2002 Tahoe A/C COMPRESSOR DESTROYED - WAS GLOWED RED HOT Smoke Everywhere - What's the Diagnosis DOC?

Question

I've got a 2002 Tahoe, with only 38,000 miles since new. A/C working fine then out of nowhere, cold air quit blowing, then a noise under the hood. By the time I was able to pull over, smoke was billowing out of the hood and the A/C Compressor was literally glowing RED HOT and sparks flying everywhere.


The car has never had a problem of any kind. Then this out of the blue - A/C never serviced as both front and rear have always been plenty cold once the initial heat is removed then with constant airflow thru the grille.

OK.. Guys... I can take it. What's the Bad News in this whole deal? How much hard earned bucks to fix this? Do I take the DEALERS word for it and just replace 'EVERYTHING' or question like I know something, which I do.. Will it in fact have to have new condenser, accumulator, expansion value, dryer and obviously a compressor? HOW MUCH?

Are there any in-line liquid line filters or suctions screens on this model Tahoe?

NEED ADVICE - PRONTO

Answer 1

take the advice change it all.Metal from the compressor was more than likely sent through the entire system.the only inline "filter" as you put it is the orfice tube it generally catches most of the metal from the comp. but not all of it.The dealership knows what you need so go on and bite the bullet may cost more now but will help in the long run.

Answer 2

You will definitely need a new compressor and accumulator along with an orifice tube. When the system is taken apart to start to repair and replace, it will have to be determined if the condenser has had a pile of metal get into it. It is impossible to get out, so if there is evidence that it entered you will need to replace it as well. As for the evaporator, I have never had ot replace one because of a compressor problem. These generally explode like this because of a lack of internal oil.

Answer 3

Your compressor feeds the condenser & receiver dryer. They may want to replace the condenser & dryer as well as the compressor to maintain warranty on the compressor. They may also want to check the txv valve for debris but most would stop at the dryer. Depending on the connection locations they may even want to check the evaporator in the cab but thats on the low side to the compressor.

Hope this helped.

Answer 4

Dig out the credit cards... sounds like the compressor itself. I had to have a whole new unit installed a month or so ago too. Check your coils... they might be froze up. That could be why you are getting hot air. Since your fan wasn't working, and if its been froze up after a new fan, is probably low on freon...or whatever coolant its using. Low on coolant... probably a bad compresssor because your fan hasn't been working.

Answer 5

Go to the dealer. Take a look at the $586.00 compressor and laugh at them. Tell them you won't pay more than $375.00 and I will get you a number to order it from. It will be the same place they order it from anyway. You just need a compressor, orifice tube, receiver drier, flush, and evacuate and recharge. I can get the drier for $24.00 and so can they. Don't get ripped off at their gamble that you will pay before you will sweat. This whole job can be done for $600.00. Good luck.

Answer 6

A compressor glowing red? I'd pay to see that! Especially if it's aluminum.

Answer 7

Seized compressor

Answer 8

dont change everything, jeez.....
just change out what is actually bad- which in your case is prob compressor, and lines. The accumulator would be prob be a good idea also. Evap or condensor? no way....

Answer 9

1000 t0 1500 dollars......