[FourE]

My local chevy dealer quoted $2400 for parts and labor for new compressor for my 2011 volt. Does this make sense? I asked them to look into after market compressor. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[Barry]

Just as a reference point, I got a quote for a rebuilt compressor for a Honda Civic (standard ICE version) a couple of years ago for $700. I would expect the Volt to run higher, but I am surprised to see a number that high.

 

[Bacardi]

Call a few dealerships, ask for parts and get a quote...

 

[Mister Dave]

The compressor itself is around $1K. It's pretty hard to find online - often "discontinued".

$1K+ for labor? I guess.....

 

[somms]

The AC compressor function is to provide refrigerant flow in the AC refrigerant loop to help cool down the cabin, help dehumidify the air in a defrost mode and help maintain the battery temperature. Rather than a more typical pulley, the A/C compressor uses a 3-phase alternating current, high voltage electric motor to operate. It has an on-board inverter that takes High Voltage direct current from the vehicle's High Voltage Battery and inverts it to alternating current for the motor. The AC compressor shall be activatedwhen any of the three following events occur:
• The customer pushes the AC button
• The HVAC control, in AUTO mode, requests the electric AC compressor on to help in cooling the cabin or removing moisture in the defrost mode
• The High Voltage Battery Thermal System requests the AC compressor on to help maintain the battery temperature

The Hybrid Powertrain control module 2 uses values from the A/C refrigerant pressure transducers, A/C refrigerant thermistor, duct temperature sensors, ambient air temperature sensor, passenger compartment temperature sensor, evaporator temperature sensor, battery cell temperature sensors, battery coolant temperature sensors and battery coolant pumps to determine the speed at which the compressor will operate. This speed request message is sent from the Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 2 tothe A/C compressor control module via serial data message.

Suppose it is a good thing that this 3-phase alternating current compressor that is used in order to keep the HV battery cool should be covered under the 8yr Voltec warranty then as it is not a cheap part!

 

[canehdian]

Just as a reference point, I got a quote for a rebuilt compressor for a Honda Civic (standard ICE version) a couple of years ago for $700. I would expect the Volt to run higher, but I am surprised to see a number that high.

It's not a standard automotive compressor.
It's a sophisticated AC (as in alternating current, not air conditioning) compressor with completely variable output.
Pretty much every other car is belt/gear driven by an engine, not electricity.
This is closer to one you'd have for your house than your car.

 

[mpmoore1979]

It is covered under the Voltec warranty so if you are within that warranty then it should be replaced at no charge. Besides the normal r/r labor for the compressor, it does require special tools to ensure you do not get PAG oil used in normal systems to enter this system which can cause a loss of isolation in the high voltage circuits. Also requires the high voltage system to be disabled.

LABOR CODE: 4417140
WARRANTY CODE: Coverage Code: V

 

[fishhawk]

Just curious, does the Gen 2 Volt use a similar compressor?

 

[freshcut]

Agree with the above post. The p/n (discontinued, but still available through ebay, amazon and I'm sure several other places) is 22753244. Since it's not a traditional all mechanical compressor, it doesn't surprise me that it's priced so high ($1050-1400 based on quick search). Very similar to a home or refrigerator unit since it requires power to operate rather than a belt.

fishhawk, the Gen 2 certainly uses a similar type compressor though likely different connections since it was understood that the Gen 2 is completely different from the Gen 1.

Fortunately it is covered under the Voltec coverage, which should be sufficient mileage and time for most folks. Not to mention much better than just about anything else out there since I'm pretty sure the A/C system isn't covered beyond the primary B2B warranty for most all other vehicles.

 

[El Dobro]

The Bolt, Spark EV, ELR, Malibu Hybrid and Tahoe Hybrid all have electric driven A/C compressors.

 

[BAZINGA]

Since you received an estimate did they provide a p/n? All of the site I frequent all confirm 22753244 is dis-continued w/o listing a replacement.

 

[twoheeldrive]

If you are out of warranty, there are lots of them on ebay for $100.00-$200.00.

 

[El Dobro]

22753244 has been replaced by 19353337, which is available.

 

[samotlietuvis]

How many miles on the car? Did the compressor actually fail, or it just needs re-charge? You can get a slightly used one from Carpart.com. Not sure why labor is so expensive, at least for Spark EV it is easy to access part from bottom front driver side, but Volt is more tightly packed...

 

[freshcut]

I can't imagine labor being too high for such a replacement. As for access, it looks like the exhaust manifold and cat need to be removed, Otherwise just 3 bolts, hoses and electrical connections to deal with along with reprogramming for the new compressor.

Seems when anything electrical needs replacing anymore it requires reprogramming and in some cases, non-electrical items. Guess this is how dealerships are really making their money.

 

[Billtphotoman]

The Bolt, Spark EV, ELR, Malibu Hybrid and Tahoe Hybrid all have electric driven A/C compressors.

I would think at least some cars with start/stop systems would also use these. Otherwise the occupants would be roasting while stopped at lights in the summer (which I know some start/stop systems subject owners to). I am glad to see this is covered under warranty for 8 years.

 

[saghost]

I would think at least some cars with start/stop systems would also use these. Otherwise the occupants would be roasting while stopped at lights in the summer (which I know some start/stop systems subject owners to). I am glad to see this is covered under warranty for 8 years.

I think a few do. I believe some others disable start/stop when the A/C is running instead. :-/

 

[samotlietuvis]

I would think at least some cars with start/stop systems would also use these. Otherwise the occupants would be roasting while stopped at lights in the summer (which I know some start/stop systems subject owners to). I am glad to see this is covered under warranty for 8 years.

Actually you start roasting. Was visiting San Antonio a few weeks back and had a rental Malibu with engine start / stop. It was 95F humid. So we stop and engine stops an the hvac fan blows but the air was getting luke warm and humid right away. As soon as I slightly blip the pedal the engine starts and the cold air is back.

Makes sense - 12V system does not have enough torque to start the AC compressor, nor is there enough power to keep it turning. Unless it is a hybrid with 300-400V system, the start / stop chevy cars still have compressor that turns by the engine belt.

 

[freshcut]

Agree that most start/stop don't have an electric compressor. There is however the ability to turn that feature off on many cars.

 

[charliebrown]

I'm in the aftermarket parts business; can get you a reman for approx $700 - send me a PM.

Here's what it looks like -