We need a DIY A/C install! AC

Outside of a DIY oil change thread, I think AC install write up would be a needed and popular thread here.

I have an 09' that has the factory prep done but no AC. It can't be that hard for what 'seems' like bolt on stuff. Bracket, compressor, lines etc. Some part numbers and location pictures might be enough of what's required to get going. After it's together maybe bring the car to an AC shop to have them charge/test it all?

Can it be done relatively easily? has anyone here done it?

I NEED AC now that the wife is driving the car!

The only alternative is Pay Up and have someone else do it, so if anyone paid a shop aftermarket, what did it cost to have done?

:D

its about $300-400 in parts off ebay, less if you find a upullit or yard for the lines,compressor and ac switch. the dealer kit is like $1000, but the wiring is all there, my 09 is ac prepped so it has the condenser and evaporator and dryer all ready on the car,

Mine is the same (09' Aveo5), it came with the "AC provisions for dealer install" package, so I believe like you say the condenser, evaporator and dryer are already there. What about dash controls, plug and play?

GMpartsdirect shows this schematic but what else would be required?

http://www.trademotion.com/schematics/C/CN09055.gif

If I went new, I think I would need:

#3 (Compressor assy) @ $400

#17 + #18 (left/right hoses) @ $114

Not sure about #14 - #16, think they are there on my car (not sure, will check when wife gets home)

Bracket and belts? What wiring is required on a dealer ac prep car?
What else comes with GM's (complete?) package and do we know af any dealer can get that?


We can at least get a list together even if we don't have a DIY write-up yet.

you need 14, 15, 18 and 17. The compressor i bought used on ebay for $40 with 10k miles and a one year warranty, knowing that once it is install the dealer will probably cover it in the factory warranty since it all factory parts :wink:

the wiring is all there, there are two plugs hanging in the engine compartment. one by the maf on the intake. it is for the ac pressure switch. there is on hanging under the power steering pump in front of the block for the ac clutch on the compressor. the controls are plug and play on not terribly hard the change. the two bicycle cable switches are a bit tricky..

you will need bolts for the compressor although the dealer suspected not every car would have the bracket for ac.. mine does. i believe those are #4 in that diagram. i just ordered the serp belt for a car with ac to put that on.

Next question is to determine how this compares to the 2008 Aveo 5?

From what I understand, our price tag (1st gen Aveos) is a bit higher. Since our "ac prep" option is only priced at 50 from the dealer, and ac kit costs 1299 from the dealer and 1000 on eBay, I'm guessing we have to buy the stuff that rabbit already has on his car from factory out of pocket. That would drive the price up. I'm not sure I want to bother with it here in WA though... I think I can roll my windows down for the three weeks of summer we get here (at 85F, 90 tops...). It will give me the comfort for those three weeks and rob me of a few much needed in this car HP for the rest of the year. And that's for 1000$ not including labor... nitrous costs half that and I see myself using it more often. :D but for now I'm not getting either one. 8)

just an fyi

looks like the full GM kit (for a 2009-2010) is:

GM PART # 96992824
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $1,228.57
OUR PRICE: $894.40 (GMPARTSDIRECT)


my local dealer is showing an installed price of about $1400

doesn't seem as bad as when I got the car last year (was quoted $2000). For all new GM stuff w/warranty i might have to go that route if we can't get a less expensive roadmap put together here...

Rabbit did you do this yourself?

i do everything myself, yes.

cherrybomb, just because rabbit did this yourself doesn't mean most of us here can do it ourselves.. :D You should ask him how long he's been working on cars too. 8)

Hi. Im getting ready to do the a/c nstall in my victory red 2010. I just bought all the parts from a slavage yard for 200.00 .I got everything except line bolts and cab switch(climate control deal).
My question is this:since my car is 2010 the cab switch is hard to find. Gm wants like 300 bucks for it( If i knew that the computer didnt make the compressor cycle(cycle means cutting it off momentarily so it dosnt freez up)..id just use one of the dummy switch spots and use another 4way switch. The 2010 are different in some ways i know. If u guys have any a/c install questions yell, so far mine is easy,i may hav to chase some bolts at lowes but it looks like i will have cold a/c for less than 300.00 dollars when done. my car has ac provison option so condenser and evaporator are already there. If anyone knows bolt sizes for the condensor and such feel free to share your knowledge. I have two aveos
the new 2010 that is getting the treat ment and an 2006 that has 125000 miles

