Info - Procedure to Prevent Lack/Loss of Lubrication to CVC7 A/C Compressor for Vehicles in Dealer Inventory

The CVC7 A/C compressor used with the thermal expansion valve (TXV) may experience a loss of proper lubrication while sitting in dealership inventory. This may result in pre-mature wear on some compressor swash plates that have not been broken in through daily use.

This condition may be caused by refrigerant system oil migration (compressor wash-out) which occurs on brand new vehicles that have not had the air conditioning system cycled for an extended period of time (greater than 14 days) prior to daily use break in.

If you have vehicles that are in this category, the A/C system should not be run until the following procedure has been performed as an additional step to the New Car PDI.

Follow the service procedure below to correct this condition.

Important: The vehicle MUST NOT be started with the HVAC blower switch in the ON position.

•	It is preferable to start the vehicle in the morning when it is the coolest to minimize the effects of compressor wash-out.

•	The HVAC Control Head MUST BE OFF BEFORE starting the vehicle.

•	Turn the blower switch to the OFF position.

•	Verify the A/C Compressor Button (Snowflake) and Recirc Buttons are in the OFF position (No Light).

1. Turn the ignition key ON with engine OFF.
2. Turn the blower switch to the OFF position.
3. Verify the A/C Compressor Button (Snowflake) and Recirc Button are in the OFF position (No Light).
4. Start the vehicle and drive it into the service area.
5. Open the hood.
6. Install the fender covers.

Caution: 

•

Avoid breathing the A/C Refrigerant 134a (R-134a) and the lubricant vapor or the mist. Exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Work in a well ventilated area. In order to remove R-134a from the A/C system, use service equipment that is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J 2210 (R-134a recycling equipment). If an accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate the work area before continuing service. Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.

•

For personal protection, goggles and gloves should be worn and a clean cloth wrapped around fittings, valves, and connections when doing work that includes opening the refrigerant system. If R-134a comes in contact with any part of the body, severe frostbite and personal injury may result. The exposed area should be flushed immediately with cold water and prompt medical help should be obtained.

Notice: 

•	R-134a is the only approved refrigerant for use in this vehicle. The use of any other refrigerant may result in poor system performance or component failure.

•	To avoid system damage, use only R-134a dedicated tools when servicing the A/C system.

•	Use only Polyalkylene Glycol Synthetic Refrigerant Oil (PAG) for internal circulation through the R-134a A/C system and only 525 viscosity mineral oil on fitting threads and O-rings. If lubricants other than those specified are used, compressor failure and/or fitting seizure may result.

•	R-12 refrigerant and R-134a refrigerant must never be mixed, even in the smallest of amounts, as they are incompatible with each other. If the refrigerants are mixed, compressor failure is likely to occur. Refer to the manufacturer instructions included with the service equipment before servicing.

7. Drain and clean the ACR2000 oil recovery tank and reinstall.
8. Remove the high and low service port caps.

Important: 

1. DO NOT OPEN the high side service port at this time.
2. ONLY recover the refrigerant from the low side service port.
9. Recover the full refrigerant charge with the ACR2000 from the low side service port only.
10. Verify the system is fully recovered. If not fully recovered, run the ACR2000 recovery cycle a second time.
11. Measure the amount of oil recovered by the ACR2000 machine. Discard the recovered oil.
12. In a clean graduated oil measuring cup, pour 90 ml (3 oz) of new Universal Air Conditioner Compressor Oil, P/N 12378526 (in Canada, 88900060), PLUS the amount of oil recovered by the ACR2000 machine.
13. Disconnect the low side service hose from the vehicle to allow the vehicle to be raised.
14. Open the high side service valve.
15. Raise the vehicle.
16. Remove the three screws retaining the front splash shield.
17. Position the splash shield out of the way.
18. Manually set the ACR2000 vacuum time to 15 minutes and start the vacuum cycle.

Important: Allow the ACR2000 vacuum cycle to run at least 1 minute before removing the compressor oil drain plug.

19. Remove the compressor oil drain plug.



20. Connect a 228.6 mm-304.8 mm (9 in -- 12 in) piece of 9/32 vacuum hose to the oil drain port and put the other end of the vacuum hose in the previously measured oil and allow the vacuum from the ACR2000 machine to draw the oil into the compressor.
21. Reinstall the compressor oil drain plug.

Tighten
Tighten the oil drain plug to 16 N·m(12 lb ft).

22. Turn OFF the ACR2000 vacuum cycle.
23. Manually turn the A/C compressor clutch ten revolutions with your hand to internally lubricate the compressor.
24. Reinstall the three bolts retaining the front splash shield.

Tighten
Tighten three splash shield retainers to 20 N·m(15 lb ft).

25. Lower the vehicle.
26. Connect the ACR2000 low side service hose and open the valve.
27. Start the ACR2000 automatic vacuum cycle.
28. Charge the A/C system with 1.04 kg (2.3 lbs) of R134a refrigerant.

Perform a snap shot with the ACR2000 of the A/C system operating data. Print out the snap shot and attach it to the repair order. Refer to Warranty Administration Corporate Bulletin Number 99-01-38-006A, SI Document ID #716365.

29. Disconnect the ACR2000 machine.
30. Reinstall and "hand tighten" the A/C service port caps.
31. Start the vehicle and verify the A/C system performance. Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System Performance Test, SI Document ID#959786.
32. Remove the fender covers and close the hood.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: