• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

The Exploding AC Compressor....

M

msimpy

GUEST
So yesterday I drop my Av (2600 miles) off at my local dealer for a couple of items...
Oil change...
Trans sometimes reluctant to downshift...
Steering "wanders" on Hwy...
A/C missing the "cold" part...

They give me a Salesman's Av to drive for the day...

About 4.00pm I call the Dealer to find out what's happening...

Service rep tells me that they have to order some parts, and could I return the loaner Av and they will give me a rental car (no charge) until my Av is ready. I don't ask any questions...drive to the Dealer to hand back the loaner, go to Service, and the Rep greets me with..."Lucky you weren't driving it when it happened"!!
Me...."When what happened?"
Rep..."When we were checking out the A/C and the Compressor exploded"
Me... :eek: :eek: :eek:

So there it stands...more on this saga later... :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
Sorry to here about your troubles msimpy...it's a good thing you brought it in for service when you did....now the General can take care of the problem before it manifested itself into a bigger issue....good luck and keep us posted.... :cautious:
 
Hello msimpy,
I had a highway wander; at first oil change I had the dealer check and they found a small misalignment. When I picked up truck it was better but still wanders on the highway.
I would be interested in how your issue is addressed.

Thanks,
mal
 
I think this would be classified as a major problem! Exploding parts, schrapnel through the hood - sort of messes up the driving experience.

Keep us posted on how this is resolved - and, any explanation as to WHY it happened?
 
Regarding the misalignment issue, the service manager at the dealership I bought my Avalanche from indicated to me that there should always be some wandering, though very little. He said that vehicles used to be aligned forward, but now they try to put in a very slight wandering to the right, primarily in the event that you fall asleep at the wheel. We weren't talking about the Avalanche at the time, so I don't think he was trying to talk his way out of a free alignment. :) Just my two cents.
 
OK...here's my "update"!!

The "exploding" compressor....

A new one was installed and the "artic" is back. Apparently the "explosion" was internal...no shrapnel through the hood!! :) :)

The "highway wander"...

Claimed they did an alignment after finding it was a little out of "spec". I did a little highway driving this am...seems to be a definite improvement, but it's definitely not as precise as I would prefer. I did speak to a tire rep that I know last night. He "claimed" that some more agressive tires may exhibit some "squirming" of the tread blocks under certain conditions which could cause a tendency to "wander". His advice was to experiment a little with tire pressures. I currently run them at 34, so I'll try dropping to 32, then go up to 36, and see if that makes any difference.

I intend to start a different thread later with regard to the transmission. :cautious:

Mike
 
Mike,
I have been running at 36psi. Ride is good but, has not made much of a change in the wander. I can believe the 'tire rep' - I changed from a set of Dunlop AT Rovers to Pirelli Scorpions on my Dodge Ram and found a big difference in highway handling. The Pirellis, while 'stickier' in the wet weather, had a lot more pull in the dry weather.
I am watching the Web to see if someone introduces a steering stabilizer for the Avalanche - I would expect that it could help dampen any bump-steer component of the wander (not sure how they would set it up with the rack and pinion?).

Cheers,
mal
 
Yikes.... my Av is now at the dealer having it's second A/C compressor transplant?? :6:

This one didn't actually explode...just "locked up" as soon as the A/C was turned on. Dealer just told me they are keeping it until tomorrow...keep finding metal shavings in the system. ???

Mike
 
MSIMPY...if metal shavings are in system they should replace the condenser, evaporator, compressor, & expansion lines while flushing out lines else this will be a recuring problem since the shavings are in these components now from the bad Compressor.

HTH
 
ygmn said:
MSIMPY...if metal shavings are in system they should replace the condenser, evaporator, compressor, & expansion lines while flushing out lines else this will be a recuring problem since the shavings are in these components now from the bad Compressor.

HTH
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info!!
I suspect the dealer may also be aware of that! ;)

Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top