ok lol something that was easy has turned hard .but lol it will b okay im sure.
Friday i call a huge salvage yard here n wv explaining i wanbt aveo a/c compressor lines and climate control....(and by the way clinmate control gm part nmbr for an 09-10 in black is 96650500)
dude says ok u can hav lines compressor and the inside deal 237.00 plus tax.
im like okay this is my my nmbr two aveo i probably wont need this till winter if i made u a ridiculous
of 200.00 would u take it ,,sure will
so monday wen the yard they hav close to my work says parts are in i call em on break give em my chek card all is good ,,,,wrong..dude had wrong price im like thats okay ill pay the 237.00
just get it done ,,no sir i must call my boss.
then he leaves me a message only he can authorize my transaction and he dosnt appreciate me low balling him on parts ,,,ok now im mad ,...im like listen i asked u twice because i knew u were busy i cant help it u cant keep your figures straight
but if u wanna sell em even at 237.00 lets get this done ,,tired of it draggn on as my supoervisor at the telco i work in was givn me the evil eye to get back to work asap
so i giv him my card ,,i stop at yard just as they were closing and got em
compressor was rusty as crap even had dirt in one port
,,i lost it ......i walkd in and xplaind u mighta reamed me once but not twice
and i had dude at counter sign receipt saying i rejectd the parts
now i bet thet r gonna giv me more hassle
so lol what a day

OK THAT MAY HAVE BEEN A BLESSING BECAUSE THE 09/10 AVEO AC COMPRESSOR MOUNT SEEMS DIFFERENT
AND IT LOOKS LIKE 09/10 HAS NEW BELT DRIVE DEAL BECAUSE MINE HAS TWO EXPOSED BELTS ON THE 10 ITS NOT LIKIE 06
IM GLAD SALVAGE YARD REFUNDED MY CASH
I HAVE THE CLIMATE CONTROLL FOR IUNSIDE BUT I NEED PUMP LINES AND A FEW MISC BOLTS
IF ANYONE KNOWS OF AN AC CAR IN SALVAGE PREFERABLY AN 09 OR 10
LET ME KNOW
THANKS

Ok I just got done installing the A/C kit (GM PART # 96992824) on my 09. The car already had the C66 option. Not to bad to install, but the big "got you" was that I still had to take the car to a shop that had a Tech 2 scanner to enable the A/C. I found an independent shop to enable it for me, but it cost me $65 + tax. I have all of the part numbers for the parts that were in the kit and the directions (all pictures, no wording). If anyone is interested let me know.
Daniel

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 67ss350camaro

Ok I just got done installing the A/C kit (GM PART # 96992824) on my 09. The car already had the C66 option. Not to bad to install, but the big "got you" was that I still had to take the car to a shop that had a Tech 2 scanner to enable the A/C. I found an independent shop to enable it for me, but it cost me $65 + tax. I have all of the part numbers for the parts that were in the kit and the directions (all pictures, no wording). If anyone is interested let me know.
Daniel

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Post the part numbers in here. Will save you the time so you don't have to copy/paste every time someone PMs you about it and saves us the time from looking for it.

im super interested ples give us those numbers.. also,,would your a/c not kik on wen u did yours
if u got your sys filld and all that for 65.00 thats a great price
i have climate control installd alredy(did it few weeks bak) and the c66 option too
so this will really help me alot thanks so much

Just gotta keep in mind that the p/n's will most likely be different for the first and second generations of cars/engines.

the compressors, belt. front two a/c lines, climate control, and compressor mounting bolts are definitely different.

The main line that goes to the firewall seems to be the same. condenser seems the same, the expansion valve on the firewall is the same, not sure about the evaporator, or inside the car.

mines a 2010 so im ready

Parts:

Compressr - 95953032
Pressure switch - 96448991
Relay - 96590287
Belt - 96476110
Line 1 - 94831199
Line 2 - 96940408
Line 3 - 96802198
Inside controls - 96650500

Also some nuts, bolts, and 10A fuse
I have a picture of the nuts and bolts that I can e-mail. Not sure how to post pictures.

