go to an A/C parts store for the trade
talk to the repairmen buying parts
find a guy willing to moonlite
hire him at his overtime rate for cash

or check the start/run caps and limit switches

milt.....
ya i know to be careful..... unfortunately not everyone out there is honest. 3-4 guys i talked yesterday were cut from the same cloth as MM.

john walker's workshop.....
ya i would think that is the case but no.... the property management made it clear it was NOT their responsibility.... dont get me started on triple net fees!

DAEpperson......
wasnt the fuses.....

red-beard......
thats a great idea!!...... hadnt thought of that..... worth keeping in mind for the next project...... nice idea.

Brian 162
air was blowing, not cold... fuses were good.

Dottore....
what a knucklehead thing to write..... sweet jesus.

speeder....
yup me too only thought to call the pros.... not something that i come across often so i thought i reach out to you guys for options....

lubemaster77...
good idea...that has actually come into play with smaller stuff recently......

Eric Coffey.....
thanks for the thoughts.... got it resolved..... im with you now, know the process of elimination.

rick-l....
been handling the situation, hadnt looked at the responses, anyone can conclude i posted cuz i needed some insight, and your right salons stink... i try to stay away but sometimes i cant, like with this.

LeeH.....
i feel ya man.... alot of snakes out there....... we got a quote for 5k to replace the whole unit..... fucher took a look at it for 2 min.... BAM 5K!

nota.....
what a great idea..... hahaha thats cool....

UPDATE........ so spent most of the afternoon at the salon..... had a few repair guys come out and take a look.....AMAZING the feedback i got.......

turns out the one honest guy said that there was a small leak in a hose and the freon leaked out...... simple as that..... replaced the hose and filled up freon...... bill was 130.00!!!! and a couple of haircuts.......

phew.... dodged a big one.........

got some great feedback and ideas from you guys.... thanks to all..... oh and a knucklehead or two..... i guess there is one in every crowd.

i'm missing something to visualise things a bit more...

EXCELLENT!

Now to call the other guys and tell them you'll be reporting them to the BBB, state AG, local consumer reporters, etc.

You have to really cover your 6-hole when dealing with contractors of any stripe and if it's 100+ deg. and it's an A/C repairman, watch out...

...and a couple of haircuts.

See Speeder, the only place it is cold is in her shop!!!

Money is for chumps, I'll take goods and services anyday!

(no offense, but the issue would have been handled quicker if she ran a massage parlor)

still can't visualize things.