AC Condenser replacement

[TheTunaHunter]

After getting my condenser replaced under warranty back in 2017 for the bad seam weld, the issue has return in the same exact spot.  My dealer has been great to work with over the life of my vehicle but their hands are tied in getting any of this repaired outside of my warranty (79,9xx).  At their suggestion, I called GM Corp and was assigned a Case ID but the rep basically said that wouldn't be helping me. This seems absolutely unacceptable that I'm expected to cover the $927 repair on a part that they've known to have issues. 

 

Anyone have luck getting a 2nd condenser replacement covered?

 

IMG_2712.HEIC

[evangmlw]

Vehicle has now been in Dealer Service Department three days for the second time; unable to detect an obvious leak.  Service Department contacted GM Engineering today and confirmed there have been condenser issues. Condenser ordered and to be replaced, hopefully by end of the week. 

[dp454so]

'16 Silverado LTZ with 92k and the condenser finally fully failed.  I have recharged the system several times and saw this coming, however...

 

... local dealer is asking $1650 for the repair!!!  2nd opinion dealer came in at $1350.  As mentioned on here, the although doing the work yourself is a PIA, isn't it worth the savings?  4-500 for parts, seals, gaskets, 3rd party re-charge and done.  Plus, if a man were to shell out $1350 for the GM repair, there is not much insurance that this shitty condenser won't fail again given the commonality of the problem across all trucks from this era.

 

Am I crazy?

Edited November 10, 2020 by dp454so

[DCazares]

Condenser just failed on me on the same spot weld. 2014 88k miles, purchased new in Nov 2013. Only issue I've had.  Looking for options on DIY.

[dp454so]

1 hour ago, DCazares said:

Condenser just failed on me on the same spot weld. 2014 88k miles, purchased new in Nov 2013. Only issue I've had.  Looking for options on DIY.

I thought about the same.  I DID end up finding non-GM shops to give quotes in the $745-810 range.  Insane compared to the GM shops.  This entire issue is disappointing from GM.  I don't have the time/tools to tackle this now but researched it a little.  There are some videos on YouTube that show this getting done by DIY'ers.

 

parts:  https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/v-2016-chevrolet-silverado-1500--ltz--6-2l-v8-gas/hvac--evaporator-and-heater-components

 

Good luck and keep us updated if you do it yourself.

[DCazares]

Just received a Murray condenser I ordered. I thought it would have the full seam weld but it's the same as oem. Should I return it and look for a full seam weld for peace of mind?

[Srode1]

Mine just failed on my 15.  Called GM, no help on it even though there was a known problem.  There was a class action lawsuit over it which required GM to pay for repairs apparently that mentions others can use this to recoup costs of the repair but it appears it's for a different failure than the one everyone is discussing here.  It says it covers everyone in the US for similar problems  https://www.classaction.org/media/won-v-general-motors-company-et-al.pdf

 

  I'm having an independent shop fix it, $800 so quite a bit less than the numbers I see other posting for the repair cost.   

 

 

Edited May 17, 2021 by Srode1

[truckguy82]

Out of all the problems with my truck, I really feel bent over and screwed by this one.

 

it’s really expensive to repair, they knew about it, and I’m on my 2nd failure in 63k miles. Insane

 

I for sure will never buy another gm truck because of this. And I’m not the type of guy to say that over a pile of nuts and bolts. I only disassociate myself with a brand or business if they are truely horrible.
 

Go **** yourself GM

 

 

[Srode1]

I wonder why this didn't apply to our trucks, it's the same problem!  https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10145171-9999.pdf

 

I'm surprised someone hasn't started a class action suit over it.  

 

 

[Black02Silverado]

it went out on our 2016 Suburban with 75k miles.  Our extended warranty covered it and the new magnaride shock that was leaking that they found during their inspection.

[KOZ45]

Mine is out. Blowing warm air

 

2016 with 71,500 miles

 

Not happy 

 

Where do Iook to find the line failure ?

[lonestardiver]

About to replace my condenser this weekend on my 2018 Sierra SLT.

Same issue in the same location. Mine even has the silver bandaid from the factory.

To add insult to injury I found out my truck has the new 1234yf refrigerant. 

Thus I had to get new adapters for the fittings and can tap for my manifold gauges.

 

According to what I have seen, it takes 16oz of the 1234yf and 6.2oz of PAG-46 for a complete replacement. Not sure how much oil to add for the condensor replacement since most of it should be still in the system.

[Spurshot]

On 5/5/2023 at 10:45 AM, lonestardiver said:

About to replace my condenser this weekend on my 2018 Sierra SLT.

Same issue in the same location. Mine even has the silver bandaid from the factory.

To add insult to injury I found out my truck has the new 1234yf refrigerant. 

Thus I had to get new adapters for the fittings and can tap for my manifold gauges.

 

According to what I have seen, it takes 16oz of the 1234yf and 6.2oz of PAG-46 for a complete replacement. Not sure how much oil to add for the condensor replacement since most of it should be still in the system.

 

IIRC, a condensor is about a 2 oz PAG addition.  It's all a bit of a WAG anyway.  I'd go with about 1.5 oz and call it a day.  A 2018 is about old enough to just go ahead and change the dryer too. 

 

I'm kinda in your boat, in that I have all 134 stuff.  2 vehicles with 134 and the 2018 jeep with 1234.   I recently stocked up on 134 from Ebay.  CA has put enough regulations on 134 that the cost is going up and the handwriting is on the wall, eventually it's going to be regulated out of the state.  I'm not sure I have another truck in my future.  I'm 67.  My 2014 has enough rash on it to make it comfortable to park anywhere but still looks decent and I'm keeping it mechanically up on the step.  So, I may need 134 for another 10 years. 

[Goinovr]

Just adding on. I am a bit surprised these trucks weren't part of the 17336 recall. 

2016 ~75k mil and condenser cracked.

 

I've read there's a class action pending. There's a few other links as well. 
https://www.lieffcabraser.com/defect/gm-air-conditioning/

[MrSteveo]

Just replaced mine I went with a aftermarket from carid right around $100 with shipping. Not that bad about 4 hrs. Taking breaks cause it gets pretty hot in my shop the only other cost was Freon and oil. If you remove two bolts that hold in the radiator it will tilt towards the engine and give you enough room to pull out the condenser after removing the transmission cooling lines and the two ac lines of corny 2016 gmc seirra is just out of warranty 109000 miles