My 2010 Aveo5 AC project

[wylee]

******EDITED 7-18-2012**********
Install cliff notes:
Disconnect the temp control cable down at the heater box and remove it with the HVAC controls.

The air box, right headlight, and right inner fender must come out.

I removed the filler panel above the grill to better see the condenser connections. may not be necessary but I think it was worth it.

The power steering belt does not have an adjustment; the belt needs to be worked off as you turn the pulley. It takes a 3/8" (I think) hex key / allen wrench to turn it.

The main belt adjuster is released with a 12 point (17mm I think) socket. The only way I could get to it was from the bottom.

******END EDIT**********


With the info that 67ss350camaro has posted I've ordered the parts and plan to have Air Conditioning in my heap within a couple of weeks. (depending on work and weather)

I got the HVAC controls from a 2007 sedan yesterday and installed it. A word of advice for anyone else...disconnect the temperature control cable down by the accelerator pedal before trying to get it off the back of the HVAC controls.

My used compressor (supposed to be from a 2010 with 2k miles) should be here today. The compressor bolts and AC lines should be here today or early next week; I picked up the belt, relay, and pressure sensor/switch yesterday. I was able to get all the bolts except for the 3 compressor mounting bolts from my local Ace hardware.

Buying a used compressor and HVAC control with everything else being new, I think is going to put this project at about $600 including having it evacuated, activated, and charged.

My car came with the prep package. I paid about $200 more than the car beside it that didn't have the prep and it was well worth it....providing this project goes as planned.

More to come....and a few pics if I don't get too lazy.

.

[Daox]

We like pics. Good luck with the project.

[wylee]

All the parts are here:
1 HVAC control (used from a 2007 Aveo sedan)
1 Compressor with clutch (used from a 2010 Aveo)
1 AC hose GM part # 96940408
1 AC hose GM part # 96802198
1 AC hose GM part # 94831199
1 Belt GM part # 96476110
1 Relay GM part # 96590287
1 AC pressure sensor GM part # 96448991
3 Compressor bolts GM part # 94500308
3 M6X1.0 flange nuts (from Ace hardware)
1 M8X1.25 flange nut (from Ace hardware)
1 M6X1.0 20mm long flange bolt (from Ace hardware)
1 M6X1.0 25mm long flange bolt (from Ace hardware)
1 M8X1.25 35mm long flange bolt (from Ace hardware)
1 10 amp fuse (from the spare slot in the fuse box....need to replace the spare later)

I also picked up some external tooth lock washers from Home Depot. Not sure if I'll use them or not...I probably will.

[wylee]

The lines and compressor are installed. I tried to take a picture of the line routing but my camera battery died. I ended up with an extra M8 nut and short 1 M6 nut so I updated my parts list above.

Parts total is about $550 so I guess I'll be a little over $600 after I get the system charged.

[petrified.rabbit]

looks like you got it done.. i am not as far along as you, i need to install it all, but decided to maybe not run it.. as i am pulling the power steering out this summer though for added pep. so dont know if i can add ac and delete power steering.

I see you bought everything new except the compressor. Thats about what i did. i appreciate the parts list, if you get a chance, the measure of the compressor bolts would be great. even though you already put them in.

[wylee]

The power steering runs off the water pump completely independent of the AC.

Pretty sure the compressor bolts are M8X1.25 85mm long....not very easy to find in my area.

[petrified.rabbit]

awesome news there. I thought from the location (because i didnt put it in) that the ac pulley was added to the waterpump/power steering belt... i guess i can put it in and eliminate power steering!

Thanks for the info.. its going back on the list for later this spring.

[Captain Manic]

Just as an FYI, R134a is being phased out, it is already discontinued in the EC countries. GM is going to be using a new refrigerant starting in some models next year. Unlike the R-12 to R134a conversions, they are saying that the new refrigerant will be able to replace R134a in our current systems with no problems but if you weigh charge in like you should anticipate that the charge weights will be different (as in on an R-12 to R134a retrofit the correct 134a charge only weighs 85% what the same volume f R-12 did.)

[wylee]

Well, I almost got the AC charged this morning. Took the heap in for an oil change and AC charge...and I got the oil change. The AC system wouldn't hold a vacuum....I gots a leak.


It turned out to be the condenser itself so it will be covered under warranty but it's still a pita. I'll have to try again next week after the condenser comes in.

[respdoc]

Well, I almost got the AC charged this morning. Took the heap in for an oil change and AC charge...and I got the oil change. The AC system wouldn't hold a vacuum....I gots a leak.


It turned out to be the condenser itself so it will be covered under warranty but it's still a pita. I'll have to try again next week after the condenser comes in.

Any updates ?