Auto Air repair in CM.......where to go?

[cheeryble]

I need a full overhaul........air turning itself on and off mostly off.......was told long ago my compressor or something was only working at 70%. that should be fixed too.

 

I wanted to give it to Joe at Denso in CR who speaks perfect English and was helpful and fair priced, but need to do it sooner in CM.

I'd like someone like Joe in CM who I can communicate with and trust.

I use Ton at ProAuto for regular work but presume this is better with a specialist.

 

As I use the car constantly downtime is v important .

 

ps any hints as to the turning off and on would be appreciated.

Could be a thermostat or just low fluid (not touched for years)

 

Thanks

[pgrahmm]

This is the only place I'd trust.....Used Am----y & always multiple visits (7 for one car - still went warm after 3 months)....Took it to Pro Auto = fixed right the first time at a fraction of the cost....

They now do all the work on our 3 cars & they've ended up redoing

the failed work of BQ & other shops....

It's a great relief having found one shop  that does things correctly at good prices versus chasing all around town & finding out the hard way (which I did)....

English speaking & will pick up and deliver/road calls once you know them....

Can communicate via Line with pics & estimates/updates....

 

Edited October 2, 2017 by pgrahmm

[Dante99]

I too have had multiple visits for one repair several times at A---y and dropped them off my list.  10-15 years ago they were quite good.  I still like Big C food court though.  Dang Krong Pratu airport shop sorted out the ac in my old truck just fine.  Have not tried Pro Auto for ac.

[BuddyDean]

If you have a transverse mounted engine, check to see if both fans are working.  The a/c will shut down if the second fan doesn't come on.  

[elektrified]

Although there is nothing wrong with the above shop and they are very nice people, they are not A/C specialists. You need an A/C specialist. We too, went to A...way for many years and they were very kind to us, but after a quote of 13,000 Baht for a repair - switched to this place about 3 or 4 years ago. They are the best. They always have a queue of mini-vans there where they literally take the A/C systems completely out and apart and clean, rebuild and repair them. Their prices are very reasonable. I'm not an expert with google maps so in case my link below is wrong, here are their numbers: 053-140478 and 081-9528439 You need to get there in the morning and get in the queue. Last time I got there at 8:30 and it was too early. All of the technicians were asleep on the floor and I woke them up when I walked in! I was queue No.1 and the car was ready by around 13:00. 9:15 is probably fine.

 

It's in Nong Hoi, a short walk from Plaza 89 on the opposite side of the street - heading away from the city about a block or two.

 

https://www.google.co.th/maps/@18.7501253,99.0099978,3a,75y,111.08h,90.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sr0LS6_xNag_IstAQ2H0OoA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en

Edited October 2, 2017 by elektrified

[cheeryble]

Thanks for all replies am running out will get back to you.

ps i have a Vitara straight engine but i was told the electric fan wasn't working.

It doesn't seem to matter temp is OK as the fan also runs off the crankshaft .....it's on the list to do at ProAuto

Could this be a problem for the AC and maybe its an intermittent fault?

[cheeryble]

4 hours ago, pgrahmm said:

This is the only place I'd trust.....Used Am----y & always multiple visits (7 for one car - still went warm after 3 months)....Took it to Pro Auto = fixed right the first time at a fraction of the cost....

They now do all the work on our 3 cars & they've ended up redoing

the failed work of BQ & other shops....

It's a great relief having found one shop  that does things correctly at good prices versus chasing all around town & finding out the hard way (which I did)....

English speaking & will pick up and deliver/road calls once you know them....

Can communicate via Line with pics & estimates/updates....

 

 

Thanks Pgrahmm and Dante

I will avoid the one you say.

I actually so use Ton at ProAuto but thought this merited a specialist.

I had a word with Ton and he said he has someone who can take a look......in fact was going today but they a bit busy.

So I was thinking like electrified....use a specialist......but better follow through with at least a quick check with Ton......feel obliged now.......though I'm a good customer doubt he'd hold it against me.

Hmmmm.......(scratches chin)

[cheeryble]

3 hours ago, BuddyDean said:

If you have a transverse mounted engine, check to see if both fans are working.  The a/c will shut down if the second fan doesn't come on.  

