C 3500 Truck 2WD V8-6.6L DSL Turbo VIN 1 (2002)
Refrigerant Filter: Customer Interest
A/C - Underhood Rattle Noise on Hard Acceleration
File In Section: 01 - HVAC
Bulletin No.: 03-01-38~019A
Date: September, 2004
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Underhood Rattle Noise Heard On Acceleration (Check A/C System Performance and Compressor Operation)
Models:
2003-2004 Cadillac CTS
2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
2002-2004 GMC Denali, Denali XL, Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
2002-2004 Commercial Upfitter Chassis Vehicles
with Air Conditioning (A/C)
This bulletin is being revised to update the service procedure and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-01-38-019 (Section 01
- HVAC).
Condition
Some customers may comment about an underhood rattle noise heard on acceleration or a sudden loss of A/C system performance.
Cause
This condition may be caused by liquid slugging of the A/C compressor. This condition may cause an internal failure in the A/C compressor. The
serpentine belt tensioner and serpentine belt may also be damaged.
Correction
Technicians are to check the A/C system performance and compressor operation using the following repair procedure:
1.
Open the hood and inspect the A/C compressor for damage and to see if the compressor is seized. Verify that the serpentine belt is not damaged or
missing. If the A/C compressor is seized, proceed to Step 5.
2.
Perform the A/C System Performance test. Refer to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) section of SI. Correct any performance
concerns or refrigerant leaks that are found.
3.
Inspect the vehicle for other possible sources of A/C compressor noise or performance concerns. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number
01-01-38-013 for more information.
4.
After all other possible sources of A/C compressor noise or performance concerns have been eliminated, only then should the A/C compressor be
replaced.
5.
Remove the A/C compressor. Refer to the A/C Compressor Replacement procedure in the HVAC section of SI.
6.
Inspect the transmission cooler lines for damage due to contact from the serpentine belt. Replace the transmission cooler lines if necessary.
7.
Install an inline A/C system filter. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-38-006C for more information about A/C system flushing and filter
installation procedures. An A/C system flush is not to be done unless prior authorization is given by the GM Area Service Manager (in Canada, the
District Service Manager).
8.
Install an A/C Suction Screen. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-01-39-003A for more information about A/C suction screen repair
recommendations and procedures.
9.
Install a new A/C compressor. Refer to the Compressor Replacement procedure in the HVAC section of SI.
10.
Install a new orifice tube for the front A/C system. Refer to the Expansion (Orifice) Tube Replacement procedure in SI.
