Overheating problem 2003 Escalade with 6.0

nGAbear · July 17, 2012

I missed the part where your compressor was replaced. Apologies.

I've read somewhere about symptoms similar to yours. I believe what I read referred to something along the lines of 'a hot air gap' and the fix included removing a shim.... Not sure if the is applicable but might be worth a search.

I'll look into it in the am.

nGAbear · July 17, 2012

Well after looking around, I am unable to find the thread I referenced above. I would look into your clutch air-gap on your compressor. A small deviation can result in symptoms you are describing, I believe.

--This is just from what I understand from things I have read. Best of luck.

beav626 · July 17, 2012

Just got back from the shop-Freon was about 1/10 a lb low. So we evacuated the system and refilled it. again to 1.76lbs

did some additional playing around and found that the re-circulation door is not working. it wasn't reading at all with the scan tool

Thinking this through it makes sense.

The system is pulling outside air in all the time- so when im at a stop for a while im pulling 100+ degree temps instead of recirculating cold air.

I think this is my problem.

Can anyone confirm this and tell me what kind of job replacing the actuator or the door is?

beav626 · July 18, 2012

any thoughts on the Re Circulation Door being the culprit?

00Silverado4x4 · July 18, 2012

If the ReCirc door isn't working then yes it definitely will not allow the AC to run as cool. I don't have any ideas on replacement steps as I've never dug that far into my dash.

asc08 · July 18, 2012

It should be fairly easy to hear if the recirc door is operating or not. In my 06, when I go into recirc mode, there is a definite increase in the noise of the airflow.

Also, I just read a post where a guy with an 01 suburban had his system repaired, and took 3 pounds of charge (48 oz). 1.76 pounds (28.16 oz) sounded a little low, not questioning the shop, but maybe you should verify the amount of refrigerant needed.

I tried to copy the chart, but it got all messed up, the following link will give you the amount of refrigerant.

Looks like 25.5 oz for front AC only and either 43 or 48 oz for front and rear AC.

From NAPA:

http://napabeltshose.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=NapaCapacityGuide2-8-05.pdf&folder=news&view=napa_hc&location_id=1078

beav626 · July 18, 2012

I verified that the Recir Door is not moving- I pushed it shut and that made the fan louder.

Also I have a EXT which is only front AC so I think my charge is correct.

beav626 · July 18, 2012

I pushed on the recirc door- and it started to work. Its been working for the last few hours...

I drove it around this afternoon in the 105 degree heat. She did better but didnt get to stop for a long while.

I did stop at sonic for a drink. I verified the Recirc door was working and drank my drink. Temp rose by 5 degrees and hovered. Then I left

If 5 degrees is all Im going up I will be happy.

I will post back after the weekend to see if that fixed it. unless someone else has a idea.

titanium10k · July 20, 2012

This happened on my 02 silverado . Not sure how how the escalades work but go down the road and with the ac off push the recirc mode . This should shut the recirc door and keep outside air from entering. This failed on mine and the ac was not as cold at idle. I removed the glovebox and reached in and could feel the actuator. I removed the actuator and stuck a coat hanger against the door to keep it shut. Ac works great. It's so hot in fl I always ran in recirc and gm programs them to open when the air is turned off causing unnecessary cycling. I havent had any problems with stinky smelling evaporators either which is the reason the programming opens them.

beav626 · July 20, 2012

Actually the recirc door has. Even working ever since I jarred it into place. But the ac still beats up at idle and stop and go traffic.

I've decided to swap my mechanical fan for an e fan from a 2005 truck. It should give me better air flow in town

Hopefully that will work

Coolmaker · July 20, 2012

Clean the condenser coil in front of the radiator. It fills with small bugs, reduces the air flow and thereby making the a/c pressures rise. See this all the time. Lower the pressures by cleaning and the a/c will cool much better. ;)