 

Thanks Buddy pls see my post no 6 about fan

[cheeryble]

2 hours ago, elektrified said:

Although there is nothing wrong with the above shop and they are very nice people, they are not A/C specialists. You need an A/C specialist. We too, went to A...way for many years and they were very kind to us, but after a quote of 13,000 Baht for a repair - switched to this place about 3 or 4 years ago. They are the best. They always have a queue of mini-vans there where they literally take the A/C systems completely out and apart and clean, rebuild and repair them. Their prices are very reasonable. I'm not an expert with google maps so in case my link below is wrong, here are their numbers: 053-140478 and 081-9528439 You need to get there in the morning and get in the queue. Last time I got there at 8:30 and it was too early. All of the technicians were asleep on the floor and I woke them up when I walked in! I was queue No.1 and the car was ready by around 13:00. 9:15 is probably fine.

 

It's in Nong Hoi, a short walk from Plaza 89 on the opposite side of the street - heading away from the city about a block or two.

 

https://www.google.co.th/maps/@18.7501253,99.0099978,3a,75y,111.08h,90.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sr0LS6_xNag_IstAQ2H0OoA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en

Excellent detail thanks if I move to a specialist will give them a try.

Convenient situation too.

[cmsally]

3 hours ago, elektrified said:

Although there is nothing wrong with the above shop and they are very nice people, they are not A/C specialists. You need an A/C specialist. We too, went to A...way for many years and they were very kind to us, but after a quote of 13,000 Baht for a repair - switched to this place about 3 or 4 years ago. They are the best. They always have a queue of mini-vans there where they literally take the A/C systems completely out and apart and clean, rebuild and repair them. Their prices are very reasonable. I'm not an expert with google maps so in case my link below is wrong, here are their numbers: 053-140478 and 081-9528439 You need to get there in the morning and get in the queue. Last time I got there at 8:30 and it was too early. All of the technicians were asleep on the floor and I woke them up when I walked in! I was queue No.1 and the car was ready by around 13:00. 9:15 is probably fine.

 

It's in Nong Hoi, a short walk from Plaza 89 on the opposite side of the street - heading away from the city about a block or two.

 

https://www.google.co.th/maps/@18.7501253,99.0099978,3a,75y,111.08h,90.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sr0LS6_xNag_IstAQ2H0OoA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en

Seconded, these guys are good but do seem to specialise in minivans.

[Samuel Smith]

16 minutes ago, cmsally said:

Seconded, these guys are good but do seem to specialise in minivans.

 

Taken my pickup there a couple of times.  Recommend them.

[BuddyDean]

9 hours ago, cheeryble said:

Thanks for all replies am running out will get back to you.

ps i have a Vitara straight engine but i was told the electric fan wasn't working.

It doesn't seem to matter temp is OK as the fan also runs off the crankshaft .....it's on the list to do at ProAuto

Could this be a problem for the AC and maybe its an intermittent fault?

Crankshaft fan is cooling the radiator, that is why the engine is staying cool.  If you have a second electric fan under the hood, then that is needed to. cool the condensing coil.  Look at the outside portion of your home a/c.  Notice all the air blowing from it, when it runs?  If that fan was broken, your indoor unit fan would blow warm air...and with today's electronics, might just shut down completely.  If the fan is getting current, replace the fan.  If not..check the fuse, and/or relay, which is in or by the fuse box, near the battery.  There is also a sensor telling the relay to power or not.  Some mechanics will just run power direct to the fan bypassing the sensors.  Generally, it is much more of an electrical issue, than a mechanical issue.  Especially, with an intermittent issue.  The Honda Accord automatic transmissions are giving people fits, and they are still getting stranded after rebuilding the mechanics of the tranny.  A few sensors, smaller than a ping pong ball are usually the culprit.  No one likes the dealer, but they are the only ones, who will have the proprietary parts and diagnostic equipment.  

Edited October 2, 2017 by BuddyDean

[cheeryble]

Very

2 hours ago, BuddyDean said:

Crankshaft fan is cooling the radiator, that is why the engine is staying cool.  If you have a second electric fan under the hood, then that is needed to. cool the condensing coil.  Look at the outside portion of your home a/c.  Notice all the air blowing from it, when it runs?  If that fan was broken, your indoor unit fan would blow warm air...and with today's electronics, might just shut down completely.  If the fan is getting current, replace the fan.  If not..check the fuse, and/or relay, which is in or by the fuse box, near the battery.  There is also a sensor telling the relay to power or not.  Some mechanics will just run power direct to the fan bypassing the sensors.  Generally, it is much more of an electrical issue, than a mechanical issue.  Especially, with an intermittent issue.  The Honda Accord automatic transmissions are giving people fits, and they are still getting stranded after rebuilding the mechanics of the tranny.  A few sensors, smaller than a ping pong ball are usually the culprit.  No one likes the dealer, but they are the only ones, who will have the proprietary parts and diagnostic equipment.  

