A/C Compressor Replacement

Wardster · July 26, 2005

I dropped the truck off at the dealership this morning and just checked on progress. The service manager told me that the A/C compressor was only building about 180lbs of pressure, so it had to be replaced. The "chirping" I heard from the clutch was the early warning sign of the eventual failure. I am still waiting to hear if they actually have the part in stock, but I imagine it will be a few days before I get the truck back.

I am also getting the intermediate steering shaft replaced (if they have it) and several more dash lights replaced that have burned out (backlight for the main lights, the fog/cargo lights, one of the steering wheel controls, and one light in the climate control unit). They have already replaced the radio, two other steering wheel controls, and the transfer case switch because of burned out lights. I asked if there was an electrical problem, but nothing abnormal has turned up in tests.

For the record, my truck has almost 89K miles on it and I am thankful that I bought the extended warranty. I think it cost me $1,400 and it has saved me at least twice that already in claims after the 36K warranty expired.

-Wardster

71GMC_3/4T · July 26, 2005

Glad to hear it's going to get fixed.

You caught my attention with the warranty. Did you buy it through the dealer? I would like to get the extended warranty on my pickup. I had heard you can wait until the 3/36 warranty is almost out and then buy the extended warranty. Is this correct? Mine doesn't run out until April of '06, and I highly doubt I'll hit 36K before then. I only have 20K right now.

Thanks!

1stGMC · July 27, 2005

Wardster,

Regarding the chirping noise your compressor was making, did it sound similar to what the noise the cooling fan would make if it was hitting something as it turned?

My 2002 Sierra for the last few weeks has been making a noise that varies with engine speed and for the most part will stop when I turn off the Air conditioner. It doesn't make the noise all the time and sometimes goes all day without it happening. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet since my waranty is up.

Mark

Wardster · July 28, 2005

You caught my attention with the warranty. Did you buy it through the dealer? I would like to get the extended warranty on my pickup. I had heard you can wait until the 3/36 warranty is almost out and then buy the extended warranty. Is this correct?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did buy it through the dealer from a company called National Auto Care. I purchased the Pinnacle Protection Plan and it has covered everything to date. My deductible for each visit to the dealership is $50. You could check their website for an answer to your second question.

-Wardster

Wardster · July 28, 2005

Regarding the chirping noise your compressor was making, did it sound similar to what the noise the cooling fan would make if it was hitting something as it turned?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No. It was more high-pitched and I noticed it the most when the motor was in the lower RPM's. With the hood up, I could actually see the clutch on the compressor hesitating and it was at this point that I could hear it.

-Wardster