all the threads, owning a Ram is such fun as long as one has the TDR to make it easy.