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What to Do about AC Condenser?

25K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  tdfuller  
#1 ·
Thanks for taking time to read this post. So I am well aware of all the trouble 2015-2017 Silverado, and certain GMC trucks/SUVs are/were having with faulty AC condenser. Leaks. My 2016 Silverado LT, is NOT covered by a Special Coverage which strangely does cover most models 2015-2017 with the same condenser that are GMC Yukons/Tahoes/Suburbans/etc.. I found out my condenser has a leak on Monday, along the usual right vertical side.

I've called Chevrolet Customer Care. Two days ago, I ran it by two dealers. First dealer (my home dealer close to house) was too busy to take a look, but I scheduled an appt for next week. The second dealer a little further away. But the Services Technicians' line manager took a quick look at the condenser through the grill. He quoted me about $1,250 to bring it back and replace the condensor, and was a bit surprised no 17336 was issued on my VIN. The 17336, if it were to cover my VIN, extends the warranty on the condenser to five years or 60,000 miles, both of which I'm clearly inside. The line manager says their dealership replaces at least two or three condensers a week on Silverados, given the common nature of the problem.

...I've also got a quote from a highly reputable third party AC shop for $820 that can R&R in half a day and with an aftermarket condenser. This 3rd party shop claims that GMC is still making the condenser that has a faulty design and that they have not had problems with the aftermarket. This 3rd party shop says the condenser problem is so common on Silverados, that they stock at least one condenser at all times.

Chevrolet Customer Care gave me a case number today, and refused to offer any price help now, until I took to a dealer and left the vehicle with the dealer, in which case, only then might Chevrolet look at potentially providing any help.
  • 44,343 miles
  • 2016
  • sole owner since mile 1

... For Silverado owners that have been through this before, am I likely to get any help from Chevrolet?
I've read one report where one owner did get 90% coverage. But not sure how common that is.

... Should I risk wasting time taking my truck to my local dealer and leaving with them, taking time to call back Chevy Customer Care again and hasseling it out with Chevy....or just get the 3rd party shop to install the aftermarket and hope GMC does a care program in the future and reimburses?

Thanks,
Todd
 
#2 ·
There is a law suit for your problem.

 
#3 ·
Thanks. Yes, I did previously see that, but that does not help me right now. Lawsuits and then appeals take years, if they work at all. For the here and now, I'm trying to gauge what share of owners, who've had the same problem, and tried asking GMC/Chevrolet for help, actually got it.
 
#6 ·
Well right off the bat, I'd have to say, if GM was helping anyone there wouldn't be a lawsuit
And now that there is a lawsuit, GM won't help because that could be used against them.
I think your going to have to pay to fix it and then join the lawsuit to get your money back.
 
#4 ·
GM is not gonna do anything for a vehicle over 5 yrs old . many have had electrical problems and engine/transmission failures..
you posted that dealerships replaced the ac condensers many on your model year well those condensers are probably made in china ..
did GM send you an air bag recall ?
go to a ac repair shop and replace it and keep the proper detailed cost and repair document of the ac repair shop .. then over several years GM could be sued and get your money back .

I have two GM vehicles 1996 and 2000 original owner had no ac condenser leaks . my 1996 Impala only had a compressor failure ... the gaskets on the compressor leaked out refrig oil ...my 2000 had no issues old GM ..
my new vehicle was a 2016 toyota truck .. no failures ...
 
#5 ·
My vehicle is under five years old. Purchased at mile zero last weekend in May 2016.
It also falls well under the 60,000 mile Special Warranty coverage 17337 that GMC extended to 2015-2017's.

... But.... j cat... your advice is duly noted! Thank you!

I have not heard of an air bag recall.

I've had a seat belt inspection and a recoding of the brake system.