I have a 2004 tiburon and the A/C system caught fire...how do I get it fixed for less than $2000?

Question

This is a manufacturers defect I know, but shouldn't my "great " warranty cover shoddy manufacturing? I live in Fl so it is impossible to sell a car without A/C.

Answer 1

What part of it caught fire?  I'm going to assume the compressor caught fire because the clutch locked up.  What else did it damage besides the compressor.  If you need just a compressor you should be able to do that for about $900.  (You'll need a receiver/Drier too but that's part of the price I quoted)  I don't know why you would need a condenser or evaporator.  You may need a manifold hose set but that should still keep you at around $1100.

Answer 2

Is the dealership telling you they won't cover it under warranty?  Or are you over the mileage limit?

Unless they detected external damage to the component or the cause was something you were at fault for, there is no reason it shouldn't be covered under the 5 yr/ 60,000 mile warranty.

At any rate, Hyundai now has remanufactured compressors:

Price is the same for the 2.0L or 2.7L - $320.00.  Labor to replace is approx 1 hour (if the compressor is the only part to be replaced).  To evacuate (which has to be done first) and recharge takes approx 1.5 hours.  So at 2.5 hours at $85.00/ hour you've got $212.50 labor + $320.00 parts = $532.50 plus any taxes and any additional refrigerant that may need to be added.  

You would need a thorough diagnosis to know everything that needs to be replaced.  Try another dealership, there are over 40 in your state.  Call and explain the problem you're having with your local dealer.  Most times, they will do everything they can to 'one up' the offending dealer, so you can give them a good verbal review (and they can say na na na na na na :-)

Also, special certification is needed to work with R134A or any other kind of refrigerant.  Make sure your tech is certified in HVAC and refrigerant handling.