New a/c condenser question
#1
New a/c condenser question
So I just got my 2007 Tahoe back from the body shop due to an accident. My wife t-boned a driver making an illegal u turn. So the a/c condenser was replaced amongst other things. I noticed this morning its about 45 degrees and a bit sprinkly this morning, and i see steam coming from under the hood, right about dead center in front. From the hood latch area, seems to come from the condenser and radiator area, radiator was not replaced, since they say it was not damaged. Engine temp gauge in car is pointing at 210 where it normally is. Could this just be something burning off from the condenser? There was also some radiator support work done, i can see newly painted radiator supports. Its not a bunch if billowing steam, and it is def. steam and not smoke. It did not do this before the accident. Also does anyone know any troubleshooting for the driver side mirror, it is only partially tilting, insurance denied coverage on it since its not likely it was damaged in he accident, but i know it was. The electric motor will run but the mirror is limited on its tilting but if physically press on the mirror the direction u want it to go while holding the tilt button in that direction it will move, u just have to help it along. I take very good care of my vehicles and i notice ecery tiny thing wrong, i know it was damaged from the accident. Thanks in advance!
Last edited by Typerod; January 10th, 2016 at 10:15 AM.
#2
was this a one time event?
refrigerant leaks you probably will not see. pull the a/c relay and disable the system; then see if the steam re-occurs.
hot coolant would be visible during cold temperatures and seem more likely. have the cooling system pressure tested. keep an eye for level drops in the coolant reservoir an any coolant leaks below the rad.
the mirror symptoms you describe sound more like a weak motor than a physically damaged part. When cars get hit hard, I guess it could be possible, but hard to prove. you would have to pull the mirror apart to inspect.
refrigerant leaks you probably will not see. pull the a/c relay and disable the system; then see if the steam re-occurs.
hot coolant would be visible during cold temperatures and seem more likely. have the cooling system pressure tested. keep an eye for level drops in the coolant reservoir an any coolant leaks below the rad.
the mirror symptoms you describe sound more like a weak motor than a physically damaged part. When cars get hit hard, I guess it could be possible, but hard to prove. you would have to pull the mirror apart to inspect.
#3
Hi tech2, when u say one time event do u mean the steam? If so, i noticed the evening i drove it home from the body shop after the repair and noticed it this morning as well. A/c was not on, but heater was. I feel like i smelled a bit of coolant, but it might just being me paranoid.
Edit: it has been drizzly rain here in northern va and maybe could be moisture burning off the radiator? Ill keep an eye on it, thanks for the prompt reply tech2!
Edit: it has been drizzly rain here in northern va and maybe could be moisture burning off the radiator? Ill keep an eye on it, thanks for the prompt reply tech2!
Last edited by Typerod; January 9th, 2016 at 10:44 AM.
#4
sometimes when doing collision repair, there can be hidden damage. Insurance companies and auto body shops are well aware of this and if required, will open an amendment to the repair order to address it....just don't leave it for too long. if you see reoccurrences, I would contact them next week for an appointment. tell them what you have observed and smelt. It sure sounds like the rad tank is cracked or leaking.
Last edited by tech2; January 9th, 2016 at 1:37 PM.
#5
sometimes when doing collision repair, there can be hidden damage. Insurance companies and auto body shops are well aware of this and if required, will open an amendment to the repair order to address it....just don't leave it for too long. if you see reoccurrences, I would contact them next week for an appointment. tell them what you have observed and smelt. It sure sounds like the rad tank is cracked or leaking.
Last edited by Typerod; January 9th, 2016 at 3:03 PM.
#7
Thanks again for your help tech2, much appreciated!
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The plastic tanks that tech 2 mentioned are notorious for small cracks. The driver side is the worst of the two, because the transmission cooler lines are upper/lower and as well as the oil cooler if so equipped. and since the front impact was bad enough to replace the condenser, I suspect a small HAIRLINE crack o the driver side.
Put a clean newspaper under the car over night and see if there is any drips. My 99 Tahoe had a small crack on the driver side plastic tank and it has never been wrecked, so it does happen. Good luck,
David g.
Put a clean newspaper under the car over night and see if there is any drips. My 99 Tahoe had a small crack on the driver side plastic tank and it has never been wrecked, so it does happen. Good luck,
David g.