Rep Power: 0

The AC compressor on my 2014 Hybrid Civic locked up and I was told by the mechanic that it would cost about $2500 for repairs. BUT they said the AC compressor locking up could have caused more damage to the rest of the engine- "metal fillings" throughout the system. My friend who is more mechanically inclined says that this claim of more damage to the rest of the car does not sound right because the AC compressor is in a closed system, separate from the rest of the engine.

Can anyone weigh in on who is correct here?

 
Rep Power: 125

The AC compressor is much more involved in the operating system of a hybrid. There will be an electric motor that operates the AC compressor when the engine does its shut-off procedure. I'm thinking you misunderstood what the mechanic was saying, because there would probably be no damage to the engine, but there could be to the electric motor. Since the AC compressor is much more involved, it costs more and there's more labor involved. $2500 doesn't sound completely outrageous to me based on the light reading I've done.

 
Rep Power: 224

Maybe they meant metal shavings inside the rest of the A/C system? That could absolutely happen if the compressor failed. Every A/C component then needs to be replaced or thoroughly flushed out to avoid damaging the new compressor.

 
Rep Power: 222

They meant metal particles in the AC system