I charged the system myself. I found a 18oz can of 134a. This was the perfect amount. The shop manual calls for 18oz +- 1 oz. The sticker that was in the kit called for 17.5 oz.
I had to take it to the shop just to have then go into the cars CPU and enable the A/C. It took them 5 min with the flow chart I provided, so $65 was plenty of money.

Daniel

thanks so much
i hate going to dealer
lol
i ahve a radio out of va non onstar in mine so on star dosnt work
and i left my tpms outta my 17"s too
its funny though
i have climate control on inside and wen u kik switch on it lights up so lol the juice is there i guess
i really appreciate all the nfo ,,,thanks again

can you post up that flow chart?

also, did you pull a vacuum on the system before charging it? would be more efficient if you pulled all the air out first.

Yes, I did draw a vacuum on the system first. I will see what I can do about posting the flow chart.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 67ss350camaro

Yes, I did draw a vacuum on the system first. I will see what I can do about posting the flow chart.

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How exactly is the vacuum drawing done and is that something that I can do by myself or do I have to take it into a shop?

I just picked up all the pieces of the A/C system (except for the condenser, it was damaged in an accident on the donor car). It all ran me $350. Plus $75 for the condenser, brand new, shipping included from eBay. Misc stuff here and there too. And may need to get a different fan (the one for cars with A/C has a larger shroud to draw more air through both radiators), but might end up just using the stock one for now. Might even pick up the one from donor car sometime this week. I already got a universal A/C seal kit and some a/c oil to put on them when I install them... that's after the condenser arrives, that is (should be sometime this week).

I've heard that drawing vacuum is a good idea, but I'm not too sure how to do that. I'll also have to take it to some shop (not sure where to yet either) to activate the A/C in the computer...

Pay a shop to pull a vacuum and charge the system when the program it to turn it on.

I'm still interested in the flow chart. I wouldn't have though a computer needed it activated. But whatever it takes to get it working.

http://home.earthlink.net/~dakcoffma...h2_ac_flow.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by serega12

How exactly is the vacuum drawing done and is that something that I can do by myself or do I have to take it into a shop?

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You have to have a A/C vacuum pump to do this. If you don't then take it to a shop. You could buy one at Harbor Freight (http://www.harborfreight.com), but if you are only going to use it once, it would not be worth it.

Here is another picture that should help. This one shows the nut and bolts and how much to tighten them.

http://home.earthlink.net/~dakcoffma...eo_ac_tork.jpg

Flow chart and bolt chart are much appreciated..

thank you.

Good info...

I can buy the official a/c kit 96992824 on the internet. Can anyone recommend a mechanic in the Denver area that is qualified to install it?

i just got all my ac stuff except for climate control and one line for 150.00 from Nordstrom automotive off a 12000 mile 09 or 10
all my stuff was clean ..plus they will work with ya too
just a great place to do business ..google em up and get some A/C IN YOUR RIDE.
last summer i installed climate control wen i put in new radio
i bought it for 30 bucks on ebay ,,i also have an apprentice lol my neighbor who is one of the best technicians i know hes installling it for 50.00
so 150.00
n parts
at least anothr 110 in a new line and a bolt and
and top have ecm hit
not too shabby for 350.00
or less
woohoo i will have cold ac
install looks easy
if i can small block an s-10
i can do this
but sometimes i just get tired of working
they even gave me the belt and bolts

which line do you need? the long one that goes to the dash? i have one extra.. (i also have both of the front lines for the first gen etecII engine)

its one of the lines of the two that bolt to compressor i think its the one to dryer ill check and make sure
i bet 1st gen one would work fine even if compressor changed (becaus i bet gm reused same lines-thety conserv alot)
what do u want for it
let me know
304 439-1683

i need the line to the right of the compressor in your illustration ...ill trade a 6 mnth old set of h&r springs for it even up ,,all i ask is is who ever trades just pay shipping ,,and if its over 20.00 ill pay difference

i took a vacation day tomorow ,,so i decided id get some of my stuff boltd up
wow ,,its so dern easy ,,,i had compressor on and belts changed in just over an hour(on ramps with wheel on too)
anyone who dsnt have a/c shouldnt b afraid to tackle it ,,its dern easy..and u can sav a lil cash while taking pride in doing it yourself
i dont like the low power of the eco tec(i have a quik 06 aveo)but its easier to work on ,,u dont ecven need a special tool for serpentine tensioner ,,it has a nub for a box end wrench ..i was shocked at how easy it is so far
just as easy as a brake pad change i think
..so guys and gals ,,go get some a/c
"u Can DO iT"

http://home.earthlink.net/~dakcoffma...eo_ac_tork.jpg[/QUOTE]

