File in Section:

Service Bulletin

-

Bulletin No.:

16-NA-028

Date:

July, 2016

TECHNICAL
Subject:

Air Conditioning Not Getting Cold Enough or Blows Warm Air

Brand:

Model:

Chevrolet
Chevrolet

Model Year:

Breakpoint

Engine:

Transmission:

April 1, 2016

All

All

April 1, 2016

All

All

from

to

from

to

Sonic

2015

2016

SOP 2015

Trax

2015

2016

SOP 2015

Involved Region or Country

North America and N.A. Export Regions

Condition

Some customers may comment that the air conditioning is not getting cold enough, or is
blowing warm air. This condition is most commonly noticed upon first/beginning A/C
usage on a new vehicle.

Cause

4376188

The A/C condenser supplier has found that the cause may be a block off plate that was
mis-positioned during their manufacturing process. The plate may not have been fully
seated prior to welding, so it may not be directing the flow of refrigerant through an area
of the condenser as design intended.

Correction

Service Procedure:

Important: The manufacturing process has been
corrected, however, any vehicles produced between
the breakpoints shown above may be affected.
Because the standard SI diagnostics likely would not
pinpoint this cause, the thermal test below is being
communicated in this bulletin as a way to verify a good
from a mis-built condenser.

Before doing any repairs, refer to Air Conditioning
System Performance Test in SI, and also complete the
temperature variation test noted below:
1. Perform a diagnostic check of the A/C system.
Refer to Air Conditioning (A/C) System
Performance Test in SI. If no leaks and a proper
refrigerant charge were found, continue to step #2
starting the A/C condenser temperature
variation test.
2. Partially raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

Copyright 2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

July, 2016

3. Turn the A/C system on high blower/non recirculation mode, and run for at least 1 minute.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-028
4.1. Take a reading at lower tube #2, designated
by the lower red line in the graphic above. To
obtain a proper reading, the gun beam should
be positioned directly on tube #2, about 25
mm (1.0 in) to the right of the manifold.

4376194

4. Accessing the left side lower grille area, use an
Infrared thermal gun to take a reading at 2
locations noted in the steps below, and record
temperatures and note temperature difference.

4376195

4376196

Note: The condenser air baffle has been removed in
the graphic above for illustration purposes only. The
intent was to show that the #7 tube is 2 tubes above the
blocking plate (1).
4.2. Next, move the laser dot to the #7 tube
(designated by the upper red line). Take a
reading ensuring the beam is positioned
directly on the tube, approximately the same
position from the manifold.
• If the difference in the reading is at least 10
degrees F or more, the condenser is
functioning properly and further diagnostics will
need to be completed to verify the cause of the
condition.
• If the difference in the reading is approximately
the same, or within 10 degrees or less, the
vehicle has a misbuilt condenser. Prior to
replacement, confirm that during temperature
readings taken, the compressor was running for
at least 10 seconds and was still running during
measurements. If so, replace the A/C
condenser. Refer to the appropriate Air
Conditioning Condenser Replacement in SI.

Bulletin No.: 16-NA-028

July, 2016

Page 3

Parts Information
Note: Use the vehicle identification number (VIN), SI,
and the GM Electronic Parts Catalog to determine the
proper condenser to order.
Description

Part Number

CONDENSER ASM-A/C

95286873

CONDENSER ASM-A/C

96945774

Warranty Information
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

4480388*

A/C System
Analysis

0.5 hr **

Add

A/C Condenser
Temperature
Variation Test

0.3 hr

Add

Air Conditioning
Condenser
Replacement

1.3 hrs **

*This is a unique Labor Operation for Bulletin use only.
**This includes Recover and Recharge R-134a A/C System.

Version

2

Modified

July 20, 2016 – Added 2016 Model Year and Updated Date Breakpoint.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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