2014 GMC Sierra AC

[Scott Danforth]

so, the 2014-2015 GM trucks have a couple of known AC system issues. first issue is the original designed condenser cracks.... and leaks..... this was replaced a few years ago.

the second known issue is the A/C compressor locks up, usually explodes and has the glitter fairy visit the condenser, filter, and evap valve..... then you need to replace most of the system and clean the evap coil, lines and all the components.......

so on the way home yesterday, tooling along in a 30mph zone in 99% relative humidity on a 95F day...... a loud bang followed by what sounded like my ex wife going thru a wood chipper....... the smell of burning rubber and a cloud of rubber bits and smoke...... no more AC

luckily the broken belt got tossed to the side where it did, or it would have taken out the other belts


local dealership wants $1992 in labor alone, plus about $3k in parts
two local garages want about $2k total for the work.

If I do the work myself......and borrow the neighbors vacuum pump
Rock Auto is $665 plus shipping
Amazon is $830, however may take 3 weeks to get the parts

estimate about 2 days labor to R&R everything prior to evac and fill

good news is I get better fuel economy right now.....

the bad news..... going into a heat wave and have a 1800 mile round trip coming up.....

 

[arks]

……a good time to consider renting a car!

 

[alldodge]

Bummer
Don't forget about flush, receiver dryer and expansion valve

 

[dingbat]

I feel your pain.........the AC in my Civic has been down since Mid-May.

Fortunate in that my commute is all highway miles and the 2-80 AC still works. Broke down and drove the truck on the 100F+ days
Procrastinated enough. Dropping it off at the shop Sunday Night

 

[Scott Danforth]

Bummer
Don't forget about flush, receiver dryer and expansion valve

have a flush canister coming from amazon. (with regulator, nozzle, and stainless tank) talked to my bud who is a chief engineer at a commercial AC/Refrigeration company about flushing with acetone. he said just run the vac pump about an hour vs half hour to make sure its gone. it will work better than the cleaners. also have some of the four seasons cleaner coming.

just did a mixed order from Rock Auto and amazon. balancing shipping/lead time/part cost. Parts should all be here mid week. Heading to Tractor Supply to stock up on freon this weekend.

have a new cam sensor coming for the daily whip to get that back on the road.

 

[Scott Danforth]

……a good time to consider renting a car!

that wont happen. dont like anything they rent (or make) these days - too boring, too many restrictions. will be getting the daily whip back in service this weekend.

 

[southkogs]

I had to rebuild the Mustang's system this year. Wasn't too bad, but it wasn't a newer full-size truck either

 

[Sprig]

My 2 cents worth. Have the work done by a pro (not the dealer whose prices are way way more expensive than anywhere else.)I’m a pretty good shade tree mechanic but I don’t do a/c. I and most everyone I know don’t really know much about a/c repair. Most people I’ve known screw up the a/c repair every time they mess with it. You need someone knowledgeable and experience. Find a shop with an experienced pro. Perhaps you are knowledgeable with the a/c and know what you are doing. Though it sounds like a major undertaking, think I’d rather drink beer.

 

[Scott Danforth]

AC systems are easy. If there was freon left, I would consider having it reclaimed.

I do wish I had the larger AC service cart /vac/etc I had access to years ago vs a small vac pump

Dealing with damaged parts from Amazon is the biggest PITA

 

[flashback]

Just roll the windows down , it will bring back fond memories.

 

[Pmt133]

I did the vette a few years back and so far so good. I went from a tube and fin to a parallel flow condenser (R-12 to R-134a conversion) and with the top off the damn thing spits ice cubes at me. I did use a flush which, I am pretty sure was just toluene. purged with nitrogen vacuumed and let rest over night to check for leaks.

That era truck is still R-134a correct?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Just roll the windows down , it will bring back fond memories.

With a record heat advisory....... lol

 

[Scott Danforth]

That era truck is still R-134a correct?

Yes

 

[Scott Danforth]

Amazon has a replacement condenser coming on Monday.. I hope it arrives undamaged

 

[Scott Danforth]

GM Denso compressor and belts showed up today. just waiting the expansion valve kit (with seals, and desiccant bag) and the GM PAG oil.

start R&R tomorrow if the temp is below 94

 

[matt167]

I think 2014 will have the stretch belt. You’ll need a new install tool if you don’t have one, and a 24mm w/ breaker bar to rotate the engine.

If you haven’t done a water pump lately I’d recommend it while you’re in there.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Both the vac pump and AC compressor have a stretch belt.

My personal favorite stretch belt tool is 2 zip ties and a remote bump start switch. One zip tie around the damper to act as a slide, one to hold the belt. Bump the switch twice, then cut the zip ties. However I have done the 24mm/breaker bar and a bit of swearing

Will address the water pump when it starts to leak

Plugs are on the list as I did the last ones at 65k, and there is 126k on the clock

 

[Scott Danforth]

So Amazonsux dropped the ball. The replacement condenser that still says its arriving today, also says it hasn't shipped yet. So 1 hour with 8 different customer service folks in pakiglesh or banglastan..... I get the refund for the unit I returned and a credit to use on another one.

Amazon roulette.... Will 1 or 2 or 0 show up tomorrow?

 

[Pmt133]

I've had 3 come when that happened.

 

[Scott Danforth]

well, the replacement that Amazon supposedly sent on Saturday still has not shipped. the one I ordered last night shows it shipped and is out for delivery.

and people wonder why I am constantly muttering "amazon sucks"

To top it off, I am chasing a fed ex package that has been sitting in belle Island Florida since Saturday.