The air conditioning on your Chevy Silverado is vital on hot days. But when it's not working, is there a way to reset it without making a trip to the dealership? Let's look at the best option for an A/C reset on a Chevy Silverado.
To reset your air conditioner, follow these steps:
- Turn off the vehicle.
- Open the hood.
- Locate the HVAC fuse (check the owner's manual).
- Unplug the HVAC fuse.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Plug the HVAC fuse back in.
- After two minutes, turn the vehicle on.
If this didn't reset the air conditioning, proceed with these two steps:
- With the engine on, hold down the minimum and maximum buttons on the climate control panel.
- With the ASC light lit, release the two buttons.
Resetting the air conditioning on your Chevy Silverado might be as simple as following these steps.
In this article, we will take a closer look at why you would need to do an A/C reset and other ways to do it. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about air conditioning issues in your vehicle, so keep reading!
How To Reset The A/C On Chevy Silverado
There are a few reasons why you might need to reset the A/C on your Chevy Silverado. One reason might be that the system is not cooling the vehicle enough.
If this is the case, try turning off the A/C for a few minutes and then turning it back on. This will help clear out any built-up ice or dirt that might clog the system.
Another reason you might need to reset the A/C is if it's not turning off. This could be a sign that there is a problem with the compressor or another component of the A/C system.
If this is the case, you'll need to take your car to a mechanic to have it looked at.
However, you can fix this problem yourself by unplugging the HVAC fuse under the vehicle's hood. Wait 10 seconds, and then plug it back in. Then, wait two minutes before turning your Chevy Silverado back on.
Another is to hold down the minimum and maximum buttons on the climate control panel while lighting the ASC light. With these two buttons held down, release the buttons after two minutes.
If none of these methods work, you can disconnect the vehicle's battery for a few minutes. This will eliminate any errors stored in the A/C system's memory.
Then, turn the key to the "ON" position, wait one minute, roll the windows down, and back up. After a minute, the engine is on, and the A/C will reboot.
If none of these methods work, you might need to take your Chevy Silverado to the dealership for service.
Why Is My A/C Not Working?
There are several reasons why your car's A/C might not be working. Let's take a look at the most common culprits:
Refrigerant Leak
If your car's A/C is not cooling correctly, it might be because of a refrigerant leak. This means either a hole in the AC system or a hose has come loose.
Check your car for any leaks, and if you find any, have them fixed right away.
Learn more: How To Check Freon Levels In My Car?
Electrical Climate Control Hose
If your car's A/C is not turning off, it might be because of a problem with the electrical climate control hose.
This hose sends a current to the compressor, and if it's not working correctly, the compressor will stay on. You'll need to take your car to a mechanic to fix this.
Blown HVAC Fuse
If your A/C isn't working and you've tried all the above methods, it might be because the HVAC fuse has blown.
To fix this, unplug the fuse and check if it's burnt out. If it is, replace the fuse and try resetting the A/C again.
Bad Compressor
If your car's A/C is not working and you've tried all the methods listed above, it might be because the compressor is bad.
The compressor is the part of the A/C system that cools the air. Unfortunately, if it's not working, there's not much you can do except take your car to a mechanic.
Related: Car AC Compressor Won’t Stay On – Why? What To Do?
Faulty Cooling Fans
It is also possible that your cooling fans have failed. The cooling fans help to circulate the air throughout the car, and if they're not working, the A/C will not work either.
If you know your way around cars, you might be able to replace the fans yourself. If not, you'll need to take your car to a mechanic.
Be sure to check out: Truck Fan Blowing Loud – Why And What To Do?
Bad Condenser
The condenser is the part of the A/C system that cools the refrigerant lines. If it's not working, you may have warm air coming out of the vents.
Electrical Issue
It is also possible that there is an electrical issue with the A/C system. This could be a problem with the compressor, the climate control panel, or another component.
If you think this might be the case, take your car to a mechanic for repair.
Bad Blend Door Actuator
If the air climate is inconsistent, it might be because the blend door actuator is bad. This part controls the air distribution in the car, and if it's not working properly, you'll have a hard time getting the temperature just right.
Can You Recharge The Air Conditioning?
Yes, you can recharge the air conditioning by adding more refrigerant to the system. However, it's essential only to do this if you are qualified to do so.
If you're not sure how to add refrigerant or you think there might be another problem with the A/C system, take your car to a mechanic. You can expect to pay $150-$300 for an A/C recharge.
You might also like: How Long Does Freon Last In A Car?
Will AutoZone Recharge My A/C?
Unfortunately, AutoZone does not offer a recharge service for A/C systems. However, they can sell you a recharge kit for your car.
If it still isn't working, take your vehicle to the dealership. In addition, check to see if it is still under warranty, as the dealership will most likely fix it for free.
Should I Check The A/C Before Buying?
Yes, it is good to check the A/C before buying a car. This will give you an idea of whether or not the A/C is working properly and whether or not it needs to be fixed. You can also ask the seller if anything is wrong with the A/C system.
If they tell you that there is a problem, you may want to consider whether or not you want to buy the car.
Even if it is winter, you should still be able to get an idea of how well the A/C works. If it's not cooling the car enough, that's a sign that there might be a bigger problem with the system.
Turning the A/C on in the winter won't hurt the vehicle, so ensure it works!
Are A/C Repairs Expensive?
Unfortunately, A/C repairs can be expensive because the AC system is complex, and many parts can have issues. On average, vehicle owners can expect to pay $1,000 for a typical A/C repair.
However, these prices can rise exponentially depending on the make and model of the car.
If you're not sure whether or not the AC is worth repairing, speak with a mechanic to get a more accurate estimate. It's not uncommon for an A/C repair to cost $2,500-$5,000.
Sometimes, you may get lucky and discover that your car needs a simple recharge or reset.
In addition, if you were nearing the cold season and received a high A/C repair quote, it may be worth waiting to repair the A/C system until the weather warms up again.
Be sure to check out: How To Drain My Car AC System [In 13 Steps]
Is Fixing Car A/C Worth It?
It depends on the severity of the issue and the climate you live in.
For example, it may not be worth repairing the A/C system for vehicle owners living in regions where the temperature never drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, if you live in a region where the temperature never rises about 75 degrees, it may not be worth repairing the A/C system.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your preferences. For people who have children or pets, then having A/C is a must.
You should also consider the age of your car. If the vehicle has many miles on it, it may be worth using the money for a down payment on a new vehicle.
Final Thoughts
If you are having issues with your A/C, it is good to reset it or have the system recharged. When those don't work, take it to the dealer. They will be able to diagnose the problem and give you more options.
For more information on vehicle maintenance and repairs, check out these related articles: