A/C - Poor Performance/Not Cold Enough

Subject:
Poor A/C Performance - A/C Will Not Blow Cold Enough (Perform A/C System Checks and Replace Accumulator If Necessary)
# 03-01-38-016 - (09/12/2003)

Models:
2003 Chevrolet Express
2003 GMC Savana

Built Prior to June 2003

Condition

Some customers may comment on less than desirable A/C performance, especially when ambient temperature is above 35°C (95°F).

Correction

Perform the following A/C system checks and replace the accumulator if necessary.

^ Check for A/C system leaks.

^ Check the A/C system for proper refrigerant charge. This requires recovering the refrigerant to determine charge in system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging in the HVAC subsection of the Service Manual.

^ If no leaks were found and the A/C system is charged to specification, replace the accumulator using the procedure listed below.

Accumulator Replacement

1. Remove the coolant recovery reservoir retaining screws.

2. Disconnect the hoses and remove the coolant recovery reservoir from the vehicle.

3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the A/C low pressure sensor.

4. Remove the evaporator outlet hose retaining nut from the accumulator.

5. Remove the compressor inlet hose retaining nut.

6. Remove the retaining screw from the accumulator retaining bracket.

7. Remove the accumulator.

8. Add the PAG oil directly into the new accumulator that was removed during the recovery process plus an additional 60 ml (2 oz). Refer to the Refrigerant System Capacities in the Service Manual.

9. Install the new accumulator.

10. Install the screw to the accumulator retaining bracket.

11. Install the evaporator outlet hose.

12. Install the evaporator outlet hose retaining nut to the accumulator.

Tighten

Tighten the nut to 16 Nm (12 lb-ft).

13. Install the compressor inlet hose.

14. Install the compressor inlet hose retaining nut to the accumulator.

Tighten

Tighten the nut to 16 Nm (12 lb-ft).

15. Connect the low pressure sensor electrical connector.

16. Evacuate and recharge the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging in the HVAC sub-section of the Service Manual.

17. Leak test the fittings using J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector.





Parts Information

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information





For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.





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