Silverado AC Fix - How To Install Silverado AC Condenser 2014-2018 Sierra Tahoe Suburban

We are finally fixing the AC system on my 2014 Silverado! It has been out for several years but now that the truck is back on the road following our AFM/DOD Delete series and summer is coming, it was time to get the condenser swapped.
This process should be identical on the 2014-2018 Silverado and Sierras as well as Tahoes, Yukons, and other GM trucks from the same generation. I have not verified this process beyond my 14 Silverado so please let us know below if this process is the same on any of the other GM vehicles!
NOTE IMPORTANT INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS BELOW:
1. Try to complete this installation on a dry day with low humidity as the desiccant bag in the condenser as well as the accumulator will absorb moisture once the system is open.
2. Immediately seal any open connections and try to have everything prepped so you can quickly install the new AC Condenser once the system is opened.
3. If the system is open for a long period (normally 10 minutes) you may need to consider replacing the AC accumulator - you can also run the vacuum longer (45+ minutes) when recharging the system to help pull the moisture out of the desiccant.
4. My local dealer recommended adding 1 to 2 ounces of AC Oil (Linked below) to your new condenser before installing. Make sure to check with your dealer for your specific condenser/vehicle.
⚠️Try anything shown in this video at your own risk ⚠️
👉🏼 LINKS TO PURCHASE TOOLS & PARTS FEATURED BELOW👈🏼
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Associated Videos
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🔩Parts (Affiliate Links) - more options will be added soon
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AC Gasket 1: geni.us/AC-Gasket1
AC Gasket 2: geni.us/AC-Gasket2
Most current part number for AC Condenser according to my dealer
is 84621302 but these are regularly updated and there are some
variations
AC Delco Condenser (Note this is an older PN):
geni.us/15igPv
Verify the correct oil for your AC System with your Dealer
AC PAG Oil: geni.us/AC-Oil
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🔧 Tools Shown In This Video (Affiliate Links)
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Milwaukee 3/8s Ratchet: geni.us/MilwRatchet
Milwaukee Impact: geni.us/MLW2861-20_Impact
Tight Wrench: geni.us/TightWrench
Although not shown in this video - this is the kit we recommend for
recharging your AC System
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🔧 Recommended Tools (Affiliate Links)
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The Milwaukee Impact is a MUST HAVE tool - By far, the best tool purchase
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Mid Torque MLW2861-20 M18 Fuel:
Tool Only: geni.us/MLW2861-20_Impact
Full Kit: geni.us/MLW2861-22_Impact​
High Torque 2767-20 M18 Fuel:
Tool Only: geni.us/MLW2767-20_Impact
Sockets & Wrenches:
We Recommend GearWrench
Standard (English) Impact Socket Set: amzn.to/35KId7o
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3/8" Torque Wrench: amzn.to/2XcilOY
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Jacks and Stands:
We love the quality of Esco Products and recommend them:
Esco Jack Stands: amzn.to/3cmAmiO
Esco Floor Jack: amzn.to/3fAIUoA
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⚙️Torque Specs (Adding soon)
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🎬 Recording equipment (Affiliate Links)
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📷 Video
Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR : geni.us/Canon-EOS80D
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens: geni.us/SigmaLense
🔊 Audio
Pico Gear Dual Mic: geni.us/PicoMic
💡 Lighting
Small Portable Light: geni.us/Neewer-CN216
Large Light: geni.us/GenarayLED
Light Box geni.us/GenarayLightBox
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CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE & BLOG: www.thesundaedrive.com
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[@EricGehrman]

I did this on my 2015 Silverado today. I was able to get the L-bracket on, but definitely took a lot of patience. After vacuuming and recharging the system, I had ice cold AC again. Thanks for the video!

[@pablosolis6174]

Eric did you had to add compressor oil with this task or just transmission oil and freon thanks in advance

[@sbc_jake_9677]

Great video! Little tip for a line that go into a fitting with orings. Spray some silicone on the line before sliding it in, i just sprayed it on my finger and wiped it on the line. Went in super easy

[@TheSundaeDrive]

That's a good idea!

[@thomascarstensen6846]

Did this on my 2014 Silverado today! My L-Bracket snapped in to pieces trying to take it off the old condenser, glad I didn't need it. My biggest issue was getting the old transmission line off the old condenser, had to use a dremel to cut and pry away the old connection from the line. But as always, thanks for making what could be a long weekend into a short easy project!

[@ryanmclaughlin1803]

Had to replace one in a dodge ram 2012 for my cousin's wife a couple years back. Great content!

