AC compressor failed - thats 4 in 1 year!

[Brock]

Replaced 3 in 1 year & it just failed again. Problem has always started as compressor locks up on start up. The belt smokes like hell, and then burns up.
My mechanic (not dealer) can't figure it out??

Anyone got any ideas??

 

[TTA579]

Where is your mechanic getting the replacements?

 

[StockHoe]

Has the same mechanic done all three repairs? Maybe he's not putting enough oil back in the compressor. Did he change the orifice tube? If not, the tube may be blocked. Did he change the drier/accumulator? Be sure that when you replace the compressor, you also change the other two parts previously mentioned or the warranty on the compressor will be invalid. Its also wise to change all three parts when one breaks. I replaced all three parts on mine two years ago on a 2007 Tahoe at 150,000 miles and have not had any problems. I put in a Denso 471-0316. I did the repairs. Good luck. Hope you get it working.

 

[Brock]

Yea, same mechanic= all good points I'll ask him next week when I take it in.
Thanks for the input!!

 

[Ponchonutty]

2nd on what StockHoe said. It sounds like the internals have some sort of contaminates inside. Best to change all of them.

 

[kwale86]

Our 2014 Tahoe is having the same problem. We are on our 3rd replacement compressor in less than 6 months. Did you find a fix?

 

[CrashTestDummy]

As StockHoe said, when you replace the parts in the A/C system, you have to add back oil. Some compressors come with the proper amount of oil, some come empty. When you replace other components, you have to add back the oil for those components. The FSM will indicate how much oil to add back for each component. If you don't, your compressor will go out in short order. Ask me how I know.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

The compressor and orifice has to be replaced alon with the condenser and accumulator. Then the lines THOUROUGHY flushed in both directions. If you have rear A/C the rear expansion valve must also be replaced and possibly the rear evaporator.

Your mechanic should check for debris coming out of the front evaporator and if there is any it must be replaced.

After flushing the lines and replacing all the needed parts the new compressor should be drained of oil and the correct amount specified by GM should be added, 1/2 in the accumulator and 1/2 in the condenser. Then the system needs to be vacuumed down for at least an hour to remove moisture introduced while the system is open. After that the system is charged with refrigerant and the compressor is manually turned about 20 times to clear the cylinders of liquid.

The mechanics A/C equipment can be contaminated with debris or using contaminated refrigerant

 

[Ponchonutty]

The mechanics A/C equipment can be contaminated with debris or using contaminated refrigerant

2nd that. Many places that don't specialize or do a bunch of MAJOR ac work end up causing more harm than good. AC units are not complicated but you have to make sure to follow steps in order to ensure a proper repair.

 

[08grey]

X3. Basic refrigeration rules apply.
Ask him has he.

Purged lines
Changed dryer
Pumped system down
Recharged with oil and refrigerant.