My car’s A/C has been kaput all summer and I can’t take it anymore, especially with the hour-long drives to see my dad a few times a week. I need an honest mechanic who will tell me exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it costs. I don’t want any unnecessary work done. Can anyone recommend someone?
Thanks,
Adam
Is it for your Honda? I’ll check with my mechanic and see if he works on Honda cars. He’s in Glen Burnie, will that be OK?
Can’t recommend anyone per se, because I do my own AC repairs. Let’s start with backstory. Is the compressor clutch pulling in? Is it rapidly cycling? Is it doing anything? Did you check the AC fuse to see if power is going to the fan clutch? What year and model vehicle? Has anyone else messed with it?
You do your own AC repairs? That’s awesome.
Try Car Talk’s Mechan-X Files:
Yes, my Honda. Glen Burnie’s just fine. Thanks for checking. 
Well, when we went to get the freon recharged at Jiffy Lube, the technician pointed out that some electrical line to the compressor had been cut. The end of the line was taped, as if someone who had been working on the car cut it, taped it for safety, and never put it back. A few different mechanics have worked on the car, so it would be hard for me to say who did it. I also have another line going to the radiator that seems to have been ripped apart, but my temperature gauge hasn’t read anything wonky. I’d still like to see what it goes to, though.
I’ll check them out. Thanks!
Adam
Go to www.iatn.net. Look for the Shop Finder box, and choose the “member directory” towards the bottom. You can scroll through the various appropriate towns in Maryland. Important – look for a shop or person in blue. These are sponsoring members, and they are the good guys of auto repair.
Be aware that’s it’s a near certainty no one can possibly tell you exactly what is needed without some investment in testing, service, and/or repair. For example, if the system is low on refrigerant, it will first have to be recharged, then performance-tested, then leak-tested.
Yes, he works on Honda vehicles. My mechanic’s name is Brad and he works at City Imports. He says you can bring it in today, if you’d like.
Our guy is Joe from Holzhauser’s. Imports his specialty. He’s been Dave’s mechanic for a hundred years; Dave will call and ask a price for something, and Joe will tell him flat-out if it’s cheaper for Dave to do it and then explain how.
Wow. That’s awesome. I suggest you go with Ginger and Dave’s guy. My guy’s very pricey. Honest, but pricey.
I don’t know if Joe would do that for just anyone, is the thing. Plus, he’s up in Harford.
Just MapQuested it. Dave drives far to get his car worked on. :eek:
Adam
I get my cars worked on at Tucker’s Sunoco in Chesapeake Beach, which is a half-hour south of Annapolis. (Md 2 south to Md 260, left on 260, right on 261 at the bay, Tucker’s is on your left at the top of the first little hill. 301-855-6788.) They are an old-fashioned greasemonkey shop, and I mean that in all the best ways. They are good, they are honest, and they are inexpensive. If you can’t find a reliable place that’s closer to you, give 'em a call and bring your car down thisaway.
Nah, not really when you consider he lived up there for 12 years, and we just moved here in 2003. I’ll drive a loooong way for a good, honest mechanic. It’s only about 25 minutes from the house. AND, when we bought our Villager, we called Joe to find out who could take care of it, being a domestic vehicle and all that. He said he could, since it’s just a Nissan Quest with a different name plate. Huzzah!