[glbbrown]

Noticed the the other day that the A/C was blowing air out the vent, just not as cold as it should be. Took to shop for diagnostic, was told the compressor and accumulator needs to be replaced. (Accumulator is that the condenser or evaporator?).
Total Cost: $1562.00

This Outlook is a money pit. Last year to year and half this is what has been replaced:
Water Pump (just under warranty, costs covered)
2 Ignition Coils and all 6 spark plugs at around 97,000 miles (Cost $900)
Steering Pump with to lower bearings replaced (Cost just under $900) - Mileage 115,000
Battery (Cost $145)

I have a battery light on in my dashboard (charging system indicator?) Been to the dealership twice on that - not resolved.
Now with the cost of the A/C repair, the Outlook is just not worth keeping. Will look at trading in on another vehicle in the coming months, probably not a GM vehicle.

Saturn Outlook Details:
Year: 2009
Trim: XE AWD
Mileage: 118,xxx.

 

[RobXR]

I would try one of those $50 AC refill kits before trusting what a mechanic says about my AC.

 

[GM Customer Service]

Hello glbbrown,

I would like to look further into these issues for you, if I may! If you could send me your name, address, phone number, VIN, vehicle mileage, and name of involved dealer, I can call the dealership and discuss options available to you. I cannot guarantee that we will be able to assist with cost, but I can look into what we can do.

Jessica
GM Customer Care

Noticed the the other day that the A/C was blowing air out the vent, just not as cold as it should be. Took to shop for diagnostic, was told the compressor and accumulator needs to be replaced. (Accumulator is that the condenser or evaporator?).
Total Cost: $1562.00

This Outlook is a money pit. Last year to year and half this is what has been replaced:
Water Pump (just under warranty, costs covered)
2 Ignition Coils and all 6 spark plugs at around 97,000 miles (Cost $900)
Steering Pump with to lower bearings replaced (Cost just under $900) - Mileage 115,000
Battery (Cost $145)

I have a battery light on in my dashboard (charging system indicator?) Been to the dealership twice on that - not resolved.
Now with the cost of the A/C repair, the Outlook is just not worth keeping. Will look at trading in on another vehicle in the coming months, probably not a GM vehicle.

Saturn Outlook Details:
Year: 2009
Trim: XE AWD
Mileage: 118,xxx.

 

[medicrxdoc]

Not unheard of for the evap coil to leak because of a faulty part. They have to remove the whole dash to get to the part. Part is few bucks but labor is like 10 hours so the total repair is over a grand.

I would try one of those $50 AC refill kits before trusting what a mechanic says about my AC.

True. If it leaks out again, then mechanic for a diagnostic.

 

[salguod]

If it's loosing refrigerant, a recharge is only a temporary fix. Might work for a month, might only work for a couple days.

However, I would take it to an independant mechanic for a second opinion.

 

[glbbrown]

Sorry for the delay in posting back.
The first quote was from an independent mechanic.
I took it to a second independent mechanic. The second mechanic stated it was the door blend actuator.
Seeing as the A/C blew cool air, but not enough to effectively cool you off and when the everything was off (turned fully counter-clockwise) would still blow out warm to hot air. That makes sense.
And at this point it appears to be adjusted for the A/C to fully work.
Cost to repair at 3 hours of labor, estimated to be between $300-$400.

I think the first mechanic didn't have the capability or knowledge to diagnose this far or trying to fleece me, needless to say I will not being going back to him.

Thank you for letting me rant earlier!

 

[bigneef123]

Did you respond to the request by the GM rep to offer assistance and if so were they able to refer you to a dealer in your area that could help in diagnosing and resolving the problem? Or only went to indepennt garage?

 

[michel317]

yes u r right

 

[georgeb62]

Hi All,

I THINK I know the CAUSE, the PROBLEM and I am going to try what I THINK is the CURE.

Please follow this post to the end and see if you agree with my diagnosis.

CAUSE: CABIN AIR PRESSURE

Here are 3 examples of what I have noticed that basically stops the AIR FLOW out of the FRONT AIR VENTS:

1. If you REMOTE START the vehicle with the air conditioning turned ON, the inside of the vehicle becomes pressurized.

As soon as you open the door, the air pressure in the cabin is released, thus putting pressure on the BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR to keep the FRONT AIR DISTRIBUTOR VALVES held in place, which appears to be the function of the BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR.

I don't think it has anything to do with the REMOTE START, I think it has do with CABIN AIR PRESSURE and the BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR (Please keep reading).

2. You are in the vehicle, ALL WINDOWS CLOSED, and a door is opened. You then lose air flow from the front vents, even though you can hear the blower going full blast.

3. You are in the vehicle, ALL WINDOWS CLOSED, you open a window. You then lose air flow from the front vents even though you can hear the blower going full blast.

PROBLEM: WEAK BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR
CURE: REPLACE THE BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR - I THINK!!!

I talked with another Outlook owner, who I know personally, and he had the same problem. He took the vehicle into a dealer, had the BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR replaced and the problem was resolved.

So, I am going to get a new BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR, replace it (hopefully in next few days), and see if that resolves the issue.

I will get back to you with my results as soon as I replace the BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR.

ANOTHER POTENTIAL FACTOR: REAR BLOWER

The Outlook is a very well sealed vehicle, and, between the FRONT BLOWER and the REAR BLOWER, there is a LOT of AIR PRESSURE in the vehicle thus creating a HIGH DEMAND on the BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR to keep the FRONT AIR DISTRIBUTOR VALVES in place to divert air flow to the UPPER AIR VENTS on the dash.

This is an ASSUMPTION on my part, but I think it is a factor.

PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS.

I see that there is a new GM CUSTOMER SERVICE rep (William R. (assisting Kelly & Jessica) who is monitoring the site.

Hope to hear from Kelly, Jessica or William R. also.

This is my first post and I hope it is helpful and resolves this issue.

Look forward to your comments, thoughts, suggestions, etc.
Thanks to all.

George