AC Woes on New Truck

Colossus · August 25, 2020

Eh give it an extra 50 lbs. I was able to get things done just fine at 200-230 lbs but over that it sure got hard.

BIGDOGx · August 26, 2020

13 hours ago, Colossus said:

Eh give it an extra 50 lbs. I was able to get things done just fine at 200-230 lbs but over that it sure got hard.

I would say age is also a factor, them joints ain't what they use to be haha... Would be nice if gm took into account repairing these things just a little bit like they use to, no engineering thought is put into that today it seems.

ejdziurka · August 27, 2020

I had the same issue on my truck. low coolant 4 times, once was a stuck actuator for the climate control. They finally did narrow it down to the evaporator, but only after it was dye/pressure tested, and they used a camera to navigate to and inspect the evaporator, before they dissembled the truck. I too was concerned, but I only noticed one trim piece not snapped on tight. One little push, and it was in. No rattles at all from the dash.

redwngr · September 7, 2020

For some trucks it may be a faulty condenser:

https://gm-techlink.com/?p=13599

Poor Driver’s Side A/C Performance

August 31, 2020

The air conditioning may blow warmer on the driver’s side of the vehicle on some 2019-2020 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 models built at the Silao assembly plant (the plant is identified by a G in the 11^th position of the VIN).

On affected vehicles, the A/C pressures will be lower than normal. For example, the low side may be 15-25 PSI (103-172 kPa) while the high side may be 140-160 PSI (965-1103 kPA). A check of the system for a low refrigerant charge should indicate that the system is full and no leaks should be found.

In addition, a temperature test of the refrigerant lines will show both the inlet and outlet lines at the condenser to be similar and very hot. The temperature across the condenser’s cooling fins will be near ambient temperature.

The cause of these conditions could be the A/C condenser internally bypassing due to a mispositioned block off plate. If the block off plate is out of position, the refrigerant does not flow through the condenser’s cooling fins. As a result, hot refrigerant entering the condenser bypasses the cooling fins and exits the condenser before the refrigerant is cooled down and returned to a liquid state.

If these conditions are found, the A/C condenser (Fig. 22) will need to be replaced. Refer to the appropriate Service Information for A/C condenser replacement.

Fig. 22

Edited September 7, 2020 by redwngr

KCU Beor · October 5, 2020

***UPDATE***

I went ahead with the work and had the evaporator core replaced and as I said in an earlier post, I went to the shop and took a look at the progress at around the halfway mark. I was interested in seeing all components and the truck in that state (also wanted to photograph everything I could for record keeping)...well...the service department did not disappoint. Take a look!

Honestly, the interior was put back together remarkably well. I've driven the truck for a couple of weeks and wouldn't know any difference had I not gone in to see the work.

I am grateful for the job well done and happy to have COLD AC! ...also glad I didn't have to foot the bill.

shameless plug - I recently installed a Truxedo Pro x15 tonneau and am really happy with it so far...

Edited October 5, 2020 by KCU Beor

winks79 · October 7, 2020

Mine goes in for the same issue Friday. Hoping for same good results as you had. I've owned around 40 vehicles in my life and this is the first time I've ever had an evaporator leak, but hey what are you going to do. The dealer/tech that works on mine has always done an awesome job. I too am a little OCD about stuff, and my heart sank a little when he told me the evaporator was leaking. I knew what had to be done to get to it. Was hoping it was the condenser, which is a much easier fix. Tech told me it would probably be about a 13-15 hour job total and that GM only pays 11 hours warranty work for it.