If your air conditioning system is malfunctioning or blowing hot air at times, you may have already considered how to reset AC on Chevy Silverado.

Your vehicle’s climate control system is rather delicate; when one component fails, it affects the efficiency of the whole air conditioning system.

In this article, we discuss the different AC system components, and the common issues they go through.

Simple and easy-to-follow guides to reset your AC system and HVAC actuator can also help you perform some DIY repairs on your beloved Chevy Silverado.

Why Is Your A/C Not Working?

Your air conditioning (A/C) might not be working due to several reasons such as electrical issues, a malfunctioning thermostat, a dirty filter, low refrigerant levels, or a faulty compressor.

When your A/C stops working, it can be due to a variety of factors, each affecting the system in different ways. Here’s a breakdown of common issues:

• Electrical Issues: Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Checking your home’s electrical panel might reveal the issue. Additionally, wiring problems within the A/C unit can prevent it from turning on.
• Malfunctioning Thermostat: The thermostat acts as the control center for your A/C. If it’s not working correctly, it won’t signal your A/C to start. Ensure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than the current room temperature. Sometimes, replacing the batteries or recalibrating the thermostat can fix the issue.
• Dirty Filter: A clogged air filter restricts airflow, reducing the efficiency of your A/C and sometimes preventing it from cooling effectively. Regularly checking and replacing the air filter can prevent this issue.
• Low Refrigerant Levels: Refrigerant is essential for cooling the air within your A/C system. Leaks can cause levels to drop, leading to a decrease in cooling efficiency. This issue requires professional attention to repair the leak and recharge the refrigerant.
• Faulty Compressor: The compressor is the heart of your A/C system, circulating refrigerant and providing cooling. If it fails, the whole system can stop working. Compressor issues often require professional diagnosis and replacement.

Understanding these common issues can help you troubleshoot your A/C problems. However, if you’re unsure or the problem persists, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician for a thorough inspection and repair.

Importance of AC Resets

Resetting an air conditioner (AC) is crucial for maintaining its efficiency and longevity. This simple action can resolve many issues without the need for a professional technician.AC resets help in clearing any glitches in the system’s operation.

It’s akin to rebooting a computer to fix minor errors or software issues. By resetting, you’re giving your AC a fresh start, potentially resolving problems like irregular cooling or system malfunctions.

Common Silverado AC-related Problems and their Solutions

When your Chevy Silverado AC is not working, most of the time it is because of faulty or dirty components of the car’s cooling system.

To diagnose the root of your car’s AC problem, we highly recommend you check the following car components and replace them when needed.

01. Faulty blend door actuators

The blend door actuators control the vents and airflow into your Chevy Silverado’s passenger area. Blend door actuators are also known as HVAC actuators.

If you hear rattling sounds against the dashboard, tap on your car door, or feel an inconsistent flow of air the first time you turn on the AC, the blend door actuators in your Chevy Silverado may have some problems.

Check on your HVAC actuators by removing them from their position underneath the dashboard. Carefully detach it and replace it with a brand new actuator.

02. Bad blower motor

Your Chevy Silverado’s blower motor may be broken if there is little to no airflow coming out from the vents. A broken blower motor cannot be fixed, so your only choice is to replace it with a new blower motor.

When your vehicle’s blower motor is busted, a whining and groaning sound comes from the passenger area where the blower motor is located.

Under the dash, disconnect all HVAC wirings from the old blower. Take the broken unit out, and install a new blower motor. Replacing a blower motor on a Chevy Silverado typically costs around $170.

03. Compressor failure

The compressor is the heart of the Chevy Silverado’s cooling system. To cool the inside of your vehicle, the compressor converts a coolant in a gaseous state into liquid.

When a compressor fails to function normally, it is already beyond repair. To get your vehicle’s cooling system up and running again, you will need to purchase a new compressor to replace the defective unit.

 

RELATED: Will The Heater Work Without AC Compressor In The Car

04. Refrigerant leak

Low levels of refrigerant can lead to cooling problems in your car. To fix this, check whether the refrigerant level is sufficiently stocked. Refill refrigerant to get the cooling system up and running again.

However, if your Chevy Silverado runs out of refrigerant quickly, there may be a leak. This can be due to defects in components like a worn sealing ring or a busted condenser.

Solving refrigerant leaks may require swapping old car components for new ones.

 

05. Dirty evaporator

A dirty evaporator prevents the AC from producing cold air. Mold can develop on a diary evaporator, producing a moldy smell.

This lets you know that the evaporator coil is in dire need of cleaning. Care and maintenance for your Chevy Silverado’s evaporator should be done at least once a year.

 

06. Clogged condenser

The condenser exchanges heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air outside the vehicle. Seated in by the car grille, the condenser is prone to getting dust, bugs, and other microparticles stuck in between its mesh.

A clogged condenser struggles to release heat, which can lead to poor air ventilation inside the car.

Fixing a clogged condenser only requires a thorough cleaning, unless the condenser is battered and worn. If you have access to a power washer, put it at the lowest setting and wash out the debris from the condenser’s fins.

 

07. Dirty cabin air filter

The cabin air filter keeps a healthy and clean air quality inside your Chevy Silverado. Due to the nature of their purpose, cabin air filters are prone to collecting grime, dust, and other microparticles that block their airways.

The air quality inside your vehicle is significantly reduced if you have a dirty and blocked air filter.

To fix cooling and air quality issues brought by a dirty cabin filter, all you have to do is perform a thorough cleaning. With a vacuum cleaner or compressed air, clear the filter of dust and dirt that has collected around it.

If you are not satisfied with the results, you can opt to replace the cabin filter with a new unit.

A Step-by-Step Guide for How to Reset AC on Chevy Silverado

Guide to Reset Your Chevy Silverado Climate Control System

Various errors in software, electronic wiring, or hardware defects in the Chevy Silverado climate control system can be corrected through a reset. Below is a step-by-step guide to helping you reset your Chevy Silverado’s AC controls:

1. Turn your car’s ignition off. Locate the HVAC fuse under the hood.
2. Unplug the HVAC fuse. Wait for 10 seconds.
3. Plug it back again and wait for around a minute. By this time, your car’s climate control system will automatically restart.
4. After waiting for a minute or two, your car is done resetting your AC. Turn the engine on and test whether the cooling system is back to normal functioning.
5. On your climate control panel, press down on the minimum and maximum buttons. This will trigger the Automatic Stability Control light.
6. With the ASC lit, release your hold on the two buttons. This prompts your vehicle to reset its climate control system.

Repeat the entire procedure two to three times until all the air vents in your car are blowing cold air. This reset will address issues persisting due to dual climate zone controls of select cars.

By restarting the AC, actuators, and sensors are reprogrammed to work based on new setting entries and data.

The Chevy Silverado is built with a dual climate zone control system.

Owners of this car model will recognize the dual climate zone control acting up when one side of the car receives hot air from the vents, while the other side is cool, despite both sides being programmed to blow cold air.

To this day, Chevrolet has yet to officially address this issue and release a solution for future generations of the Silverado model. As car owners, we seek our ways and techniques to get around this issue.

However, multiple restarts are sometimes not enough for other vehicles. We suggest asking for a mechanic’s expert advice to fix the problem with the AC.

Also Read: Best Cold Air Intake for Chevy Colorado

Guide to Reset Your Chevy Silverado Blend Door Actuator

The blend door actuator regulates airflow and temperature in your Chevy Silverado. It comprises the complex HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system of your car’s dual-zone climate control.

You may have to reset your blend door actuator when it is not responding to the programmed controls as it should be. To perform a blend door actuator reset on your Chevy Silverado, follow our step-by-step guide provided below:

1. Disassemble the lower dash panel. The blend door motor is typically placed in the glove box.
2. Unscrew the motor from its mount. Take caution not to yank the blend door motor out because there may still be hidden screws installed.
3. After taking out all the screws, slowly pull the blend door motor out. Disconnect all the wirings carefully. The wires tend to be fragile, so avoid abruptly tugging them off.
4. Assess the air door pivot. Check whether it turns in all directions smoothly. Look out for obstructions that may hinder the door pivot from functioning properly.
5. With the door pivot set, return to the blend door motor. Dislodge the actuator and replace it with a brand-new actuator.
6. With the blend door actuator intact again, it’s time to test out the wirings. Reconnect the wires and see if the newly-replaced blend door actuator is responding. If not, recheck the placement of the door pivot and actuator.
7. You are all set to put back the actuator in its mount. Securely screw the unit back to its original position. You will hear a clicking sound when the actuator is snugly in place.
8. Reassemble your lower dash panel. After putting everything back to its original position, wait for around two minutes before turning the ignition on and assessing your car’s cooling system.

Problems with the Chevy Silverado’s Climate Control System

As your Chevy Silverado ages or runs 100,000 miles, issues can start manifesting with the car’s climate control system.

The climate control system serves to ventilate drivers and passengers for a cool and comfortable riding experience in the Chevy Silverado.

However, no car component is made to last forever regardless of the amount of care and maintenance. Common problems that arise with a malfunctioning climate control system are:

01. Defective control panel.

The control panel consists of the screen, knobs, buttons, etc that allow you to adjust and customize the airflow and temperature inside your Chevy Silverado.

Defects can begin with the wear and tear of the hardware and the corrosion of electronics connecting the panel to the vehicle’s cooling system.

A defective control panel limits your capacity to adjust the temperature and airflow inside your car. To address this issue, replace the control panel with a brand new unit.

 

02. Failing sensors.

However, if your Chevy Silverado’s climate control panel shows no signs of defect or malfunction, the problem probably persists through at least a failing sensor.

A climate control system’s sensors play a role in regulating the strength of airflow and temperature inside the vehicle.

While older Chevy Silverado models would have at least two sensors, later models may have more sensors for more sophisticated temperature control.

If a sensor turns out to be defective, the data output sent to the climate control system will be insufficient to provide actual airflow and temperature settings that are most suitable for the car’s surroundings.

Your vehicle’s temperature sensors will notify you with a warning if they are malfunctioning and due for a replacement.

 

03. Malfunctioning HVAC actuators.

Malfunctioning HVAC actuators or blend motors lead to more complications in diagnosing the root of the problem of your Chevy Silverado’s climate control system.

The HVAC actuator is linked to most components that comprise the car’s cooling system.

You will notice the HVAC actuator acting up when unusual whirring sounds coming from behind the glove box.

A defective HVAC actuator can affect other components such as the blower motor in regulating airflow through the AC vents. You will also feel that hot air is blowing in one half of the car, while the other half is cool.

This difference in cooling is a common issue among car models installed with a dual-zone climate control system, such as the Chevy Silverado.

You can replace your vehicle’s HVAC actuator, or have an auto mechanic take a look. Take note that replacing the blend motor does not guarantee that your climate control system will be back to 100% functionality.

A malfunctioning blend motor may have been caused by other car cooling components that also need maintenance.

How to Recharge AC on Chevy Silverado

Recharging the AC on a Chevy Silverado involves connecting a refrigerant kit to the low-pressure service port, starting the engine, turning the AC to the highest setting, and adding the refrigerant according to the kit’s instructions.

Recharging the air conditioning (AC) system in your Chevy Silverado is a task you can do at home with the right tools and safety precautions.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Safety First: Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from the refrigerant, which can be harmful.
2. Locate the Low-Pressure Service Port: This is usually found on the larger of the two AC lines, between the compressor and the evaporator. Consult your Silverado’s manual to find the exact location.
3. Check the System Pressure: Before adding refrigerant, use an AC gauge to check the system’s current pressure. This ensures that you’re not overfilling the system.
4. Prepare the Refrigerant Kit: Purchase a refrigerant kit that’s compatible with your Silverado. The kit should include a can of refrigerant and a hose with a gauge.
5. Connect the Refrigerant Kit: Attach the hose from the refrigerant kit to the low-pressure service port. Make sure the connection is secure to prevent any leaks.
6. Start the Engine: Turn on your Silverado and let the engine run. Turn the AC to the highest setting and set the fan to the maximum. This ensures the refrigerant circulates through the system.
7. Add Refrigerant: Open the valve on the refrigerant can to allow the refrigerant to flow into the AC system. Keep an eye on the gauge to ensure you’re not overfilling. Add the refrigerant slowly, pausing to let it circulate.
8. Check the Temperature: After adding the refrigerant, check the air temperature coming from the AC vents inside the Silverado. It should be noticeably cooler.
9. Detach the Kit: Once you’ve achieved the desired cooling, close the valve on the refrigerant can and disconnect the hose from the low-pressure port.
10. Test Drive: Take your Silverado for a short drive to ensure the AC is working consistently and efficiently.

