Hi All,

I have a 2001 Tahoe 5.3

Is it difficult to change the AC Belt and the pressure switch on the AC? The mechanic near my home wants $210 (including parts) to do this, but if its something I can do that won't take all day....would rather save some money! Also, how can you tell if the tensioner is working correctly or not?

Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum!

Its not that hard, I can scan my pages in my manual if you would like. My manual covers your Hoe.

 

that would be great! If you can send them to my email, vegastahoe@gmail.com

Thanks!

 

Ill post them here so someone else can learn from it too in the future

The first one is your AC switch, second the belt procedures.

Right click on the pic when viewing it and save to your pc, the forum compresses it a little so you cant read it. View it on your pc , it will have better quality so you can read it.

 

Anyone want to chime in on the AC switch replacement, Do you have to let the pressure out when changing this switch? I have the feeling it might go Speuuuuuuu, it you just unscrew it.

 

wow that belt tensioner placement looks fun! on my 1995 its right on top...

 

Thanks for the help! I hope you don't have to let the pressure out when replacing the switch??? The mechanic didn't mention it when he gave me the quote.

 

You might but if you just loosen it and hear pressure bleeding, then retighten. You'll have to bleed.

 

I think I heard somewhere that the switch can be removed, but I would side with caution and ask and AC shop or do as Marc suggested and go very easy on backing it out.

I have had good luck calling local shops and asking for input on repairs, I have found that if you educate yourself on what you are working on, then ask their input they are more likely to help you, but they don't like being asked how to do it over the phone....

 

You can just unscrew it on the 2001. I had to do this and you will lose the small amount which is in the valve but there is a schrader valve in there which closes as soon as you loosen it.