Evaporater core replacement, am I getting screwed?

[khc3]

Awhile back, I stopped getting cold air from my AC, or dehumidified air from my defrost settings. I did the o-ring repair on the head unit a few years ago, and the blend doors/flaps seem to be actuating properly.

The service people said it needs an evaporater core replacement, with the part costing $142 and labor of around $950. I was told the core is in the engine bay, and they don’t need to go through the dash to fix it. Labor seems excessive, but maybe not, I don’t know.

Btw, it’s a 2003 black B car, owned since new. Daily driver, gonna keep her till they take my license away. Anyway, would love any advice y’all can provide.

[cheapthrillb2]

That's excessive for a evap. Replacement.

Figure 100-200 on the evac/recharge. Part cost. Taxes. Then labor, which should come in less then $300 usually. My shop is $85/hr.

[NorthShoreChiMM]

can somebody post a link to the evap replacement procedure for future reference, thanks.

[Zack]

Probably needs an orifice tube, which costs a few dollars

[cheapthrillb2]

Orifice tube is $2 for a oem replacement style.

[cheapthrillb2]

$634 at my shop for a Napa brand evap.

[Curless]

$529 plus parts here at my shop...

[fastblackmerc]

In addition to parts already mentioned, I'd also replace the receiver dryer and don't forget evacuate & recharge.

[khc3]

Thanks for replies. I found local places whose rates were closer to what you describe.

[SGT_MERC]

The evap core housing is a mother to get out. I'm replacing mine this spring and gonna do it through the passengers side fender well, pulling the blower housing apart in pieces.