Recall led to air conditioning problems

[kbald]

We recently had a recall done on our 2010 Subaru Outback for airbags.  I was told it would take 1 hour to fix took 6 hours.  Once we got the car back, we found that we didn't have any heat or air conditioning.  Apparently they found that the temp blend door was out of adjustment due to the recall work.  Now the heat works but the air conditioning is not.  They claim that it is due to lack of refrigerant in the AC System.   They wanted to charge me $250 to do a system check for leaks before they would put refrigerant in the system.  I feel like I am being scammed.  Why did it work before and now doesn't?  Any clues?   Does this make sense to anyone?  I want to call the service manager but I am not sure I have a case as I am not car savvy Any help is appreciated!

[idosubaru]

oh wow.  yeah considering how robust subaru a/c systems are that doesn't sound normal.  

 

the blend door sholdn't be related to the A/C charge....something certainly sounds amiss. 

[Olnick]

That's maddening!  If your A/C was working okay before you took it in, I'd suggest you do call the Service Manager.  And if he doesn't offer any help, call Subaru of America and get your complaint on the record.

[maozebong]

do you have an automatic climate control system? that could explain the blend door problem. 

 

when is the last time you used the ac and confirmed it is good? they leak in the typical spots, where flex lines are crimped and at the o-ring connections at the compressor. 

 

when they perform the ac service, make sure you have them note the amount of refrigerant recovered from your system, it will indicate if it was a sudden leak or a slow leak that is just now noticeable. 

[idosubaru]

also - it takes about 2 minutes to get a rudimentary check of existing pressure.  the auto parts store/wal-mart cans with a pressure gauge on top will give you an idea of how much refrigerant you have.  just buy one and use the guage only, not even the refrigerant.  at least you'll know what's going on without relying on some weird servie/warranty/broken something in your car scenario. 

 

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/interdynamics-ez-chill-r-134a-refrigerant-plus-oil-with-leak-sealer-18-oz.-mac-134/7010015-P

 

might even be able to just get one of these hoses, i think you can use these without a can attached, would be cheaper as it's not including any refrigerant.  but it would allow you to buy and use the cheaper normal 134 cans if needed:

http://www.idqusa.com/product/gbm-2cs_r-134arechargehosewithin-linegauge

 

start there. 

or a different mechanic/second oppinion - but that might hose your chances of having them cover it if they were part of the situation/cause.