A/C not working - 2015 2LT - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

MetalHeadDude · 05-29-2019, 10:47 AM

I recently moved to MA from AZ. So I didn't use the A/C during the winter. Now A/C does not work for cool air at all. Dealership says I need a new compressor and it may not end with replacing that because they'll need to run the test to see if there is any leaks. So far the estimate for replacing the compressor is $1100.

I took it to Midas and they charge the same amount for only replacing the compressor. However, the Midas guy pulled up something called PIT 5099B from his database. It's not a recall but more of a common problem for Camaros. So he wouldn't touch it and tells me to take it back to the dealer even though I told him my warranty had expired.

Is this really a common problem? Should I trust the dealer? Or should I have another mechanic diagnose it?

redcoats1976 · 05-29-2019, 03:40 PM

you would think a good independent shop that specialises in A/C could either fix it cheaper or tell you why,especially in AZ.

KenKat · 05-29-2019, 03:47 PM

The other thing I have heard that happens is that the blend door, which mixes hot and cold air, breaks and is stuck on “hot”. Can you tell if the compressor is running?

MetalHeadDude · 05-29-2019, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenKat

The other thing I have heard that happens is that the blend door, which mixes hot and cold air, breaks and is stuck on “hot”. Can you tell if the compressor is running?

The air flow itself is also weak. I turned it all the way up and didn't feel much of a difference. However, the air is not hot when on A/C. It is just warm.

I don't know how else I can tell if the compressor is really running.

KenKat · 05-29-2019, 06:32 PM

Start the car with the AC off, pop the hood and have someone turn on the AC. You should hear the compressor clutch engage and see the compressor start (or not). It is located down past the windshield washer fluid fill neck.

It seems to me that they should do a leak test before they replace the compressor if possible. A bad compressor would not cause an air flow issue either.

A good independent shop specializing in AC might be a good idea. I’m not much of a fan of Midas, CarX, etc.

gringo · 05-29-2019, 07:36 PM

The air flow issue sounds like a problem with the blower motor and or a clogged HVAC filter. Also, if the system is too low on refrigerant, the A/C compressor won't turn on I believe.

MetalHeadDude · 05-29-2019, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenKat

Start the car with the AC off, pop the hood and have someone turn on the AC. You should hear the compressor clutch engage and see the compressor start (or not). It is located down past the windshield washer fluid fill neck.

It seems to me that they should do a leak test before they replace the compressor if possible. A bad compressor would not cause an air flow issue either.

A good independent shop specializing in AC might be a good idea. I’m not much of a fan of Midas, CarX, etc.

The dealer's mechanic says he cannot get the freon to flow so he can use dye to find leaks. He says this is due to a bad compressor.

Midas is the only AC place we got here in Marlboro, MA. I may have to take a trip to Boston to find a good AC mechanic there.

MetalHeadDude · 05-30-2019, 04:12 PM

Ok, took the car to another Midas. He says there's a big leak between the compressor and the A/C lines, and the compressor is just fine. But he cannot fix it as he does not have the sealant for it. Since he can't fix it, he didn't even charge me the $50 diagnosis fee.

What in the world is it with this particular gasket that cannot be replaced or sealed?! I think I should go to Autozone and buy the book and study the A/C section.

LsxDoctor · 05-30-2019, 05:32 PM

Compressor is really easy to install and will save you hundreds of dollars. Do it yourself!

KenKat · 05-30-2019, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalHeadDude

Ok, took the car to another Midas. He says there's a big leak between the compressor and the A/C lines, and the compressor is just fine. But he cannot fix it as he does not have the sealant for it. Since he can't fix it, he didn't even charge me the $50 diagnosis fee.

What in the world is it with this particular gasket that cannot be replaced or sealed?! I think I should go to Autozone and buy the book and study the A/C section.

See. that’s the thing I’d worry about is they go and replace the compressor and then it’s like, oops, that wasn’t it but you still owe us $1100. It would be kind of unusual for the compressor on a 15 to already fail. Not impossible I guess but seems unlikely. Leak somewhere so compressor won’t run seems more likely. Did anyone do a pressure test to see if there is any refrigerant in the system still?

Did you try googling independent repair shops in your area? I did a quick search and found the following - any of these sound familiar?

Kraft Tire & Auto Service
Professional Automotive

Local independent repair shops with good reviews are a good place to start. Somebody’s got to be able to diagnose and fix this thing.

MetalHeadDude · 05-30-2019, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenKat

See. that’s the thing I’d worry about is they go and replace the compressor and then it’s like, oops, that wasn’t it but you still owe us $1100. It would be kind of unusual for the compressor on a 15 to already fail. Not impossible I guess but seems unlikely. Leak somewhere so compressor won’t run seems more likely.

Did you try googling independent repair shops in your area? I did a quick search and found the following - any of these sound familiar?

Kraft Tire & Auto Service
Professional Automotive

Local independent repair shops with good reviews are a good place to start. Somebody’s got to be able to diagnose and fix this thing.

