AC issues / Need Advice!
 

2010 Hummer H3 Alpha.

The issue I am having is with the AC.

The blower blows, etc. but the air is not cool. It is not hot, but certainly not enough to cool the cabin.

Brought it into my mechanic, they topped off the freon and cleared the valves.

Still the issue remains.

In fact, in the past, the air comes out cooler when the AC is not engaged, which is quite odd.

Brought it back to them today and they are saying the compressor is shot.

Need to replace it. Cost for the compressor alone is $500, but if I go with replacing it all, would be $800 + labor. Comes with a lifetime warranty.

So, $1500 plus tax.


Looking online at the cost for the compressor (AC Delco) and it is in the $250 range.

Any thoughts / advice?

Thanks.

Find a better mechanic.
When you say replacing it all? What is involved? Condenser, compressor, lines, valves, heat exchanger, etc. IF so that's a good price.

Looking at the YouTube video it looks somewhat involved. If you feel comfortable about it and have the tools and the shop I would say do it yourself. If not, shop around for a good price to replace it.

For all of that.

Sounds like a good deal to me.
If the compressor is operating, check pressures, chances are there is a blockage and/or to much moisture in the system(expansion valve/receiver drier replacement to correct, NOT the compressor). Btw, did you check to make sure the blend door is operating properly? Did you clean any debris from the condenser and evap core?
If you want to throw parts at it, here is an ac compressor kit for $250.00:

https://pitstopauto.com/Catalog/Part...Elqjv5DbU17vuH

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...41c23ac1f6.jpg

Thanks for input.

I have circled back to them with what you have cited.

In the last year, have spent a ton on the H3 as it approached 100K, but always had an issue with the AC even when under warranty. Simply was never addressed.

Will let you guys know how it goes.

Thanks again HummerZ

Let me know your pressures and I can give better advice. Here's a guide:

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...753bd5c7b8.jpg

X2^^ Had a similar problem with my '86 Corvette. Checked Freon charge, had electronic control head rebuilt, checked compressor operation, nothing worked. Finally found out the rod connecting the solenoid to the blend door had popped out of the clip and the blend door wasn't opening/closing properly. Snapped the rod back into the clip and all was well again.:D

This is what I got back:

They did check the pressure.
The "blender motor" is working "good"

I do not have an AC pressure gauge, so tell me what I need to get to check this myself.

They checked the pressure, what were the readings along with the ambient temperature?
Note: pressure chart I posted above.

This video will give you an idea, scotty bought the gauge set at harbor freight 49bucks.. Expansion valve is very common problem too

I asked, did not receive that info.

They are great but think I need to check this myself.

What do I need to buy or rent to check this myself?

***Take it to another A/C repair Garage and see what they say...

Get a manifold gauge set. Make sure to buy a set with adjustable couplers(non adjustable couplers have been know to damage the shraders and cause refrigerant loss), you only want to screw the couplers to the schrader until the pressures read on the gauges. Like this set:




https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...104cbd3aac.jpg

Many shops will offer free A/C Checks. Firestone has a $9.99 performance check:

(the main thing is to get the pressures & ambient temp at the time of check, then diy the repair and return for a system vac & charge)

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...ac475ed727.png

Thanks again HummerZ.

No free checks in LA, but Firestone is $10.

Right now it is blowing whatever the outside temp is, so if it is 90º it is blowing it, sometimes it kicks in, but still not very cool.

Will bring it in to Firestone on Monday and see what we get.

Spoke with them and over the phone they said it could be electrical.

Electrical(blend door)? Same temp as outside? Do you own a thermometer?, Stick it in the center vent, ac on, low speed, change air flow selector, etc.. @idle you should see at least 40degrees below ambient temp @90degrees.

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch...SABEgLuYvD_BwE

https://drivrzone.com/proper-auto-ac-vent-temperature/

1 more question: Do you get a wet spot on the ground under the passenger front with a/c on, parked,= condensation from the ac?

I just went out to my H3 parked in the back yard enclosed with fence around. It's 95 degrees outside, when I first checked temp inside it was 110 degrees. My ac system is all original and here is what I just got:

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...0e0265fd31.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...c048df6013.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...f414d0adc2.jpg

Another thing to check, look for your low side ac line under the hood... At idle with ac on, it should be dripping with condensation especially on hot/humid days, and if you touch it(be careful if you are close to the fan) it should be cold=Compressor is operating properly.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hum...e63e35c229.jpg

Good info!