04 Chevrolet WB with Noisy or Inoperative A/C Compressor - kw AC air condition HVAC information lock noise seized

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom described in the PI.

Multiple product reports have been received for the A/C compressor becoming noisy or inoperative shortly after start-up following a period of more than 30 days in dealer inventory without starting the vehicle. It has been determined that a migration of oil out of the A/C compressor is occurring on vehicles sitting in dealer inventory for more than 30 days. This oil migration in conjunction with the compressor not having been broken in and the orientation of the compressor and A/C hoses, could lead to a oil starvation upon start-up of the compressor, damaging the compressor. The longer the vehicle sits in inventory without operation of the A/C compressor, the more likely that this condition could occur.

It has been determined that the best method to prevent this condition from occurring is to modify the starting procedure of any vehicle that has been sitting in dealer inventory for more than 30 days without having been operated with the A/C compressor engaged. When possible, start the vehicle in the early morning or the coolest part of the day and with the A/C compressor off (HVAC blower in the off position) and allow the vehicle to run to reach operating temperature. Place the vehicle in gear to reduce the idle speed, then engage the A/C compressor. Allow the A/C compressor to operate long enough to allow thorough circulation of the refrigerant through the system.

Vehicles built after February 2004, had an internal compressor change to minimize the likelihood of this condition occurring and testing has shown that once the compressor is properly broken in, the likelihood of this condition occurring is greatly diminished. Finally, operating the A/C compressor every 15 to 30 days while the vehicle is in dealer inventory is also recommended to minimize the possibility of a compressor becoming inoperative due to oil starvation. This procedure should be used for each starting occurrence, when possible, to prevent damage to the A/C compressor.

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Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance.

(2004 Chevrolet Impala) and (2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo)

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