AC condenser shield

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oldman2

Discussion Starter · Jan 30, 2012

After replacing my AC condenser on my 2011 cruze because a rock hit it and put a hole in it. It cost about $700 to fix. I found out the 2012 Cruzes put a shield in front of the condenser to help prevent this from happening. the shield only covers the bottom half of the condenser. Has anyone put this shield on their 2011 cars and if so how mutch trouble was it and how was it done. The early 2012 cars did not have this shield. It looks to me that GM knows of the problem and they should fix the 2011 cars.

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limited360

· #2 · Jan 30, 2012

I would go back and raise ****. If it is an engineering defect that is corrected in 2012... GM should be eating the fix. There is no way a consumer should have to buy an AC condenser from a rock on a brand new, unmodified car. As the AC system is part of the emissions control system ( dont ask why it is ), that is a warrantied part until the useful life of the vehicle. Improper engineering design is not a justifiable reason to not warrant the repair based on California Air Resource Boards findings...

I would call GM directly.

Jim Frye

· #3 · Jan 30, 2012 (Edited)

oldman2 said:
It looks to me that GM knows of the problem and they should fix the 2011 cars.

They did. There was a TSB for this problem and it clearly stated to install the shield on non-ECO cars. It came out on 07/01/11.

2011

Cruze -- Supplemental repair required for HVAC condenser inoperative/replacement due to foreign material impact

Do install the front bumper lower fascia center grille in addition to the condenser

Do not just replace condenser

Bulletin # PI0461

Sounds like your dealer's service department either is incompetent or they "tuna'd" you. Bummer.

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Reactions: 2

Silver Cruze

· #4 · Jan 31, 2012

Can anyone here get us a pic of this shield on their cars and share it with us? Thanks

Jim Frye

· #5 · Jan 31, 2012

Silver Cruze said:
Can anyone here get us a pic of this shield on their cars and share it with us? Thanks

I think is it the blue part in this diagram. The rest of the parts are the shutter system the ECO uses. In theory, Cruzen with the RS option don't require this fix. I tried to include the picture, but it was too big for the forum software. Sorry.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco squeezes out fuel efficiency using air shutter system

Dale_K

· #6 · Jan 31, 2012

So will GM put this on my 2011 LS for free if I request it? Or only if I've already lost a condenser?

And to the OP, your comprehensive insurance might cover the cost of repair if it wasn't covered by warranty.

RichBogrow

· #7 · Jan 31, 2012

Dale_K said:
So will GM put this on my 2011 LS for free if I request it? Or only if I've already lost a condenser?

And to the OP, your comprehensive insurance might cover the cost of repair if it wasn't covered by warranty.

I have a 2012 2LT and there is no shield installed. I do not know if 2012s are supposed to have one or not. I called the dealer and told them about the PI, and that I wanted to be proactive and have it installed before there was a problem. They said that they would install one under warranty (although technically they are supposed to wait until there is as issue).

djwpar2000

· #8 · Mar 21, 2012

I brought my 2011 Cruze in october of last year( Columbus Ohio) ... what a mistake. about six weeks ago I picked up some foreign material and there is a whole in my condensor. The dealership said $800 to fix sorry... So I called GM to ask them about replacement and they said Sorry...... would buy a donkey and ride it before I would ever by a chevrolet again. The customer service and attention to issues is completely disregarded no wonder people by foreign cars.... This my first new car not sure that was the brightest idea either. Guess i will be driving an $18,000 car without air conditioning until I can trade it off for a real CAR....

Jim Frye

· #9 · Mar 22, 2012

djwpar2000 said:
I brought my 2011 Cruze in october of last year( Columbus Ohio) ... what a mistake. about six weeks ago I picked up some foreign material and there is a whole in my condensor. The dealership said $800 to fix sorry... So I called GM to ask them about replacement and they said Sorry...... would buy a donkey and ride it before I would ever by a chevrolet again. The customer service and attention to issues is completely disregarded no wonder people by foreign cars.... This my first new car not sure that was the brightest idea either. Guess i will be driving an $18,000 car without air conditioning until I can trade it off for a real CAR....

Two questions:
1. Who is the dealership in Columbus, OH that stiffed you?
2. Stacey, Isn't this right up your alley?

