How to Reset the GMC Acadia AC

Your GMC Acadia’s air-conditioning system should always be there when you need it, ready to deliver cool, dry air to keep you comfortable in the cabin during your New York commute. When your GMC Acadia AC is not working as it should be, you can try a few solutions to get things working again, including resetting it. Read on to learn about troubleshooting and resetting the air conditioner in your GMC Acadia.

What Is Air Conditioning, and How Does It Work in Your Vehicle?

Your vehicle’s air-conditioning system removes heat and humidity from the air to help you cool the cabin. To do this, the air-conditioning system contains a product called refrigerant. Refrigerant can be a fluid or a gas, depending on temperature and pressure, and your air-conditioning system has high-pressure and low-pressure sections. When you turn on the air-conditioning system, the gas refrigerant enters a part called the condenser, which puts pressure on the refrigerant, and the refrigerant becomes very hot. The compressed refrigerant then moves through hoses from the compressor to the condenser.

In the condenser, air from outside passes over the air-conditioner hoses, releasing heat from the refrigerant. The refrigerant, now a cool liquid, is filtered and then moves into a low-pressure system. The refrigerant passes through the expansion valve or orifice tube, becoming vaporized. It then absorbs heat from passing air in the evaporator. This cooled air blows into your vehicle’s cabin.

Causes of Air-Conditioner Problems and How To Tell if It Needs a Repair

Once you notice the GMC Acadia AC light blinking, you’ll realize that you can’t solve all problems with your air-conditioning system by resetting it. If resetting doesn’t work, it can be helpful to understand the parts of your air-conditioning system that might have a problem. Several essential components of your air-conditioning system might need to be repaired or replaced. Your vehicle might show different signs depending on which part has a problem.

Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter, which you may also call the pollen filter or microfilter, helps remove contaminants so you can breathe fresh air from your air-conditioning system. Over time, this filter can become dirty. If the filter is dirty, you might particularly notice poorer cooling function. Fixing this problem requires changing the cabin air filter.

Evaporator

The evaporator is a radiator that supplies cool air. If your evaporator gets dirty, you may notice irregular airflow or a stale smell in the cabin. It can also develop leaks. A mechanic can clean or replace the evaporator.

Refrigerant

Refrigerant helps keep your engine cool by absorbing heat and delivering it to the condenser. Suppose you don’t have enough refrigerant, either because you’re due for a refill or because of a leak. In that case, this cooling system is less effective. A mechanic can help you identify the source of any leaks.

Condenser

The condenser takes the heat your refrigerant absorbs and releases it into the surrounding air. If the condenser gets dirty or full of debris, it may be more difficult for the air-conditioning system to cool your vehicle. You can clean the condenser to fix this problem, but if it’s leaking, you should get it checked by a mechanic.

Compressor

The compressor turns your coolant into a liquid form. If the compressor isn’t working, the air from your vents won’t be as cool, or you might hear rattling noises. A mechanic can replace a broken compressor.

Blend Door Actuator

The blend door actuator helps control your air-conditioning system based on your temperature selection in the cabin. You might hear clicks in the dash if there’s a problem with your blend door actuator. You may be unable to control the cabin temperature or air flow speed.

Blower Motor

The blower motor is the fan that moves air through your system. If the blower motor has a problem, you might not get any airflow through the vents, or the flow might be reduced. A mechanic can replace a broken blower motor.

Fuse

The air-conditioner fuse regulates the electrical current going to your air-conditioner compressor to ensure the compressor doesn’t receive excessive current. If the air-conditioner fuse blows, you might have other electrical problems in your vehicle simultaneously. Or, you might have other issues with your air-conditioning system and the blown fuse.

Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor monitors and regulates the temperature of the air-conditioner evaporator. If your temperature sensor isn’t working correctly, your air-conditioning system might stop blowing cold air or produce changing temperatures. Your air-conditioner compressor might also fail to turn on.

When and How To Reset the GMC Acadia’s Air Conditioner

Sometimes, resetting your air conditioner can fix your problem if it doesn’t require replacing parts. Always consult your owner’s manual when working on your vehicle. You can try the following steps to reset your air conditioner:

To calibrate the GMC Acadia HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system:

• Remove the HVAC/EACS fuse for at least 10 seconds. Check your owner’s manual for the fuse location.
• Reinstall the HVAC/EACS fuse.
• Turn on your vehicle, but don’t press any buttons or adjust your air-conditioning controls.
• The control module will take 40 seconds to self-calibrate.
• After one to two minutes, turn the vehicle off for 10 to 30 seconds, and then restart the vehicle.
• Check if your air-conditioning controls are working.

You can also try other troubleshooting tips, such as ensuring all your vents are open or replacing a dirty air filter.

Whether it’s a balmy Meadowland summer or any time of year when you could use a cool breeze, your air-conditioning system needs to work correctly. We hope the tips above have been helpful, and if you need further assistance, the team at Meadowland GMC in Carmel, New York, proudly offers certified services. You can schedule service with us online, or feel free to contact us or stop by during our business hours to chat with our team. Our friendly, professional staff can help you get on those New York roads again as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Photo Credit: Black 2 Din Car Stereo by Kevin Burnell is licensed with Pexels License

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