A/C Issues
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 31
Likes: 8
A/C Issues
I have a A/C issue I have to decide how to deal with. I just got a $4k estiment to have it fixed. I am six weeks out of warrenty. GM offer the possibilty of some coverage after I pay the full amount. I know others have had the same issue. There is no way of knowing if the replacement is the same part a better one or worse. $1500 in parts the rest labor. I am fully able the bolt the parts in my self but not fill and reprogram it. What do you all think?
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,636
Likes: 24,868
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Get a second opinion and see what corrective action, and cost, is recommended.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 31
Likes: 8
There is no question the compressor is gone and it sent metal through the system. It is what it is. The parts total is $1700. The only question is well GM kick in any on the deal. Which they will only do after I pay in full.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,645
Likes: 1,222
From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
Has GM told you they would contribute to the repair cost? I had a similar issue with a defective clutch on a C5. The car was just out of warranty. I was able to prove the clutch was defective and GM paid for the parts only.
My argument was that the clutch was an item that should have lasted for around 200,000 miles.
Good luck.
My argument was that the clutch was an item that should have lasted for around 200,000 miles.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 31
Likes: 8
Has GM told you they would contribute to the repair cost? I had a similar issue with a defective clutch on a C5. The car was just out of warranty. I was able to prove the clutch was defective and GM paid for the parts only.
My argument was that the clutch was an item that should have lasted for around 200,000 miles.
Good luck.
My argument was that the clutch was an item that should have lasted for around 200,000 miles.
Good luck.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,076
Likes: 12,434
From: NE South Carolina
Has GM told you they would contribute to the repair cost? I had a similar issue with a defective clutch on a C5. The car was just out of warranty. I was able to prove the clutch was defective and GM paid for the parts only.
My argument was that the clutch was an item that should have lasted for around 200,000 miles.
Good luck.
My argument was that the clutch was an item that should have lasted for around 200,000 miles.
Good luck.
About a week later he came, said yep looks like a defect and we'll cover.
PS: Can understand GM position as until they check all removed parts and define it was a defect they will stand by "Past Warranty."
I'd spend the money as you can't sell a car without AC at least in our area. BTW see where AC lines go from the front AC Condenser to engine compressor to Evaporator under passenger dash.
I paid $800 for a new AC Condenser on my 6 month old C6 because servcie manager said GM won't pay as hole "Probably caused by rock." I brought Condenser home and showed hole caused because Condenser was dropped before installation, perhaps by supplier. GM agreed and refunded the full $800. I took pic of old condenser I brought home and showed it was bent where flattened tube with hole was located. My thought re GM's probably caused by rock was it was dropped propr ro being installed. Took 6 months for weakened are to break!
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 13, 2025 at 08:17 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,940
From: Hagerstown MD
St. Jude Donor '15-'16,'18
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,871
Likes: 10,277
From: Garden Valley CA
If the OP truly wants to do the work himself he could probably find an automotive AC repair facility to evacuate the system and recharge it when the work is complete. He might also need to have the components that aren't removed (lines, etc.) flushed out.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,728
Likes: 1,463
From: Virginia Beach, VA & Port Charlotte, FL
Having a very good relationship with your dealer is paramount. They stand to be about the best way to get GM's subsidy for the repair. They will go bat for you and hopefully convince GM to assist in paying a percentage of the repair. I had a similar experience with my C5 coupe with the well known fuel tank leaks. GM paid 50% of the repair and I only had to roger up with the other half. I DID NOT have to pay the whole bill up front, just 50% of it. Your dealer should be able to tell you all this in advance of the repair.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 31
Likes: 8
The dealer I bought it from is no help. Another dealer in my area is much better working with me. They can also do the repair next week as the dealer I bought it from would be 6 weeks out. Its a 22 C8 with 19k miles.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,871
Likes: 10,277
From: Garden Valley CA
They are probably concerned that the failed compresor spread contamination throughout the system and don't want to take the risk that the condenser would re-contaminate the rest of the system unless they remove it for a thorough cleaning. I believe that there is equipment/methodology that can decontaminate the system without removing components (other than the compressor and receiver/dryer) but they not have the equipment or expertise.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 12,351
Likes: 14,185
From: Central Illinois
They are probably concerned that the failed compresor spread contamination throughout the system and don't want to take the risk that the condenser would re-contaminate the rest of the system unless they remove it for a thorough cleaning. I believe that there is equipment/methodology that can decontaminate the system without removing components (other than the compressor and receiver/dryer) but they not have the equipment or expertise.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13,615
Likes: 1,357
From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
Wait. The price went up $4k just because the dash has to come out?
The dash came out of my C7 at the local dealer for blending motors replacement. I think parts and labor together were $ 1850.00
I think this dealership is a real stealership.
If the issue is not Corvette related per se, as in AC components only, an AC shop that is reputable should be able to flush and replace all the bad parts for a fraction of the OP is being quoted by the dealer.
$9k for any AC work is absurd.
The dash came out of my C7 at the local dealer for blending motors replacement. I think parts and labor together were $ 1850.00
I think this dealership is a real stealership.
If the issue is not Corvette related per se, as in AC components only, an AC shop that is reputable should be able to flush and replace all the bad parts for a fraction of the OP is being quoted by the dealer.
$9k for any AC work is absurd.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 31
Likes: 8
The process at this point. Remove the compressor and see if it sent metal through the system. If not its 3 to 4k. If it has then the dash and front body work has to come out to replace all components. That is the bigger number. I have heard the debates about cleaning instead of replacing and its a roll of the dice not too replace. The openings in the condensers are just too small to clean. The part numbers for the compressor say it has not been updated. I do not understand the process but I can get for sure coverage for part of it before the work and then beg for more after.The bottom line is new cars are not made to be repaired. Just replaced. I heard it said do not buy new trucks, rebuild old ones.
