A/C Condenser

[topdj]

Seems like of the EPA got involved they would sure fix the problem. My 2011 hd had been perfect with ac. I'm planning on trading in on a newer duramax 18-19.   

[Jsdirt]

"Government motors". The EPA won't do crap, because this is their buddy. Birds of a feather ...

[topdj]

Your probably right. But funny how the epa banned different freons and does not force gm to fix leaks into atmosphere.

[Jsdirt]

Just like with covid - everyone screaming, "WEAR A MASK OR YOU'LL DIE!!!" ... then politicians and celebs are maskless everywhere. Go out to eat, they make you wear the stupid thing, then 10 minutes later you take it off to eat! Absolute, utter ridiculousness.

 

Bottom line is, "Rules for thee, but not for me!" . People in power live by a completely different set of rules than the rest of us do.

[danb303]

 

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 Z71

 

I just noticed that my air is not cold. I have not looked at it at all.

I did notice that the compressor will come on when I turn the AC on.

Will they cycle on if they are out of refrigerant?

Where is the common place that they leak?

 

 

[Jsdirt]

If the compressor is running, it's got refrigerant. The low pressure cutoff switch will prevent it from cycling without any refrigerant. Running empty is like running a 2-stroke engine without premixed fuel - the refrigerant carries the lubricant throughout the compressor. No refrigerant = no lubrication, and catastrophic compressor failure will be the result.

 

Of course, the switch could fail or the wiring could short together, causing compressor engagement when empty. You'd hear the compressor loud and clear, though. I've never seen this happen in 30+ years of tinkering with automobiles, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. These days I constantly get surprised by what fails.

 

If it's not cooling, you probably have a blend door problem. The build quality of everything today is atrocious. That's a common issue. Condenser failure is common on these years as well, but it's not likely your problem if the compressor is running, and running quietly.

[danb303]

My compressor will cycle on. I hooked my gauges up yesterday and only had 100 psi on the high side. I assume I have a leak. I thought I took a picture of the gauges but I must not have. I think the low side was around 25 psi.

It was 60 degrees ambient temp.

 

 

 

[Jsdirt]

Either you're low on refrigerant, or the compressor is finished.

[Brian2015]

2016 Silverado 1500 5.3 LT, 70K miles, AC out. compressor not engaging, sure enough I have freon leaking at the same weld as previously mentioned.

 

[Linusj2000]

2018 Sierra Denali not blowing cold and just noticed the leak at the weld shared on the forum.  Truck was a CPO that just expired in Jan 2022 with 80k miles.

[diegosaurus]

2017 GMC Sierra 5.3L 70K miles a/c went out last thursday when i was leaving work.  Drove home and did a visual inspection and noticed the oily spot on the condenser.  Jumped on the forum to see how hard it would be to replace and stumbled on this thread instantly.  Didn't bother with the dealership after I contacted GM support and they offered no assistance.  Luckily, found a local mechanic that did it for $500.  My truck also happens to uses the new R-1234 so that added to the cost....$45 for one 8 oz can.   

[Jsdirt]

1 hour ago, diegosaurus said:

2017 GMC Sierra 5.3L 70K miles a/c went out last thursday when i was leaving work.  Drove home and did a visual inspection and noticed the oily spot on the condenser.  Jumped on the forum to see how hard it would be to replace and stumbled on this thread instantly.  Didn't bother with the dealership after I contacted GM support and they offered no assistance.  Luckily, found a local mechanic that did it for $500.  My truck also happens to uses the new R-1234 so that added to the cost....$45 for one 8 oz can.   

A little bird told me that 134a functions perfectly in the new 1234YF systems, even with the oil. I haven't had one yet with this refrigerant to test this theory on, however.

[UrbanRage]

Well GM's shitty condenser got me last week for $978.37. I thought it was comical, I pulled into the Service Dept. and explained my problem to the service writer, he grabbed a flash light and pointed to exact same spot as other photos in this thread. To make it even better, I missed the warranty by 5K miles. 

[Spurshot]

I thought I'd drop in on this thread again.  I changed out my condensor almost 5 years ago.  The only condensors I could find at the time were aftermarket Chinese no-name.  I think it was around $100.  I figured it would get me thru the hot weather and a few road trips.  But it's still hanging in there.  

[F4Gary]

I now have to replace my condenser.  Son is a Mercedes tech, so no problem with the freon/vacuum part.

So what is the best condensor to get and does it come with the desicant bag already installed?

I'm doing it myself in my driveway.  Leak is small so with a recharge last week, I should have cool air until I get the part.

Mine is leaking at the standard upper weld.