2003 Savanna Van W A/c Problem

Lacey · June 17, 2008

I heard a strange noise (sounded like a belt) prior to the A/C going out on my 2003 Savanna van. After that, it blew hot air. I took it to a local repair shop, and they put on a new belt. Three days later, I heard another strange noise under hood when I started the van. A/C is broken again and blowing hot air. Local repair says if the belt broke again, then it needs a new compressor.

Does this sound reasonable? Is there an objective test?

Are there any diagrams or service bulletins that I could review to learn more about the A/C?

I am a female, and have been ripped off several times.

Thanks for any help.

Lacey

GMTRUCKTECH · June 17, 2008

I heard a strange noise (sounded like a belt) prior to the A/C going out on my 2003 Savanna van. After that, it blew hot air. I took it to a local repair shop, and they put on a new belt. Three days later, I heard another strange noise under hood when I started the van. A/C is broken again and blowing hot air. Local repair says if the belt broke again, then it needs a new compressor.

Does this sound reasonable? Is there an objective test?

Are there any diagrams or service bulletins that I could review to learn more about the A/C?

I am a female, and have been ripped off several times.

Thanks for any help.

Lacey

03-01-38-019A: Underhood Rattle Noise Heard on Acceleration (Check A/C System Performance and Compressor Operation) - (Sep 3, 2004)

Subject:Underhood Rattle Noise Heard On Acceleration (Check A/C System Performance and Compressor Operation)

Models:2003-2004 Cadillac CTS

2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV

2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

2002-2004 GMC Denali, Denali XL, Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL

2002-2004 Commercial Upfitter Chassis Vehicles

2003-2004 HUMMER H2

with Air Conditioning (A/C)

This bulletin is being revised to update the service procedure and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-01-38-019 (Section 01 -- HVAC).

Condition

Some customers may comment about an underhood rattle noise heard on acceleration or a sudden loss of A/C system performance.

Cause

This condition may be caused by liquid slugging of the A/C compressor. This condition may cause an internal failure in the A/C compressor. The serpentine belt tensioner and serpentine belt may also be damaged.

Correction

Technicians are to check the A/C system performance and compressor operation using the following repair procedure:

<LI type=1>Open the hood and inspect the A/C compressor for damage and to see if the compressor is seized. Verify that the serpentine belt is not damaged or missing. If the A/C compressor is seized, proceed to step 5. <LI type=1>Perform the A/C System Performance test. Refer to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) section of SI. Correct any performance concerns or refrigerant leaks that are found. <LI type=1>Inspect the vehicle for other possible sources of A/C compressor noise or performance concerns. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-38-013 for more information. <LI type=1>After all other possible sources of A/C compressor noise or performance concerns have been eliminated, only then should the A/C compressor be replaced. <LI type=1>Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to the A/C Compressor Replacement procedure in the HVAC section of SI. <LI type=1>Inspect the transmission cooler lines for damage due to contact from the serpentine belt. Replace the transmission cooler lines if necessary. <LI type=1>Install an inline A/C system filter. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-38-006C for more information about A/C system flushing and filter installation procedures. An A/C system flush is not to be done unless prior authorization is given by the GM Area Service Manager (in Canada, the District Service Manager). <LI type=1>Install an A/C Suction Screen. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-39-003A for more information about A/C suction screen repair recommendations and procedures. <LI type=1>Install a new A/C compressor. Refer to the Compressor Replacement procedure in the HVAC section of SI. <LI type=1>Install a new orifice tube for the front A/C system. Refer to the Expansion (Orifice) Tube Replacement procedure in SI. <LI type=1>If the vehicle is a 2003 model year Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana van, the vehicle may require a new accumulator. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 03-01-38-016 for more information. This bulletin refers to an updated design accumulator that may improve the performance of the A/C system. <LI type=1>Install a new serpentine belt tensioner and serpentine belt if they have been damaged due to A/C system slugging or an A/C compressor seizure. The serpentine belt tensioner may have broken stop tabs and/or a missing front cap.
Verify proper operation of the A/C system.

Parts Information

Refer to the GMSPO parts catalog for the latest service replacement compressor part numbers.

Part Number

Description

Qty

89016656 (*A/C Delco Part# 15-10413)

Universal In-Line A/C Filter

1

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

*This filter may also be purchased through your local A/C Delco distributor.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

D4440

Compressor Assembly - Replace

Use published labor operation time

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described

It's called liquid slugging your compressor can't push the oil and causes it to chadder. here is a bull on it