Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: AC condenser fan & poor AC performance, ac condenser, chevy dealer

Question
Hi David,

I have a 99 Chev 3500 Truck with 454 engine. My vehicle was in an accident sometime back that caused extensive frontend damage that was repaired. The damage included the condenser which was replaced, as well as a new condenser fan. The AC has not functioned since. The chevy dealer that did the work said I had a bad compressor, but there are other issues that I think need addressing first.

1)The condenser fan does not come on, and when the truck is first started the AC seems to function (marginally) for a time, but will always stop blowing cold when at a stop lite. This would of course seem related to the condenser fan not running. If I hose down the condenser with water the AC immediately starts blowing cold for a short time. IS THERE A RELAY,PRESSURE SWITCH, OR OTHER ITEM TO CHECK TO DETERMINE WHY THE FAN DOES NOT RUN?

2) I'm not sure that the dealer properly serviced the AC when doing the repair.  I suspect the possibility of too much oil in the system when they recharged it after doing the condenser replacement. HOW CAN I CHECK FOR THIS?

Any other suggestions or ideas would be appreciated....

Thanks

Answer
Hi Tim,I did`nt hear any accumulator being replaced during the repairs.The system should be evacuated,flushed and recharge.Sounds like the system may be undercharged.I would recommend replacing the compressor and orifice tube also.I think you might have to start fresh.

Good luck,davidt