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We have many of the same issues - have you been able to repair the issues?
I took it into a Cadillac Service Center (in Chantilly, VA) and they told me that I had ZERO freeon in the car (obviously) and that there is a major leak around the Evaporator core and possible around the AC compressor. Bottom line, to fix/replace everything its going to run about $3,500.
They gave me an alternative option to Evacuate and Recharge the system instead of the new parts which would run about $410, but there is no guarantee this will work & last (it could last for 1week - 1+ year).
My questions are:
1) Has anyone had any success with an AC Evacuate and Recharge?
2) Is it possible that the Cadillac dealer is just vastly over charging me? I'd spend up $1,000 to get my AC working again but not much more.
2b) If the aforementioned problems are legit, can I trust local auto shop or car AC specialist to get it running again? If so, any suggestions on where to take it?
Please advise if you have had any experience with this type of issue. So far I've had good luck with my Catera, but there is no way I'm going to put $1,000+ into it just for AC, on the other hand, I'm not ready to give it up yet (it has <60,000 miles!).
THANKS!
As for me... I wouldnt personally trust ANY dealership unless they are willing to put the work and expected results in WRITING. I think they always overcharge... they make a lot of money in the service department. It sounds like you definately have a leak that would waste your $$ on the evaculate/recharge... but that's just my opinion. An evacuate/recharge is typically done when it's suspected that moisture has gotten into the system and it must be pulled out and then replaced with fresh dry freon.
You might consider getting a second and third opinion at a local A/C shop that's been in business for a long time... perhaps they are fairly honest and reputable.
Good luck with your A/C work... it stinks not having that working.
Brad Cad 2000
If anyone knows what my problem might be, I would greatly appreciate any feedback.
Thanks,
Joe
Brad Cad 2000
oh and a part that can't even handle the presser the water pump puts out o think that the prob but i thinkl the parts i got are old and no good so hay i say buy i got the sports pack like MIB? i took apart the gear selcter and painted the lil button red
i fly but i don't leave the ground :P :shades:
could you kinda talk me through it.... thanks.. ( I would not mind doing it if I knew where to start........( other than opening up the hood (s))....lee
My Catera - only in the Summer - will not re-start for 20 - 45 mins after I've driven it for awhile. I don't have heat coming from the passenger dash in the Winter, but at least it doesn;t stall out. It's driving me crazy! I've already replaced the radiator and I do still have a coolant leak.
I just can't afford to pay the dealership repair prices but I need to keep this car running for another 4 - 6 months,.
Please, please, please help.
The first time it was a wheel weight an automatic car wash took off.
The second time was gravel built up on the inside of my rim behind the "spokes". (I live on a gravel road.) I have to wash these nearly every time after it rains or else the gravel will build up and cause the car to shake on the highway. I have aftermarket konig rims so this may not be an issue with the factory rims ( I had nothing but problems with my factory rims after 100k)
I've heard many Catera owners complain about tie rod problems (I think there might of even been a recall on earlier models) but I dont think it would cause the car to shake that badly. Sounds like a problem in the wheel/tire area but that just my .02
Best of luck.
I asked what exactly will the mechanic find that will prove proofpositive that the accident caused the light to comeon. The reply, "Well, they probably won't be able to tell!!!"
Call me simple minded, but the light was not coming on before the accident. Right after the accident it is coming on. What else could be causing it???
- I would like reimbursement for my time, the mechanics time, the battery replacement costs, the portable charger I carry in my car, and the frustration my family has experienced (including the failure of the car to start while in a funeral procession).
- In addition, I would like a promise of reimbursement for future charges for similar expenses.
Why? Based on what my mechanic shared with me regarding Bulletin Number 02-06-03-008C dated May 30, 2007. Basically, the design of the charging system fails to properly charge the battery when the vehicle is used for its intended purpose, daily driving.
Their response to date is that they would like me to take it to an authorized dealership to have the car checked out, at MY expense. My response was
I used my neighborhood mechanic, whom I have been using for the past 25 years. He is as honest as the day is long. He is located within walking distance of my home and employer and is on my way to work. As such, when I experience things that appear to battery related, I used him. I do us the local Cadillac Dealership on larger issues. I told them that I am sure that you can pull up the complete list of problems that they have repaired. If absolutely necessary, I will take the car to them. I would prefer not to be further inconvenienced by having to schedule time with them. Last year, they had my vehicle for close to 10 days.
As such, I indicated that if you would do the diagnostic at no cost to me, I'd be happy to take it to the dealership.
Their response was, no I'd have to pay for it.
So, Service Bulletin notwithstanding, they want to inconvenience me further and make me pay more to boot.
I told them I was not satisfied and asked who I could talk with further. They told me someone would be contacting me within 24 hours. Well 24 hours, then 24 days, and now close to 24 weeks have passed by. Guess what, I have heard nothing.
What do you know about the referenced service bulletin??? Am I being unrealistic???