1999 Dodge Stratus Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line Replacement Cost

A damaged or broken air conditioning refrigerant line will likely cause the air conditioner to stop working properly. This can be an inconvenience. It does not present an immediate safety concern. The vehicle can be driven with a compromised refrigerant line. However, the longer the problem is left unrepaired, especially if the refrigerant has leaked out of the system or the flow of refrigerant is restricted, the higher the likelihood that moisture will enter the air conditioning system and compromise the integrity of the components, leading to premature failure.

The air conditioning refrigerant lines should last the lifetime of the vehicle. However, it is not uncommon for the o-ring seals at the connecting ends of a line to deteriorate over time and cause refrigerant to leak out. It is possible for the refrigerant lines to become damaged if the vehicle is in a crash, or during careless service of other components in the engine compartment.

By using specialized equipment, a technician may place a vacuum on the air conditioning system to determine if the system is leaking. If a leak is present, the technician can gently pressurize the system and employ one or more techniques to determine the location of the leak. Oil that is present in the refrigerant under normal circumstances may be present at a leak site. The oil may be especially noticeable if the leak is on the condenser. A soap and water mixture can help locate where refrigerant is escaping from a line or connection. A dye can be injected into the system. This dye shows up under black light and can sometimes be seen escaping from a leak site. Finally, a tool called a leak detector can be used to "sniff" out leaking refrigerant.

Once a damaged or leaking air conditioning refrigerant line has been located, a technician will use specialized equipment to evacuate any remaining refrigerant in the air conditioning system. Any engine accessories or components that are in the way will need to be removed before the line is disconnected, removed, and replaced. It will also be necessary for the technician to determine how much refrigerant needs to be installed in the system after the refrigerant line has been installed.

It is common for the Air Conditioning system to require an Evacuation and Recharge during this repair. This will be an additional cost that is not reflected in this estimate.

RepairPal recommends that the air conditioner be operated at least once a month to ensure that the refrigerant and oil in the system is circulated regularly. It should be noted that a puddle of water forming under the vehicle is a natural byproduct of condensation when the air conditioner is running. If a refrigerant line is found to be damaged (bent or crushed) but not leaking, it is recommended that the line be replaced as soon as possible to prevent restriction of the flow of refrigerant and premature AC compressor failure.