2002 Caravan

I hope someone out there can help me with this problem. I have a 2002 Caravan with 80K on it and the A/C is running poorly. When I first got it the A/C was so cold it would freeze you ____ off. Slowly over time (years) it got warmer and warmer. Now it totally cut out some times. The compressor is turning and the freon pressure is good. What is the most likely culprit? What does a compressor replacement cost? The car just got rearended and I am trying to decide if I should cut and run or get it fixed. Other than the crash damage the A/C and a drop in MPG latley are the only issues. Any thoughts?

Thanks Jon

Compressors are not cheap and typically the failure is to run out of coolant or freon. A recharge may help.

Hmmm. I'd start by verifying the refrigerant level (evac, recharge with correct amount, retest). Having said that, som earlier Caravans had A/C compressors which would fail prematurely and Chrysler extended the warranty on those to 7 years/70,000 miles from the original in service date. Since yours has 80K, it wouldn't be covered.

How does one go about testing for a bad compressor?

thanks Jon