2020 Ford Expedition MAX - Bad Evaporator?

[scsulliv]

So the A/C in my 2020 Ford Expedition MAX has stopped working twice so far this summer. I recharged it myself the first time - and it was blowing warm again 2 weeks later. Took it to the dealership, who couldn't find any leaks. They added UV dye and recharged the system so that they could detect leaks in the future. I'm guessing that it'll be empty in another week or so. The other day I got into the cab and smelled PAG refrigerant oil, which makes me think that the evaporator core is bad / leaking. Is this a common failure on these trucks? Is it even worth it to have the dealer replace one crappy OEM evaporator with another crappy OEM evaporator, or am I better off having a mom and pop shop replace it with an aftermarket evaporator? I'm assuming that the seats, center console, and entire dash need to come out to replace the evaporator, and that has me a bit worried about small shops doing the repair... I'd probably get the truck back with the dash missing half of those stupid white clips. Does anyone have the service procedure on evaporator core replacement? Any other thoughts?

 

[bocabimmer]

Check the rear AC for leaks. I had a leak from that one and it does affect the entire system.

 

[Benztech]

I would use factory parts but only because I've seen fitment issues with aftermarket parts. You could use an aftermarket shop which would likely save a bunch of money. If it is the front evaporator the dash will need to come out. Hopefully it is the rear if it is an evaporator, and based on my experience years ago this was usually the issue. You can buy a cheap UV light and start looking since dye has been added.

 

[scsulliv]

Update: it was the rear evap core..