I checked the websites of those two places. They don't do A/C repair.

Midas and Meineke are the only ones who claim they fix A/C. I can go to Meineke next. Or I can try a small full auto repair shop. Or try another dealership.

KenKat · 05-30-2019, 07:58 PM

You might just give them a call; just because the website doesn’t mention it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t do it. Even if they don’t, try asking them for a recommendation. Or maybe try a different Chevy dealer. Good luck, frustrating for sure.

gringo · 05-30-2019, 07:58 PM

Like I stated before, if the system is too low on refrigerent, the compressor may not turn on. The factory service manual would be best resource to diagnose something like this. Oh, and get/rent a A/C manifold gauge set and buy some R134a refrigerant. Much better than paying some shop $1k+ to fiddle around with it.

152LTRockin · 05-31-2019, 12:00 AM

If you have no experience with AC find someone who is reputable check it out. Any dealer should give you a estimate on repairs and tell you what it needs.

OH WAIT ...........................its 2019, things no longer work the way they should and a SIMPLE AC problem can NOT be solved with out MAJOR MAJOR effort on your part to find any real info on WTF is wrong. Too bad you're not closer I'd tell you for free what's up. Sorry but its impossible to walk you through diagnoses on the net how to check everything.

05-29-2019, 10:47 AM	#1
MetalHeadDude Drives: 2015 V6 LT2 Manual Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 13	A/C not working - 2015 2LT I recently moved to MA from AZ. So I didn't use the A/C during the winter. Now A/C does not work for cool air at all. Dealership says I need a new compressor and it may not end with replacing that because they'll need to run the test to see if there is any leaks. So far the estimate for replacing the compressor is $1100. I took it to Midas and they charge the same amount for only replacing the compressor. However, the Midas guy pulled up something called PIT 5099B from his database. It's not a recall but more of a common problem for Camaros. So he wouldn't touch it and tells me to take it back to the dealer even though I told him my warranty had expired. Is this really a common problem? Should I trust the dealer? Or should I have another mechanic diagnose it?

05-30-2019, 05:32 PM	#9
LsxDoctor 15 Year LS1Tech Member Drives: 2010 ss 391ci LS3 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 252	Compressor is really easy to install and will save you hundreds of dollars. Do it yourself! __________________ GJDM

05-29-2019, 03:40 PM	#2
redcoats1976 Drives: LT W/2LT,blue metallic Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: central florida Posts: 4,915	you would think a good independent shop that specialises in A/C could either fix it cheaper or tell you why,especially in AZ.

05-29-2019, 03:47 PM	#3
KenKat Drives: 2014 2LT RS Summit White Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 622	The other thing I have heard that happens is that the blend door, which mixes hot and cold air, breaks and is stuck on “hot”. Can you tell if the compressor is running?

05-29-2019, 06:32 PM	#5
KenKat Drives: 2014 2LT RS Summit White Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 622	Start the car with the AC off, pop the hood and have someone turn on the AC. You should hear the compressor clutch engage and see the compressor start (or not). It is located down past the windshield washer fluid fill neck. It seems to me that they should do a leak test before they replace the compressor if possible. A bad compressor would not cause an air flow issue either. A good independent shop specializing in AC might be a good idea. I’m not much of a fan of Midas, CarX, etc.

05-29-2019, 07:36 PM	#6
gringo Account Suspended Drives: Camaro V6 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: U.S. Posts: 1,722	The air flow issue sounds like a problem with the blower motor and or a clogged HVAC filter. Also, if the system is too low on refrigerant, the A/C compressor won't turn on I believe.

05-30-2019, 04:12 PM	#8
MetalHeadDude Drives: 2015 V6 LT2 Manual Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 13	Ok, took the car to another Midas. He says there's a big leak between the compressor and the A/C lines, and the compressor is just fine. But he cannot fix it as he does not have the sealant for it. Since he can't fix it, he didn't even charge me the $50 diagnosis fee. What in the world is it with this particular gasket that cannot be replaced or sealed?! I think I should go to Autozone and buy the book and study the A/C section.

05-30-2019, 07:58 PM	#12
KenKat Drives: 2014 2LT RS Summit White Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 622	You might just give them a call; just because the website doesn’t mention it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t do it. Even if they don’t, try asking them for a recommendation. Or maybe try a different Chevy dealer. Good luck, frustrating for sure.

05-31-2019, 12:00 AM	#14
152LTRockin Account Suspended Drives: 15 2lt RS Top Gun Camaro Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: us Posts: 389	If you have no experience with AC find someone who is reputable check it out. Any dealer should give you a estimate on repairs and tell you what it needs. OH WAIT ...........................its 2019, things no longer work the way they should and a SIMPLE AC problem can NOT be solved with out MAJOR MAJOR effort on your part to find any real info on WTF is wrong. Too bad you're not closer I'd tell you for free what's up. Sorry but its impossible to walk you through diagnoses on the net how to check everything.