Problems with an air conditioning system can be time-consuming and costly to fix in a vehicle. Save some time and money by trying to troubleshoot the air conditioning problems on your own. Learn how to diagnose these problems in a Chevy Silverado and possibly avoid a trip to the dealer.
Start the engine of the car and run it at a fast idle for 2 to 3 minutes in preparation for the troubleshooting. Set the air conditioner to the coolest setting and turn it to high. Keep the car doors closed.
Check the air temperature after a few moments by placing a candy thermometer in a vent. The coolest air coming from an Chevy Silverado should be around 45 degrees. If the air is not cool, analyze whether it is hot or just ambient, which indicates different problems.
Check the heater hoses if the air is hot. Lift the hood and find the firewall on the passenger side. Feel the hoses where they enter the firewall. If both hoses are hot to the touch versus just one, there is a valve problem.
Adjust the air from low to high and back down again. Listen for the blower motor. The noise should increase when turned higher and decrease when turned lower. The blower motor is a black cylinder-shape with a white plastic bowl-like piece on top. Unplug the electrical connector, remove the stakes holding into place with a chisel, remove the nuts and take it out to inspect it.