[@josephscotto1066]

Definitely the same with the Tahoes and Yukons... I did this a year ago in my GMC.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Awesome! Thanks for confirming!

[@nathannettik685]

Just did this job on a 16 Yukon, saved me $750.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Awesome! Glad it helped you out!

[@devellwilson7099]

Thank you for the knowledge brother..

[@richardreyes2278]

2016 sierra went out great video thanks

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Hope it helps!!

[@richardreyes2278]

have not worked on it yet but i have your video once again thanks be safe

[@EVERYTHING_OUTDOORS814]

They make aftermarket condensers that are fully welded. OE condensers are still just tacked in 3 spots they will fail just like original did

[@g.k.1669]

That is absolutely astounding that they would recreate a defective product. Then GM wonders why people don't take their vehicles in to a GM service center to get repairs. Air conditioning is not new technology so there should be no defects with it at all. Apparently GM has lost that technology and went back to square one in research and development.

[@joejoesmojo32]

​@@g.k.1669cut them slack man you know they're going "green".

[@g.k.1669]

@@joejoesmojo32 Just picked up my 2014 Silverado from the repair garage yesterday, I barely have time to cut the grass let alone wrench on vehicles anymore. Was pleased to see that they replaced it with an aftermarket condenser. Never thought that I would be saying that.

[@josephoverstreet5584]

Link to a good one?

[@tyronnfields7945]

Very good video becuz in the nxt wks I will be working on a 2015 Chevy 1500 replace the condenser.....

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Good luck! Hope this helps you out

[@Hillhouse_Fishing]

Mine failed last week and was super easy to replace

[@huntswithabowoutdoors4618]

Best video I've found on this issue!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Glad to help!

[@sommer76063]

What are the part numbers for the two gaskets that were replaced on the a/c lines? Followed your video and got the condenser swapped in a few hours. One note: On the transmission line that is such a bear to get back in on the driver side top, I took the line completely off and then it was easy to put back in because it could be manipulated better. After that, the bottom one goes right in. Thanks for a great video!

[@michaelnoding]

Great video!!! Thankyou !

[@TexasRedneck]

Gonna be starting on this today...should be arriving today and I get to join the condenser club...yay me lol

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Aww man. Welcome lol

[@TexasRedneck]

@@TheSundaeDrive Thank you for your awesome videos!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Happy to help!

[@ArnoTrek]

Front grill and front skid plate take less than 5 minutes to take off. Worth removing to get bottom and middle front access to get everything seated and aligned (like that boot you talked about). Not to mention getting all the leaves out. I also had bird nest in mine lol.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Good tip! I have a nest in mine currently I need to get out lol

[@nickolasglair152]

I believe that where your fins are messed up is where gm stopped the trans cooler and started the a/c condenser.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Yes. I believe you are correct. Very poor manufacturing quality.

[@vader2120]

Do you add the 1 to 2 oz of PAG oil to the low port?

[@MrRGiller]

Knock on wood, my 2015 Silverado AC is still working good.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

The 15s probably have an updated condenser. Fingers crossed it lasts for you for awhile! Mine failed around the 4 year mark

[@MrRGiller]

@@TheSundaeDrive I am hoping mine lasts a long time. I usually keep my vehicles for 15 years or longer. I don't like vehicle payments. Lol

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Same! I like to keep them until they die, and then maybe fix them again haha

[@DeadLemonz]

The 2015’s don’t have the updated condenser unfortunately, going to use your video this weekend

[@tomb7890]

My 2016 just quit working. Preparing to fix now. Great video. Thanks.

[@williamroot9474]

Was curious as to how to add oil to the condenser.

[@mattmasilko1471]

Do the condenser seals listed work for the 14- 18 silverados?

[@TexasRedneck]

So I had to return the first condenser I got and had everything taken apart as the condenser had a nice bend in it. Got a new one today and while putting it back in I'm having a hard time with the clips that hold the tranny lines in. Did you pull them out and then put the lines then put the clips back on? This is what I'm doing and having a bear of a time getting the clips back on. Am I supposed to leave the clips "connected" and then push the lines in? Seemed like this is what you did as you stated it was really difficult to get them in. Edit: got it figured out how to manipulate them to get them seated. Got it back together and started the truck up to look for leaks. No leaks! Now I need to rent the vacuum and suck the air out and then add freon.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Glad you got it figured out. They were annoying. Just in time for summer!

[@user-ki6ke5cc2b]

Senks!!!

