AC - Weird symptoms...??

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

2006Tahoe2WD

Full Access Member
Joined
May 24, 2015
Posts
409
Reaction score
254
Location
Silicon Valley
How many miles are on the compressor? Maybe time to change it while you are opening up the system to pull vacuum/etc. I don't think they are expensive ~$225. Remember to put the correct oil back in.
 

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls
Supporting Member
Military
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Posts
19,067
Reaction score
31,163
Location
Willamette Valley
How many miles are on the compressor? Maybe time to change it while you are opening up the system to pull vacuum/etc. I don't think they are expensive ~$225. Remember to put the correct oil back in.
And the correct amount in the system. A lot of compressors are shipped with the correct oil and amount but if you do this, I recommend a new orifice and always a new accumulator and blow out the system while apart. That condenser can get clogged with crud and create problems. After years of a/c work in KC, Mo. and here in Oregon, I learned that just replacing one component in a system that needs all components to work correctly, it can be a nightmare chasing something like this.
 

2006Tahoe2WD

Full Access Member
Joined
May 24, 2015
Posts
409
Reaction score
254
Location
Silicon Valley
And the correct amount in the system. A lot of compressors are shipped with the correct oil and amount but if you do this, I recommend a new orifice and always a new accumulator and blow out the system while apart. That condenser can get clogged with crud and create problems. After years of a/c work in KC, Mo. and here in Oregon, I learned that just replacing one component in a system that needs all components to work correctly, it can be a nightmare chasing something like this.
Agree 100%. You want to avoid black death with broken parts being kicked into the system. You may not be happy now however if that happens you will really be not happy.
 

OR VietVet

Multnomah Falls
Supporting Member
Military
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Posts
19,067
Reaction score
31,163
Location
Willamette Valley
Agree 100%. You want to avoid black death with broken parts being kicked into the system. You may not be happy now however if that happens you will really be not happy.
Yep, systems that keep you all comfy can be finicky and expensive to fix right. You love them when they work and hate them when they don't. I ran shops and if a rig came in for a/c related problems in the winter, think compressor bearing or clutch problem when kicked on for defrost mode, I would tell them to wait till spring to repair because, God Forbid, they threw all kinds of money at that system in December and then got in an accident in January and totaled the rig, they would not get the a/c benefits they paid for in December. I would just unplug the a/c compressor or remove the belt. I got lots of repeat business that way.
 

2006Tahoe2WD

Full Access Member
Joined
May 24, 2015
Posts
409
Reaction score
254
Location
Silicon Valley
Yep, systems that keep you all comfy can be finicky and expensive to fix right. You love them when they work and hate them when they don't. I ran shops and if a rig came in for a/c related problems in the winter, think compressor bearing or clutch problem when kicked on for defrost mode, I would tell them to wait till spring to repair because, God Forbid, they threw all kinds of money at that system in December and then got in an accident in January and totaled the rig, they would not get the a/c benefits they paid for in December. I would just unplug the a/c compressor or remove the belt. I got lots of repeat business that way.
I don't have a climate that often requires defogging in the winter but it happens. I consider it a safety feature to be able to clear the window quickly. AC is one of those things that is super annoying when it doesn't work right. Being comfortable when driving is also a safety consideration. In other words get it fixed right and soon. You are already ahead in the car "game" by having this type/model of vehicle.
 

rockola1971

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2016
Posts
2,376
Reaction score
2,972
Location
Indiana (formerly IL)
50/230psi and both lines warm. Sounds like possible restriction to me. I would take it apart and replace orifice tube, drier, replace both service port schrader valves and do a deep vac and hold test for an hour or so. Clean that condenser from engine side to front. Oh and probably a solvent wash on the whole system.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
djfell80

djfell80

TYF Newbie
Joined
Aug 1, 2022
Posts
10
Reaction score
22
Well...Evac'd, changed orifice tube (not too dirty), changed high pressure switch (was told bad by shop), pulled good vacuum and recharged. Rear AC blew cold. Found front blend actuator ended up failing as well...Put a small set of vice-grips on the blend door to hold in correct position (ordered new actuator, be here on the 11th). Went and drove it. Cooled OK at low speeds. However seemed to blow a little warmer at highway speeds 70-75mph on the toll road. Outside temp around 90-95ish.

***What RPM do you guys recommend to test PSI? Found anywhere between 1500-2500...thanks again!***
 

rockola1971

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2016
Posts
2,376
Reaction score
2,972
Location
Indiana (formerly IL)
Well...Evac'd, changed orifice tube (not too dirty), changed high pressure switch (was told bad by shop), pulled good vacuum and recharged. Rear AC blew cold. Found front blend actuator ended up failing as well...Put a small set of vice-grips on the blend door to hold in correct position (ordered new actuator, be here on the 11th). Went and drove it. Cooled OK at low speeds. However seemed to blow a little warmer at highway speeds 70-75mph on the toll road. Outside temp around 90-95ish.

***What RPM do you guys recommend to test PSI? Found anywhere between 1500-2500...thanks again!***
I test at idle with a/c on max front and rear. You have to give it some time to settle out. The rear has a TXV not a orifice tube so be sure that rear is on and at max to get an accurate reading.
 

Attachments

  • GM Factory tahoe AC Pressures.png
    GM Factory tahoe AC Pressures.png
    194.4 KB · Views: 12

Forum statistics

Threads
128,785
Posts
1,805,347
Members
91,762
Latest member
DenaliRoyal
Top