It's old but drives like new. 93 buick park ave. I take it to firestone because the A/C went out last summer. Everything else works. They tell me the computer isn't talking to the compresser. It's got climate controll and dual zone and all that hogwash. $770 for the computer and THEN we figure out if the compresser is still good. Of course I call a timeout. He counters that if I'm going to dump the car he is interested in it for his brother. Might this computer issue be bull? I plan to take it elsewhere for a check but thought I'd get feedback from the wise folks on this forum.

You're already on the right path: second opinion.

Frankly, I wouldn't take a wheelbarrow to Firestone. Not that they've got the only dishonest techs in town...

Agreed...second opinion. I would think you could test the compressor without a new computer...no?

As an aside...a guy told me the other day that a friend of his was buying junker cars wherever he could find them for a hundred bucks or so and was getting $400 to $500 for 'em due to current high scrap prices....who wudda thunk it?

Yep, a second opinion is in order.

Good luck!

Computer isn't talking to the compressor? But oddly enough, it's talking to everything else I'll bet...

First, you do a simple voltage test to see if power is being supplied to the compressor clutch when you activate the AC.

If not, then you check the low-freon cutout switch. Pull the plug off the switch, then run a jumper across the plug connections. Does THAT activate the AC clutch?

If yes, then you're low on freon
If no, then check the voltage at the clutch again.

If yes voltage, your clutch is bad.
If no, voltage, then---that's as far as I can troubleshoot no voltage to the plug without repair info...BUT, this means the compressor still needs to be tested WITH voltage, which can be done by applying 12 volts to the hot input on the compressor...

If it still doesn't work, the compressor clutch is bad
If it DOES work, THEN you're looking at a deeper problem, such as a switch, relay, or---maybe the computer...

And I don't intend for YOU to do all this testing---This is the minimum of testing THEY should've done before EVER blaming the computer....

If they didn't, run away...

FR is right - computer not talking to compressor? Interesting.

It's true there are small electrical circuits in the climate control that tell the compressor to turn on and off. I'd hardly call these "computers", but a mechanic would.

Anyway, as FR describes, it would be pretty easy to check and see if the engage signal is coming to the compressor.

If it is the "computer", I would never spend $770 for a car that old. Junkyards have got to be full of them, and you should be able to get one for about $25-50.

Run from these guys. Find a good independent mechanic that will work on it.

i'd just ship the car to FR and let him fix it. might need a big box, though.

Take it to an automotive A/C repair shop.

Ice Cold!

After the A/C quit last year when the car was started the outside temp would flash. If you pressed cool the econ button would light up. So Saturday, after Fstone had their way, I disconnect battery and rehook it. No more flash on the screen and cool button stays on. I'm a computer guy! My version of ctrl, alt, delete. And I detect a bit of cool air. Take it to another place and it's charged and working well. No new computer and no new compresser. New guy says Fstone cut a wire in engine compartment and didn't repair it. He said some shops will do that in their testing procedure. Interesting.

I've never had a problem with Fstone b4, but have only needed basic maintenence. With a coupon, and their good location, is was a no brainer. They will never see my shadow again. Might call 'em and give a earfull. Thanks for all replys.

Thanks for the update. Truly sad that they would either 1.) be so dishonest as to try to cheat you or 2.) So inept as to not know how to diagnose low refrigerant.
Glad it worked out for you.

Agree. Afraid I believe 1.) to be the case.

looks like that Firestone was following the practices that scorched SearsAutomotive about 20 years ago here in CA,
boy did they get a heap of fines and negative legal publicity