Quote:
Originally Posted by cotocatmom
Does anyone know if continuing to drive with a failed a/c condenser and accumulator line can cause any damage to a car? (ie to the engine or other internal parts aside from the a/c?) I obviously do not turn the a/c or fan on, or else the car starts to overheat. I leave it turned off. I'm debating fixing it, but I already spent $1200 at another shop... They replaced the compressor and some other parts, but that wasn't the problem. Took it to the dealership and they immediately said it is the condenser. Really don't want to spend another $1200 and can live without a/c as I live on the coast where it's cooler... Just worried about whether the condenser has any other function aside from a/c? And if leaving it broken can damage the vehicle in the long run.  |
it wont hurt anything important. as noted many modern cars use the a/c system when running the defroster, so defrosting the windshield should it be necessary will take much longer than normal.
there are other issues though you need to deal with. the longer you leave the a/c system open, the more moisture will get into the system, and will cause problems down the road, including damaging your new compressor.
if you dont want to repair your system right now i suggest a few things;
1: remove the belt that drives the compressor, assuming you have multiple belts. if a single serpentine belt, then you are SOL on that point, however you can disconnect the compressor so that it cant be energized. be sure to insulate the connector so that you dont short the system out should you accidentally energize the compressor.
2: disconnect the a/c lines, and plug as many openings as possible to prevent moisture from enerting the system.
3: talk to your mechanic, and ask him if you bought the necessary parts to repair the system, would he install them for you. recognize that he will not warranty any of the parts since you supply them. if he will then start buying parts, like a new condenser, a new receiver/dryer, the various underhood hoses. this way when you are ready to have the system repaired, you can drop the parts off and he can do the job fairly quickly.
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