I took my 2007 HHR to the dealership to get a repair- the ac had stopped working and I didn't know They said it was a rock that had cracked the condenser and it would be $862, it would not be covered under the warranty since it was road damage. I told them that there were a lot of instances of this happening, and they said there was a gm satisfaction warranty that it might be covered under. So I've been fighting w/ GM ever since. I was driving on an interstate not off roading or anything- what are the condensers made out of that a rock will just crack it? If I thought the warranty wouldn't be upheld I would've never went to the dealership in the first place. I've seen the TSB that addresses the grill put in to protect this. Is there anything else I can use to get GM to see it is a manufacturing flaw to have the condenser open to the elements and cover the repairs?

 

Sounds like you covered all the bases on trying to get them to cover it. Have you seen where the damage is? I am thinking it's not a crack but rather a hole in the fin area.

 

Curious, do you have a lower bumper grille or wire mesh installed ?

There are OEM condensers on eBay for about $250 and OE replacements for as low as $90
just a thought.

 

A rock dented the bottom flew of my radiator and it started to leak. I called the dealer and it was over 400.00 for a radiator. I bought a aftermarket unit for 150.00. Bolted up fine has been installed for about 8k now.

 

Condensers and radiators are made of aluminum. Rocks are much harder. There is nothing GM could have done differently to prevent a rock from causing damage. Buy a replacement condenser and have a reputable A/C shop swap it out.

 

Actually there is a TSB to add a plastic protector to the front isnt there?
Do you have the black plastic grid covering the exposed area of the coil?

 

Call your insurance rep, it should be under your comp. policy!!

 

Which more than likely has a $250 or $500 deductible when the cost of the repair if he gets an aftermarket part will be less than this anyway :)

Plus making a claim could increase his insurance even more

 

Remember to replace the receiver dryer along with the condenser. Once exposed to air for any length of time they are toast.

 

Should be covered by insurance and come under the part that they don't raise the rates for unlike if you have a wreck.