I have a 2005 Saturn L300. A couple months ago, my son noticed that the air conditioning would blast whenever we turned a corner. Then after several days, the air would only blow when we turned a corner. Then the air would not work at all, but sometimes after we turned a corner or two, it would work normally. Now it's not working at all and if we turn it on it makes a terrible noise.

This is the weirdest car issue I've ever encountered. I'm worried about cost of a repair given the car has 140,000 miles on it - I'd like to get another 60,000 to 80,000 and two more years before I buy a new car. Any ideas what the problem might be or what I should expect to pay for repair? Will it also effect the heat or is this a must-repair issue before winter?

I know I have to take it to a mechanic but I'd like to have some idea what to expect so I'm not taken advantage of.

Thanks!

Sounds like a loose , abraded or disconnected wire in one of the wiring connections for the AC. Turning the corner flexes the wireloom and it reconnects. Could be at the compressor or in dash controls. Check all fuses and relays for connectivity.

Thanks... that doesn't sound so bad. Entirely reasonable, too - I'd expect some wear and tear on a car with this many miles.