[@AndrewKellman]

I was unable to use that same plastic bracket as you. It wouldn't line up. Left it out as well. I used an AC Delco condenser on my 2015

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@robertroman1992]

Is there a trick to getting the transmission cooler lines back into the condenser? Mine do not want to go back in all the way no matter how hard I try

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Patience. I had trouble with it too. Some lubrication on the outside (make sure it doesn't get on the inside) could help. But again, very important you don't get it inside any of the piping or condenser

[@danieljuarez29]

Question, is the same gasket posted twice on the description? I'm trying to order them but they both seem to be the same one. Please advise

[@Amokof]

Theyre probably different sizes

[@garyspencer9070]

2016 5.3l sub 100k miles, rip condenser welds

[@AndrewKellman]

How and where do I add the pag oil

[@TexasRedneck]

11:52 the two links go to the same oring. By chance know which is the other? RockAuto shows a few with what looks like different options for the vehicle.

[@brandonbrown350]

I was looking for this comment any luck on finding the o rings?

[@TexasRedneck]

@@brandonbrown350 I went to Oreilly's with the old ones and we were able to match them up. I dont remember the part #s though :(

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I'll try to get this fixed. Sorry about that. Please comment back in a couple days if it isn't updated in the link

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Link is fixed! geni.us/AC-Gasket1

[@sergiochavez1591]

Is there a way to diagnose it before taking everything apart? My AC went out yesterday.

[@thomascarstensen6846]

Add a freon with Dye. After a week during nighttime, use a uv light to look for any dye leaks through the front grill.

[@easyhangit604]

Dye is the best. However, make sure you check what freon goes in your system. 134a vs 1234yf. Totally different games and not interchangeable. 134a = $12.99 1234yf= $44.00!

[@troynewell7800]

Trying this today with a $70 coolvue from amazon

[@Thackdaddy]

Would leaking ac condenser cause higher transmission temperatures? Transmission went out at 35k , got it replaced and still seeing over 200 temps. I feel like the condenser is clogged with transmission remains.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

The transmission cooler is built into the condenser so I would replace that ASAP if your temps are that high.

[@mattmasilko1471]

Dont forget these models have a transmission thermostat that notoriously goes bad. You can delete these

[@michaelpena9041]

Do I need to get the ac recharged after sealing condensers

[@TheSundaeDrive]

If your ac isn't blowing cold yes

[@ThePichin21]

How you add the ac oil to the condencer?

[@davida4886]

Poor into the hole.

[@cruzmaldonado9611]

Mine just failed. 2017 sierra. What type of freon does it take?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

It can vary a bit. Should be printed underneath the hood on a sticker.

[@Ghostpeppers1]

My 2015 Silverado went bad last year. Should've been a recall but I guess it's not a safety factor so GM just let it go.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Yup! Very common problem. Definitely should have at least extended the warranty on it

[@briancompton9420]

The dealer did mine on my 2014 for $100 today. Try talking to the dealer, might save you some money.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

You must have a very generous dealer lol.

[@MindfulMusic]

@@briancompton9420 What dealer was this? Can you provide a receipt or something so I can show dealer, too?

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Why did they run a transmission cooler lines into the condenser? What ever happened to have them go inside the radiator??

[@-WolfMan-]

Dude, you didn't need to remove most of that stuff just to get to the condenser. Alot of needless disassembly on your part. After Market Condensers are much better than getting the Same Old Same Old, Just to end up having the EXACT SAME PROBLEM Again later.

[@grantly3964]

Just take it out and jb weld tf out of it lol worked for me and it cost $5

[@psmith7781]

Careful...there are some cork sniffers lurking that will knock you for using JBW on a $40K truck. ;) Mine is leaking at the usual top drivers side coupler at the dryer.. I can access it through the grill, so I am entertaining prepping and sweating some aluminum flux core rod, using a propane torch. Lazy I know, but its already over 100 degrees in PHX...

[@stevenjames14]

@@psmith7781 Was thinking the same, any luck?

[@psmith7781]

@@stevenjames14 It did not work. I just bit the bullet and purchased the Specter one from Amazon that has the weld all the way down the side. Took about three hours to swap it out.

[@MrRonutoob]

Not cool I can’t forward past your verbose instructions

[@stevenjames14]

😪

[@AmericanNuke54]

For anyone thinking this is going to be easy, its not. F everyone who said this was easy. My truck has fought me the entire install. And I'm still not done.

[@davida4886]

Some people are more mechanically inclined than others. 😅