 

Great info Buddy

i used to fix my own cars but being from England that didn't include aircon back in the day.

I've only just realised there's a second radiator fitting closely with the first and on crawling under the car in the middle of the night I find what i now know is the AC fan. Cant see or play with the motor.

Access needs a bit of panelling removing but I managed to play with a fan blade with a thin brush handle. I believe......not sure awkward to touch.....that it is not turning nicely and there may be some rattling as I mess with it. The fan is not running even with ignition and AC on so not sure about that.

So best guess is.....tell me if I'm wrong.....AC fan motor or AC fan blade bearing. This just needs a close look and maybe a multimeter.

I could probably get this all out myself in the morning but promised myself to get others to do my dirty work.

 

If I decide to replace the compressor I was told long ago is not up to snuff, whats the rough cost? (The compressor clutch was replaced a year or so ago, hoping that comes separate.

Also am I right in thinking there may be things to clean, like the AC rad or any filters on the way to the interior?

 

cheers!

Edited October 2, 2017 by cheeryble

[BuddyDean]

That whole fan assembly can be removed, often a square housing, mounted by four bolts, and one electrical connector.  Junk yards would sell the whole panel.  It isn't a centrifugal fan, so there is no clutch, it is a lot more like a bathroom exhaust fan.  But, even when working, that fan doesn't start when you turn the key....that is where the sensor comes in.  But, here where you run ac 11 months of the year, it is better for it to run all the time....oh, but notice as you walk through a parking lot, you will hear fans running on cars that are turned off, but then they shut down, once the coil is cooled.  So, that is part of the sensor thing.  If it is obviously shot, then replace it, but usually it is sensor/electric so do some random checks and pop the hood...see if it is running.  Especially if the ac does kick on.

 

New compressor is I will guestimates 15-20k....but once you get the electrics taken care of, then talk to your rebuild guy.  A question is how did the compressor respond to no fan.  If it has repeatedly overheated than it could be shot.  And, I don't even know if those are rebuildable.  

 

Start with the multimeter on the fan.

Edited October 2, 2017 by BuddyDean

[cheeryble]

11 hours ago, BuddyDean said:

That whole fan assembly can be removed, often a square housing, mounted by four bolts, and one electrical connector.  Junk yards would sell the whole panel.  It isn't a centrifugal fan, so there is no clutch, it is a lot more like a bathroom exhaust fan.  But, even when working, that fan doesn't start when you turn the key....that is where the sensor comes in.  But, here where you run ac 11 months of the year, it is better for it to run all the time....oh, but notice as you walk through a parking lot, you will hear fans running on cars that are turned off, but then they shut down, once the coil is cooled.  So, that is part of the sensor thing.  If it is obviously shot, then replace it, but usually it is sensor/electric so do some random checks and pop the hood...see if it is running.  Especially if the ac does kick on.

 

New compressor is I will guestimates 15-20k....but once you get the electrics taken care of, then talk to your rebuild guy.  A question is how did the compressor respond to no fan.  If it has repeatedly overheated than it could be shot.  And, I don't even know if those are rebuildable.  

 

Start with the multimeter on the fan.

 

Had a better look the AC fan blade is definitely wobbly. What surprises me is that it works sporadically.

Fuses healthy.

 

Would be tempted to have a go myself but lots of cowling and I'd like the whole system checked so will go in to the shop Thursday.

 

New compressor may be that expensive eh? Ouch. Presume they do rebuilds?

 

Buddy, not that it matters much but are you sure a sensor needs to cut in for the fan to come on? (see attached though don't think it's exactly my model)

 

 

[BuddyDean]

Some continue to run with the car off, that's why I thought their would be a sensor, but I also stated relay as a likely candidate.  The cowling would come out with the fan assembly..and I could see how that could start getting pretty involved in a small engine compartment.  Could remove radiator or worse.  I wonder if you got some kind of rat or bird up in that fan....If that compressor is made in Thai; might be more like 10k.

 

I was just reading on a Toyota forum, and there was talk of the sensor located on the bottom of the compressor.  If the compressor seizes, it disengages the magnetic clutch, and if the sensor is bad, it does the same.  It signals to the ECU.  Lots of trial and error....it will be cool in a month...lol.

