Forum Discussion

DRSMPS's avatar
DRSMPS
Explorer
Jul 23, 2014

Air Conditioning Help - 2010 Sierra

During the last couple weeks, I've noticed that my truck's A/C isn't working as well as I remember in past summers. Symptoms are as follows:

1. When the truck is at idle, I can hear the compressor kick in and out often and it sounds much louder than normal. The compressor is louder and has a rattle-type noise only noticeable at idle.

2. When driving on warm days it intermittently blows really cold and then just "cool" depending on idle speed. It keeps the cab comfortable, but I recall it previously keeping the cab ice cold. I run it on high all the time, whereas I used to run it on low to stay comfortable.

I brought it into a NAPA dealer where we are staying to have them inspect it. It was in the morning when the temperature outside was around 75 deg. They measured the vent temperature at 58 deg and told me the system was OK. I asked if they could put gauges on the high and low side and advise me on the coolant pressures, but they said they didn't have the license to do so.

I'm debating taking it to a dealer with a licensed A/C mechanic. They advise that the diagnostic charge for this work is $120 though.

I'm looking for advice. Should I bring it to the dealer and have them check it out? - or - Should I pick up a can of R134A at my local parts store and one of those adaptors that lets me check pressure on the low side and top the system up myself for $25? Does it have to be R134A or can I use the Redtop "equivalent" coolant to top up the system? Does this sound like I am low on Freon or is it something more serious?

Thanks for your help and advice.
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  • Perrysburg_Dodg's avatar
    Perrysburg_Dodg
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2014
    I talked to the AC guy here at the plant. He said that the new refrigerant is junk and the stuff coming down the pike is not any better.

    Don
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Jul 25, 2014
    Perrysburg Dodgeboy wrote:
    Mine was doing the same thing, started after I bought a large can of refrigerant added it and then the compressor would make a loud clunk noise along with the rattle-type noise you described.

    Took it to the dealer and Joe (the tech) looked at me and said so let me guess you thought you would save a little money, right Don? Had over charged the system by over 2 pounds!!!! Cost me $127 to have them fix it.

    Don

    Thanks I was thinking of doing the same thing. Guess I'll forget that idea. High today was 52F though so didn't really need it, but the grid heater did fire off in July :W
    I had to add Freon like three years ago at my local Chevy dealer ( lost his Dodge dealership) and they added dye in case it happened again. Seems to be alright although never has cooled off enough for the DW in 100F temps. Now the fan is making a roaring sound on high, must be a leaf or mouse in it. Got to pull it off this week-end.
  • Perrysburg_Dodg's avatar
    Perrysburg_Dodg
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Mine was doing the same thing, started after I bought a large can of refrigerant added it and then the compressor would make a loud clunk noise along with the rattle-type noise you described.

    Took it to the dealer and Joe (the tech) looked at me and said so let me guess you thought you would save a little money, right Don? Had over charged the system by over 2 pounds!!!! Cost me $127 to have them fix it.

    Don
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Jul 24, 2014
    $130 is fair if they did a good job and fixed the problem. Sounds like they knew what they were doing.
  • DRSMPS's avatar
    DRSMPS
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Thanks everyone for your help. This morning I brought the truck to a shop with a licensed AC mechanic. They evacuated my A/C system and measured the Freon and oil in the system, ran the Freon through a dryer and then returned it to the system and topped it up. I was down to 0.7 ounces of Freon which he indicated was very low. They put a dye into the system and he said if I bring it back in a few days, or the next time it acts up, he can search for the leak.

    Out $130, but now I have piece of mind!
  • lpxguy's avatar
    lpxguy
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    is your cooling fan on while the compressor is? If not the high pressure cut out switch will shut the compressor off to keep the pressure from getting too high.
  • Fast0ne's avatar
    Fast0ne
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    I had a a/c guy working on another vehical at my shop. We got to talking and he told me that a/c systems should be checked every 2 years.

    My truck being a 06 and bought the truck 2012 I though I should get him to check it out and sure enough it was over half empty. So got it all charged up and was all working well.

    So I took it back this year for the check up and sure enough it was down 15% so he filled it up. Checked for leaks and everthing was good.

    Don't go by the old mechanics myth that if it is cold it is fine. Last thing you want is not to have a/c on a hot day.
  • Dannyabear1's avatar
    Dannyabear1
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    Cooling while driving but not when idleing is symptons of bad fan clutch, oops a 2010 prob has electric fans.
  • beergardens's avatar
    beergardens
    Explorer
    Jul 24, 2014
    It's a newer vehicle, so I'd be inclined to avoid mixing refrigerant with the aftermarket stuff for now. It does sound to me like it's a bit low on refrigerant. The proper R134a is hard to get a hold of here so an A/C technician may be the best answer. Might as well look for the source of the leak at the same time.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Jul 23, 2014
    I would have a real A/C tech look at it and doesn't have to be the stealership.

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