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Buick Enclave AC Problems

201 messages,  Last post on May 15, 2013 at 1:28 PM

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What is this discussion about? Buick Enclave, Heating / Cooling, SUV

    

Messages Page 2 of 21

#6 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [bmanly] by angusmcgee

Nov 18, 2009 (10:19 am)

Replying to: bmanly (Jul 29, 2009 7:43 am)
We have the same problem. Our 2008 Enclave was delivered in December of 2007. We first noticed the problem in the summer of 2008 while traveling through Atlanta in 100 degree, high humidity weather. The cool air flow through the front vents slowly diminished until there was no cool air at all. Since that day it has happened numerous times, but only when it is warm with HIGH humidity.
 
We've had it in to the dealer four times (the fifth time is tomorrow). The first three times the dealer "could not duplicate condition". The dealer also tried installing a data recorder for one of our trips. The air conditioner quit working once again but there were no unusual readings. On the fourth trip to the dealer they replaced the high side pressure switch. It didn't help. The problem reappeared about 1-1/2 hours into our next trip. Tomorrow the dealer is replacing the following parts; sensor, valve and seal kit. The dealer has never heard of this happening on ANY car before let alone my Enclave.
 
What seems to be happening is the air conditioners evaporator is freezing up and restricting the air flow. If we pull over and turn off the car for 20-30 minutes a large puddle (small lake) of water appears under the car and the air conditioner works fine until the next time.
 
I really like my Enclave, but when the air conditioner quits during a trip I'd trade it for a Yugo.
 
 

#7 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [angusmcgee] by bmanly

Nov 18, 2009 (11:16 am)

Replying to: angusmcgee (Nov 18, 2009 10:19 am)
Thanks for writing. Good to know I am not the only out there with this strange, seemingly unfixable problem!
 
I got the same response from our dealership here too. They "couldn't replicate problem" and couldn't find any leaks or low freon. I have had them look at it twice now, and while it won't be an issue until next summer, I am truly hesitant to take the car on long family trips, which is main reason we bought the Enclave in the first place.
 
We defintely noticed the lack of airflow but it is puzzling why the rear "aux" system still seems to work when front is shut down as the dealers says there is really only one system for the whole car. Let me know how your repair goes...
 
Bruce

#8 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [bmanly] by angusmcgee

Nov 18, 2009 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: bmanly (Nov 18, 2009 11:16 am)
The dealer told me that the rear auxillary sytem has a seperate evaporator. That's why it continues to work when the front shuts down. Initially we didn't have a problem with the rear. Whenever the front air stopped working, we angled the rear ceiling outlets forward to get some relief from the heat. On our last trip this didn't work. The back unit was somewhat cool but not cold. We live in a southern state where heat and humidity are a normal ocurance in the summer months and it's rather nice to have auto airconditioning that works.
 
Be sure to check the lemon law in your state. In our state, you have to file within two years of the delivery date. The dealer has to have made at least three attempts to repair the problem. Our dealer has been great but the problem remains.
 
I'll let you know how it goes.
 
 

#9 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [bmanly] by barry37

Nov 26, 2009 (8:47 pm)

Replying to: bmanly (Aug 20, 2009 12:30 pm)
We have the same problem. I noticed that the blower speed was diminished (1/2 speed when on high). I tried everything from a control stand point. Finally, we pulled over at a gas station and the problem went away after shutting off and restarting the Enclave. The dealer replaced the blower and on our next hot summer trip it happened again. We have had many electrical/electronic/mechanical issues with our November 2007 built Enclave (passenger air bag light/sensors, driver electric window switch, leaky rear sunroof, rear shock failure, left and right side front idler arms replaced, cam shaft sensor fuel light). The dealer has been good but the car has been a disappointment. We have 35,000 miles on our Enclave and just priced tires prior to winter - WOW! $1,000 to replace the tires because their are very few choices on a vehicle this size and having 19" tires.

#10 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [barry37] by paulc8

Aug 15, 2010 (4:38 am)

Replying to: barry37 (Nov 26, 2009 8:47 pm)
I own a 2008 Buick Enclave and now have the same A/C problem described in this thread. Didn't notice it before because we live in a northern climate. Has anyone ever found a fix? Our dealer just says that they can't duplicate the problem.

#11 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [paulc8] by bmanly

Aug 16, 2010 (7:45 am)

Replying to: paulc8 (Aug 15, 2010 4:38 am)
We have been unable to diagnose or have the dealer change anything with the AC problem with our Enclave although we recently went on the same trip that originally revealed the initial problem, and I think we found out how to avoid it. Essentially it appears to be a blockage/ice buildup issue (see above emails) as for us it only affected the front systems. I think if you only have the front system working (as opposed to having the rear "aux" system on too) on long trips in hot humid weather it can build up ice or whatever and eventually reduce front air flow, so we made sure we ran both front and aux systems from the onset of trip. no issues this summer and the weather was actually hotter this year than last.
We are still counting the days until our lease is up though. We just had to have the entire radio/navigation system replaced among other things.

#12 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [bmanly] by gmcustsvc

Aug 16, 2010 (9:13 am)

Replying to: bmanly (Aug 16, 2010 7:45 am)
Hello Bmanly,
I apologize that you are experiencing a concern with your vehicle. How many times have you had it into the dealership for the same concern? Do you only experience it on long trips? Thank you,
Mariah GM Customer Service

#13 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [paulc8] by angusmcgee

Aug 16, 2010 (9:31 am)

Replying to: paulc8 (Aug 15, 2010 4:38 am)
Refer to my original posting on November 18, 2009.
 
Here's the update. Neither our dealer nor the GM representative were able to diagnose the problem with the air conditioner on our 2008 Enclave.
 
Last December, just prior to the 2 year anniversary of our purchase, we worked with our dealer and GM to utilize GM's re-purchase program.
 
GM bought our 2008 and built us a new 2010. We've experienced no problems with the 2010.

#14 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [gmcustsvc] by bmanly

Aug 16, 2010 (11:16 am)

Replying to: gmcustsvc (Aug 16, 2010 9:13 am)
Mariah,
I believe we took it in at least twice last summer and kept getting the "can't replicate the condition" line, which you wouldn't be able to do unless you drive it for 5+ hours in hot humid weather. It has never acted up on short trips, only long ones. It is an issue with the front evaporator design as AngusMcGee notes as well. Hope you guys find a fix .

#15 of 201 Re: Buick Enclave AC problem [bmanly] by gmcustsvc

Aug 18, 2010 (7:54 am)

Replying to: bmanly (Aug 16, 2010 11:16 am)
Hello Bemanly,
Can you please email me your VIN and current mileage so I can look into your situation further? You can get my email by clicking on gmcustsvc. Thank you,
Mariah GM Customer Service

Messages Page 2 of 21

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