faulty condenser

[chartersj]

The a/c stopped working in our 2017 Yukon, 70,000kms. GM diagnosed it as a leaking condenser. They said its a common problem with them but is no recall and quoted me $1100 to replace it but they are on back order and no idea when they will have a replacement. So I am wondering if there is a reliable aftermarket option available? And does the whole front end have to come off to replace it?

 

[BADRIDES]

Get an autozone condenser. They have better welds than the GM.

 

[RST Dana]

The a/c stopped working in our 2017 Yukon, 70,000kms. GM diagnosed it as a leaking condenser. They said its a common problem with them but is no recall and quoted me $1100 to replace it but they are on back order and no idea when they will have a replacement. So I am wondering if there is a reliable aftermarket option available? And does the whole front end have to come off to replace it?

Uh. Call GM customer service. This part may be covered under a service bulletin.

 

[chartersj]

Get an autozone condenser. They have better welds than the GM.

ok perfect thanks

 

[chartersj]

Uh. Call GM customer service. This part may be covered under a service bulletin.

There is a service bulletin but it comes down to individual serial #'s not models and mine is not covered apparently. Seems ridiculous and that is why they are on back order because of how high in demand they are. I want to go aftermarket but if they end up issuing a recall and covering previous job costs I'm guessing they wont cover an aftermarket job

 

[kurtibm]

The "AutoZone Condenser" is actually a SPECTRA Part # 7-4283 - (IMO it is far superior in build quality to O.E. (low bar, I know)). Available myriad places and generally much less expensively than AZ. Maybe not the cheapest outlet, but Amazon, for example is at $127.

 

[swathdiver]

My truck is the older generation and my daughters removed the bumper cover to help me replace the condenser.

If you want to replace it yourself, you'll need a manifold set and a vacuum pump. Probably about $150 for both a Harbor Freight. Might need an adapter at local auto parts stores to work with little cans of refrigerant.

It is my understanding that the transmission cooler is part of this so you'll probably want the little Jiffy-Tite tool to release the lines easily rather than chasing a clip with a pic.

 

[kurtibm]

My Mitchell labor software shows 1.0 hour remove and replace labor on the condenser and adds 1.4 hours for evacuation and recharge. (Used a 2017 Yukon for example, but should be vis a vie Yukon/Tahoe 15-21).
So....even if a shop were to sell at double the cost of the better-than-GM condenser ($250) and add 2.4 hours labor at a rate of, let's say $150/per ($360) and 2# of refrigerant (has undergone a VAST Bran'don cost upheaval) but worst case, maybe $40.
So...$700-ish ($250 + $360 + $40 plus taxes) should get folks in most parts of the country back on the road. YRMV.

 

[iamdub]

The a/c stopped working in our 2017 Yukon, 70,000kms. GM diagnosed it as a leaking condenser. They said its a common problem with them but is no recall and quoted me $1100 to replace it but they are on back order and no idea when they will have a replacement. So I am wondering if there is a reliable aftermarket option available? And does the whole front end have to come off to replace it?

I recall back when this faulty condenser/replacement shortage kinda first started, a member discovered that a stock one from a truck (Silverado, Sierra?) was nearly identical and, IIRC, only needed very minor modification to a mounting bracket or plastic piece in the core support or some small item like that.

But, if the direct replacement aftermarket one from AutoZone is superior to OE and is available, I'd go with that one.

 

[Thrust]

I replaced mine with one from AutoZone. Comes with a warranty and was in stock.

 

[chartersj]

Thanks everyone, I ordered a spectra condenser online. It should be here today and I am going to attempt to change it myself.
GM is definitely making good money on the job. Customer care offered me 25% off the job but asked that I continued to get my work done at the dealership in return lol. I guess they expect me to wait until the end of summer or even next year to have it fixed. They still wouldn't comment on the special coverage adjustment that specifies my year and model. I'm done with getting my vehicles serviced at the dealership.

 

[chartersj]

I received my condenser today. It’s got quite the bend to it. I assume it’s suppose to be straight,,,, the box is not beat up though?

 

[RST Dana]

I heard they are using the new curved refrigerant which helps the flux capacitor stay cooler. Lol

 

[chartersj]

I heard they are using the new curved refrigerant which helps the flux capacitor stay cooler. Lol

Ahhh I see. Makes perfect sense lol
Got it straightened out and installed. Took me 3 hours. Straight forward job, I did use the transmission fittings off the old condenser to make the lines fit tighter as the ones that came on it felt loose. Now to vacuum and recharge it.

 

[RST Dana]

Cool before dark.

 

[kurtibm]

"....I'm done with getting my vehicles serviced at the dealership."

Welcome to the world of the enlightened.

 

[SSpinball]

they should cover all the condensers not just select vin#'s they all fail prematurely.