LadyInBlue

· #10 · Mar 22, 2012

Ha. I have an early 2012 without the guard. Read the old posts about this and asked the dealer for an install. Only $400.00.
There are a few small dings already noticeable so until we can buy a proper metal screen to for behind the lower grill, DH hillbilly engineered a fix with cable ties (ugly) and black plastic gutter screen (invisible).
We went to the dealership on a Sunday and looked closely at the newer cars with the guard. It is a very thin looking piece of aluminum that does not look sturdy but maybe it would do the job of slowing down high velocity gravel?

Chevy Customer Care

· #11 · Mar 24, 2012

djwpar2000 said:
I brought my 2011 Cruze in october of last year( Columbus Ohio) ... what a mistake. about six weeks ago I picked up some foreign material and there is a whole in my condensor. The dealership said $800 to fix sorry... So I called GM to ask them about replacement and they said Sorry...... would buy a donkey and ride it before I would ever by a chevrolet again. The customer service and attention to issues is completely disregarded no wonder people by foreign cars.... This my first new car not sure that was the brightest idea either. Guess i will be driving an $18,000 car without air conditioning until I can trade it off for a real CAR....

djwpar2000,
I would like to apologize for the inconveniences that you have experienced with your vehicle. I would like to look into this further for you. Can you please send me a PM with your full name, address, phone number, VIN number, current mileage as well as the name of your dealership? I look forward to hearing back from you as well as being able to assist you.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

mike1coolguy88

· #12 · Apr 7, 2012

i have replaced 3 condesers in 2011 cruzes last week alone **** our dealership stocks 2 of them seem very flimsy to me

limited360

· #13 · Apr 7, 2012

My ECO condenser was beat up when I put the front mount on.. It's flimsy for sure.

paulbar

· #14 · Apr 16, 2012

Bought by Cruze new in October 2010. Like others on this site, went to use the A/C here in March 2012 and it would not cool the car. Dealership checked it last week and informed me I have a tiny leak right in line with the large air intake in the bumper, due to stone damage. Charged me $70.00 for the non-warrenty diagnosis - and that diagnosis being that I need a $700.00 condenser replacement on my 18-month old vehicle. I think SOME kind of relief is due me by GM. This is our household's third (new) GM vehicle in the last 5 years, and I strongly feel I deserve better than this.

20126spdRS

· #15 · Apr 16, 2012

turned on my A/C for the first time since owning the car a few days ago... and being an HVAC tech it seemed to be a bit on the warm side. maybe ten degrees less ambient. i can guarentee if this is the issue i have they will be fixing this at no cost, i will raise **** at my dealer!!!

Beaker

· #16 · Apr 16, 2012

Jim Frye said:
I think is it the blue part in this diagram. The rest of the parts are the shutter system the ECO uses. In theory, Cruzen with the RS option don't require this fix. I tried to include the picture, but it was too big for the forum software. Sorry.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco squeezes out fuel efficiency using air shutter system

Are you referring to the blue grille looking thing? I have a 2012 built in February and I don't believe this grill is there. I need to check later. I definitely care about my condenser not getting screw up because roads around here are terrible.

Jim Frye

· #17 · Apr 16, 2012

Beaker said:
Are you referring to the blue grille looking thing? I have a 2012 built in February and I don't believe this grill is there. I need to check later. I definitely care about my condenser not getting screw up because roads around here are terrible.

If you have an ECO, you should have all of the parts in that drawing. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Beaker

· #18 · Apr 16, 2012

Yeah...you might want to send that info in a private message....

Chevy Customer Care

· #19 · Apr 16, 2012 (Edited by Moderator)

djwpar2000 said:
Thank you for your email I bought my 2011 chevy cruze in october 2011 from Bobby Layman Chevrolet in Colmbus Ohio curently I have about 10,550 miles on it the Vin number isXxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
The name on the purchanse isxxxxxxxxx you for looking into this. Probably wont help but I do appreciate it. The TSB is PI0461

Thank You
Jeannie Wallace

djwpar2000,
Thank you for this information. I have captured it for my records. I would recommend that you delet this post so your personal information is not posted on the forum. You are able to send me a PM (Private Message) with any other questions or comments that you may have with this issue. I will be in contact with you once I look into this more for you.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

Chevy Customer Care

· #20 · Apr 16, 2012

20126spdRS said:
turned on my A/C for the first time since owning the car a few days ago... and being an HVAC tech it seemed to be a bit on the warm side. maybe ten degrees less ambient. i can guarentee if this is the issue i have they will be fixing this at no cost, i will raise **** at my dealer!!!

20126spdRS,
I would suggest that you do take your vehicle into your dealership and have them look into this for you. Please keep me posted on the outcome of your visit to your dealership. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Stacy Chevrolet Customer Service

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