Edited October 3, 2017 by BuddyDean

[cheeryble]

 

2 hours ago, BuddyDean said:

Some continue to run with the car off, that's why I thought their would be a sensor, but I also stated relay as a likely candidate.  The cowling would come out with the fan assembly..and I could see how that could start getting pretty involved in a small engine compartment.  Could remove radiator or worse.  I wonder if you got some kind of rat or bird up in that fan....If that compressor is made in Thai; might be more like 10k.

 

I was just reading on a Toyota forum, and there was talk of the sensor located on the bottom of the compressor.  If the compressor seizes, it disengages the magnetic clutch, and if the sensor is bad, it does the same.  It signals to the ECU.  Lots of trial and error....it will be cool in a month...lol.

 

Funny enough after finding the AC fan blade is definitely wobbly on it's bearings, the aircon worked for all my driving this morning. Go figure.

I found a couple of thingies near the rad which I thought might be dedicated fuses but may be your relays. Let's take a shot....

 

As I say Im not going to do myself but like to learn and always good to have a bit of knowledge when buying parts, talking about work etc.

Edited October 3, 2017 by cheeryble

[BuddyDean]

Is it a Denso compressor?

[cheeryble]

44 minutes ago, BuddyDean said:

Is it a Denso compressor?

 

Can't see a name on the casing

There's a little green and silver label on the rear end but can't read it even with a mirror.

Don't think it says Denso though 

Looks like a number 

I think it must be th original compressor as I had the car since it was a few thousand km old, and it's a 16V engine so think it's made in Japan.

 

 

Edited October 3, 2017 by cheeryble

[cheeryble]

Buddy oddly enough today the aircon worked in it's very limited way.

Yet the AC fan was not spinning at the beginning or end of the day so likely not in between (in any case there;s enough play in it that I reckon I'd her something if it started.)

 

I'm just thinking with no fan wouldn't the air still work a bit, just not as cool without the fan, and maybe that's what was happening today.

 

Meaning changing the fan might be enough to bring the AC temp down to an acceptable shade of cool?

[cheeryble]

The story continues...

 

Air has been working gently as yesterday.

I checked again with a torch through the grille and sure enough the AC fan wasn't on.

Happened to be coming back from Doi Saket so i went into the Suzuki dealer on the main road where I happen to know the owner and his wife. Unofrtnuatley Awirat the owner wasn't there as he speaks good English.

Being pretty sure that at least the AC fan was at fault went there to check the price from Suzuki.

 

A mechanic came out for a look see.

He started poking around and I learned something immediately, a pipe junction which was definitely cold.

I tried to tell him in This what I thought of the fan, but he went for the pair of relays pictured in the last post and said they're dirty.

I think he was saying if I replace these there will be more power to the fan and it'll be OK.

They were 750 the pair so I just thought "do it" though I was wondering how a sealed relay gets dirty, and I had mentioned hearing a bit of intermittent mild noise from the fan area.

 

Well he did it .......but it didn't do it.

 

Well at least he had knowledge and he actually then pulled the radiator grille out in two minutes without removing any screws.

This 80% exposed the fan.

HAHA......it was mullahed.

Half the blades were missing for a start.

 

I thought Id check the price for a Suzuki replacement and they checked 

Oh......this part is no longer supplied.

Did a little detective work among the mechanics and went to a small but great little auto air suppliers near the station.

I needed a 14 inch. They had one EXACTLY the same fitting but too small.

Price? 790 but 700 because I'm a nice guy. That;s for the whole motor and fan assembly.

I guess if he could get a 14 inch he would have said.

 

So I shall go to Ton at ProAuto and tell him the facts.

 

The other good thing was the little shop can supply a compressor for about 3000 baht they said. (No AC clutch needed) so if this is indeed sub par I'll do it. But with a fan pushing more air through the AC rad we'll see how much cooler it gets.

The annoying news was the two relays would have cost me 80 baht each.

Still progress is progress.

 

 

[Bill97]

Great story. Went to check fan price, bought two 80 baht relays for 750 baht and more to come. Keep talking to those mechanics, it helps them learn English.

[cheeryble]

3 hours ago, Bill97 said:

Great story. Went to check fan price, bought two 80 baht relays for 750 baht and more to come. Keep talking to those mechanics, it helps them learn English.

On the plus side i learned where the cheap place was from the expensive place!!!

 

And now driving around with no grille like the Dukes of Hazzard

 

[pgrahmm]

46 minutes ago, cheeryble said:

On the plus side i learned where the cheap place was from the expensive place!!!

