Has anyone been ripped of $50 for a car airconditioning quote ? I booked my car in for a quote. The dealer DID NOT state at the time that they charge for quotes. I had no choice at the time than to pay the $50.

Consumer Affiars and VCAT will not hear a case at this charge in which this dealer knows this and so did I.

I wonder how many people they do this to?

They said that that "leaks will be located by adding ARGLO decection trace dye, use the airconditioner as much as possible & return in 5-7 days for an Ultra Violet Light Inspection, if it is the compressor then you will be charged approx $600".

Within 10 minutes of entering their office, I heard of two other people were charged with compressors at a hefty price ( they had new cars).

For the Leak inspection with the ARGLO method alone they wanted to charge me $185.00

Advice thanks

Hey there.

I can understand it must be frustrating to have them drop that one on you and perhaps in the future some better communication from will help avoid this.

Your A/C was not cold enough? Or was it not working at all?

$50 is probably a 0.5hr charge. Not bad for some quick checks and adding some dye....

A/C refrigerant is basically invisable but the PAG oil running with the gas is not. Adding some dye to the oil will make it much easier to find an A?C refrigerant leak later on....assuming there is one and assuming the oil leaks and not just the gas. To check for a suspected gas only leak you must drain the system correctly, add nitrogen for pressure and use soapy water to spot the leak/bubbles. That will cost you!

What sort of car are we talking? Astras and Barinas used to have failing compressor clutches.