Are A/C Repairs Expensive?

Yes, A/C repairs can be costly, but it varies. The cost of repairing an air conditioning (A/C) system can range widely, depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand why and how costs can vary:

• Type of Repair: Minor issues like replacing a filter or fixing a thermostat are generally affordable. However, more complex problems, such as fixing leaks in the refrigerant line or replacing the compressor, can be significantly more expensive.
• Model of A/C: The make and model of your air conditioning unit can also impact repair costs. High-end or specialized units often require more expensive parts and specialized labor.
• Labor Costs: The cost of labor varies by location and the expertise of the technician. Specialists or emergency repairs outside regular business hours can increase the cost.
• Parts and Materials: The price of replacement parts can vary greatly. Some parts are readily available and inexpensive, while others, especially for older or less common models, can be costly and harder to find.
• Maintenance History: Regularly maintained A/C units are less likely to need costly repairs. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to more significant, expensive problems over time.

Maintenance Tips for AC Resets

Resetting your air conditioner (AC) can often solve minor issues, but maintaining your AC properly can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Here’s a quick guide followed by some detailed tips to keep your AC running smoothly.

To maintain your AC effectively, ensure regular cleaning of filters, check and clean the condenser coils yearly, ensure the area around the outdoor unit is clear, inspect the coolant levels, and schedule professional maintenance annually.

Detailed Tips

1. Clean or Replace Filters Regularly: The most basic yet crucial maintenance task is to keep the AC filters clean. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and possibly leading to the system overheating. Check your filters every month, especially during high usage periods, and clean or replace them as needed.
2. Check the Condenser Coils: The condenser coils, part of the outdoor unit, can accumulate dirt over time. This accumulation reduces the AC’s ability to expel heat outside, forcing it to work harder and increasing wear and tear. Cleaning the coils yearly can prevent this issue.
3. Maintain Clearance Around the Unit: Ensure that the area around your outdoor AC unit is clear of debris, plants, and other obstructions. A 2-foot clearance around the unit is recommended to allow for adequate airflow and easy access for maintenance.
4. Inspect Coolant Levels: Low coolant levels can cause your AC to work inefficiently, leading to increased energy costs and reduced cooling capacity. If you suspect your coolant levels are low, it’s time to call in a professional since handling coolant requires special training and equipment.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance: Even with diligent personal maintenance, an annual check-up by a professional is crucial. They can perform more complex maintenance tasks, such as checking electrical connections, testing the thermostat’s accuracy, and ensuring the system runs efficiently.

By following these maintenance tips, you can help prevent the need for AC resets, save on energy costs, and extend the lifespan of your unit. Regular maintenance not only keeps your AC running at peak efficiency but also identifies potential problems before they become major issues.

FAQs about How to Reset AC on Chevy Silverado

01. Why is the AC in my Chevy Silverado only blowing hot air?

Your AC system may have malfunctioning components. Check if you have enough refrigerant, or if your compressor is dried out or eroding.

02. Where can I find the blend door actuator in my Silverado?

The blend door actuator is placed behind the dashboard on the passenger’s side. It typically sits behind the car’s climate control system.

03. Why is my AC system not functioning after changing the car battery?

Check whether any connection was suddenly unplugged upon changing the battery. Otherwise, your car’s cooling system is depressurized, disabling cold air to flow through the air vents.

04. Where can I find the AC fuse in my 2014 Silverado?

The AC fuse is situated on the side of the dashboard at the passenger’s seat. Checking on your fuses is important to maintain the proper functioning of your car’s different components.

05. What is dual-zone climate control?

Newer Chevy Silverado and other car models are installed with a dual-zone climate control system. This allows the passengers on the rear side of the car to control and adjust the temperature in their area through a control panel separate from that installed at the front.

Verdict

The Chevy Silverado AC System is not free of errors and hardware defects. Rather, the dual-zone climate control system installed in the Silverado models causes significant cooling system problems.

The lack of initiative from Chevrolet in addressing the climate control issues is upsetting.

Thus. owners must be creative, or willing to stop by the mechanic frequently to inspect and have various AC components cleaned and replaced. A functional AC system is important for a comfortable and hassle-free drive.