I did it all on my own for the buying parts and installation for my 2008 Aveo Hatchback. I want to help smooth out all the questions for installation.
First most of the parts are on ebay. The hardest parts that I could find were the metal lines that went to each of the parts. The items you will not need is an evaporator, blower motor of any type, the expansion valve (if you look at the firewall, behind the firewall is the valve with a protective cover and a single hex nut to keep a grey plastic cover over the valve). You will need all of the items listed in the picture in the previous post and a new control panel for your dash with the AC button.

My first thing I installed was the control panel. There are two slim plastic pieces on the side of the air control panel that extends up to the top of the CD unit. Take it off. There are two sets of screws on either side of the air unit that hold it into place. Once done pull the unit out slightly. As you can see there is two wiring harnesses connected to the box as well as a grey and a black tube that seems to go deep into the dash. If you look under the driver side, above the gas peddle is where there is a screw that holds them into the dash. Remember which tube connected with which actuator also what path it took to get from unit to actuator. Remove this and the wiring harness and remove the unit. Replace using reverse technique.

Next I installed the compressor (really it’s up to you on what steps you want to go first.) Note: if you buy a used compressor, it would be advised to empty the oil out of the compressor and fill it with new fluid to the recommended level). A good idea for installation would be to lift the front of the car and take off the passenger side tire as you will need to get access behind the wheel well it for taking off and putting on the serpentine belt. To take off the serpentine, remove the plastic wheel well and use a ratchet from the underside to rotate the idler pulley toward the back of the car. Once the belt is off, there is another idler pulley towards the front of the car where the compressor should be. The idler should be held on by three bolts. I threw away both the pulley and bolts as they are useless, unless you want to switch back to no A/C.
Installation of the new pump was not too hard. Tighten the bolts to the recommended torque, and plug in the wire harness that is usually strapped to the radiator housing right near where the compressor should be. Then put back the serpentine belt back on.
Next I installed the pipe from the firewall to the compressor and to where the condenser and air dryer should go. Note, I would strongly suggest doing it this way first, because when the condenser is installed, it’s really tricky to work with the small space to get the piping to align with the condenser holes and not ruin the seals. When putting in the piping, taking out the air box and intake tube also makes life a little easier. If you get confused as to where the piping is supposed to lie, the inside frame has threaded metal where it’s supposed to be bolted to the body.
Now, with the piping installed, its time for the condenser. I found this to be the hardest and longest portion of the install. In order to do this, you either have to take the bumper off, or partially off and slip it up from under the bumper. I took it partially off, but its worth taking it off to avoid a lot of hassle. To do this, first take off the grill by unscrewing the three black screws. Under the grill is a couple of bigger screws for plastic pieces. Next I unbolted the headlights and pulled them out. I then unscrewed the plastic wheel wells to get access to the turn signal screws from the back. Undo those and wiggle the turn signals out as there is another crucial screw underneath them. Once that screw was taken out, there are three screws on the top of the slits along the bottom that attach to the metal part of the bumper (Very hard to take out if you don’t have a screwdriver with a u-joint head). From there, I think there are a couple more bolts to take off and the bumper should be easy to take off. To get the condenser in, you have to unbolt the power steering reservoir, and radiator. The condenser should slide up and if you push the top of the radiator back, it should slip up far enough to allow the bottom rubber grommets to clear the metal bar and then sit on the same rail as the radiator is sitting. The grommets should neatly seat into two holes already cut out into the frame. Also the top circular grommets should fit into two threaded screws attached to the frame as well.
Install the piping to the condenser and reinstall the power steering reservoir, the installation of the AC should be complete. Now put everything back together. Now the last thing left is to vacuum the system and charge it. I got it done at my local auto shop. The Aveo does not need much refrigerant as other vehicles so the cost should be minimal. I didn’t keep tract of the cost for the charge as I was excited not to sweat like I was on the surface of the sun.
Overall this project is hard and will need determination, money, and time to complete. In the end, it will cost less than the 90 per hour mechanics, and will make you satisfied with your product.
Final note: I have the manual version of the Aveo. For those who have one and can sympathize with the slow return of RPMs when shifting, turning on the AC hastens this 2x the original time for synced RPM shifts.

Here are some links to pictures

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/..._headlight.jpg
http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/.../aveogrill.jpg
http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/...t/DSCF9215.jpg
http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/...latevalves.jpg
http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/...t/DSCF9208.jpg

rollinrubber - Great post, I was just going to post something similar. I just got done installing my system on my 08 hatch SV. I opted to remove the radiator and installed the condenser from the engine side, it went in pretty easy. Also while I was putting in the A/C control I added my cruise switch (photo). Here’s my cost. Compressor (used) $45, lines (used) $10, control (used) $15, condenser (RockAuto) $74, cruise control (RockAuto) $30, PAG-46 oil (Advance Auto) $10. I was able to use the charge station at work to vacuum it down and add the R134 so that didn’t cost me. Also my air is working and I didn’t need to have it enabled on the ECU. For any one that can do a tune-up or change a water pump don’t be afraid to tackle this. Cruise and A/C for (in my case) under $200Attachment 4230

Quote:

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Originally Posted by twobig4most

rollinrubber - Great post, I was just going to post something similar. I just got done installing my system on my 08 hatch SV. I opted to remove the radiator and installed the condenser from the engine side, it went in pretty easy. Also while I was putting in the A/C control I added my cruise switch (photo). Here’s my cost. Compressor (used) $45, lines (used) $10, control (used) $15, condenser (RockAuto) $74, cruise control (RockAuto) $30, PAG-46 oil (Advance Auto) $10. I was able to use the charge station at work to vacuum it down and add the R134 so that didn’t cost me. Also my air is working and I didn’t need to have it enabled on the ECU. For any one that can do a tune-up or change a water pump don’t be afraid to tackle this. Cruise and A/C for (in my case) under $200Attachment 4230

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i just got my ac finished yestertday and it was fairly simple ,,my 2010 had condenser and evap alredy ,,,i even filled it wirh freon ,,but pump isnt kikn on ,,i was thinkining since my car has ac provison kit i didn t hav to have ecm hit ,,im wrong ,,hardest part of whole install is the inside switch ..id encourage all to try it ,,and if you are buying a leftover aveo and dealer wants two grand to do it ,,hek do it yourself for less than 500
i have a tech i know he says for 20.00 and a hushd lip hge will activate ac n ecm(first gen aveos need no actiuvation by the way),,woohoo ,,cold ac just n time for vacation ,,ill keep u all posted

if u get a good buy on ac parts bolts are mssing dont sweat it ,,,i lost a couple and replaced m with bolts from lowes ,,the parts list illustration here gives sizes ..the immense feeling of satisfaction and macho ness you feel wen u get this job done ius great ,,its one of the big mods that is easy enough to do

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 67ss350camaro

Parts:

Compressr - 95953032
Pressure switch - 96448991
Relay - 96590287
Belt - 96476110
Line 1 - 94831199
Line 2 - 96940408
Line 3 - 96802198
Inside controls - 96650500

Also some nuts, bolts, and 10A fuse
I have a picture of the nuts and bolts that I can e-mail. Not sure how to post pictures.

I charged the system myself. I found a 18oz can of 134a. This was the perfect amount. The shop manual calls for 18oz +- 1 oz. The sticker that was in the kit called for 17.5 oz.
I had to take it to the shop just to have then go into the cars CPU and enable the A/C. It took them 5 min with the flow chart I provided, so $65 was plenty of money.

Daniel

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Just to clarify...this parts list is for the '10's-on...correct ?

New to the forum... first post. I hope I am not stepping on any toes.

I have A/C parts that were pulled off of a 2007 Aveo(the A/C was in good shape BUT the car was totaled) with the intention of using them to add A/C to a 2007 SVM.

The situation has changed and I need to let the parts go.

I have the A/C lines, compressor, condenser, and control switch from inside the car.

The parts are not pretty and clean but should work just fine.

At this point I'd like to get my money back out of the parts: $600.

I'll cover shipping. Located in Kansas City.

Not the best quality picture but should help answer questions:
Attachment 5041