 

And now driving around with no grille like the Dukes of Hazzard

 

And still driving around hot....

I just had a t-stat housing, waterpump, oil seal, fan belt, and cooling system renewed with distilled water & coolant on our Daughters college car - Honda Civic.....The whole thing was barely 3,000B....

 

E-gawd

 

 

You're possibly spending more time, confusion, & money tromping around all over the place in the heat doing it catch as catch can - better off to just take it in & have Tonn and his guys fix the darn thing - they do warranty what they do....

Edited October 6, 2017 by pgrahmm

[Awk]

On 10/6/2017 at 8:44 AM, pgrahmm said:

And still driving around hot....

I just had a t-stat housing, waterpump, oil seal, fan belt, and cooling system renewed with distilled water & coolant on our Daughters college car - Honda Civic.....The whole thing was barely 3,000B....

 

E-gawd

 

 

You're possibly spending more time, confusion, & money tromping around all over the place in the heat doing it catch as catch can - better off to just take it in & have Tonn and his guys fix the darn thing - they do warranty what they do....

 

Yep, that's what I do.  Mr. Ton and Pro Auto is a gem of a shop here in CM.  

 

But there's a special kind of satisfaction in getting your hands dirty and working on something like this yourself, a satisfaction that is not related to saving time or money.   Cheers to Mr. Cheeryble.

[pgrahmm]

28 minutes ago, Awk said:

 

Yep, that's what I do.  Mr. Ton and Pro Auto is a gem of a shop here in CM.  

 

But there's a special kind of satisfaction in getting your hands dirty and working on something like this yourself, a satisfaction that is not related to saving time or money.   Cheers to Mr. Cheeryble.

Agreed - but going to 3-4-5 places where somebody different poking & prodding - guessing is not conducive to getting it done correctly....It might do more harm than good.....

Better to get one quality tech to follow diagnostic procedures - locate & repair, recheck, and QC the repair....Rather than have multiple people looking, tugging, removing - disconnecting, checking, guessing ....

No continuity there......Not a solid approach....No matter how satisfying/frustrating...

 

[Dante99]

34 minutes ago, pgrahmm said:

Agreed - but going to 3-4-5 places where somebody different poking & prodding - guessing is not conducive to getting it done correctly....It might do more harm than good.....

Better to get one quality tech to follow diagnostic procedures - locate & repair, recheck, and QC the repair....Rather than have multiple people looking, tugging, removing - disconnecting, checking, guessing ....

No continuity there......Not a solid approach....No matter how satisfying/frustrating...

 

Far too rational for CMTV.  

 

Remember Mr Grahmm the joy of playing Dukes of Hazard is priceless.

 

[cheeryble]

IN my defence (or praise) I was coming back from Lucky Dogs in Doi Saket and there coming on the left was the Suzuki sign.

I used only that place for years for my repairs and became friendly with the owner, the owner's wife, and the foreman.

I just thought as I'm going past I may as well check the Suzuki price for an AC fan in case of any supply problem.

Sensible so far?

The mechanic thing happened and he was so helpful I didn't want to stop him in midstream.

I found out valuable information fast.......exposed the fan ready for replacement, but found out Suzuki don't supply them any more. The mech showed me the nuts which need taking out for replacement without being asked.

This is all without going off my route and with enjoying a cocoa.

I asked where would i go to hope to find a fan?

The place in the road to Nawarat Bridge.

Directly en route into town.

So again without going ten steps off my route I now know the fan is not available there but I know the name and number and the price of a fan and a compressor if needed, way cheaper than I'd expected. More good info.

i will still go to Ton soon as there's a free hour or two but will check with him if he can suggest why I was told the compressor was only working 70% and if so can they test it.

I agree with PGrahm but Awk youre exactly right......I just like to know how things work, and to have a fiddle. 

 

I rest my case :)

[cheeryble]

3 hours ago, Dante99 said:

  

 

Remember Mr Grahmm the joy of playing Dukes of Hazard is priceless.

 

Specially playing with Daisy.

 

ps did you know the doors were welded shut on the Gen Lee they didn't just come out the windows to be cool?

Edited October 10, 2017 by cheeryble

[pgrahmm]

4 hours ago, cheeryble said:

Specially playing with Daisy.

 

ps did you know the doors were welded shut on the Gen Lee they didn't just come out the windows to be cool?

I'll leave that last line be....