Bad Thermostats

[SwampLife]

The thermostat on the 2018 suburban keeps failing. I have noticed that if I use a thermostat from a big box auto store, it generally lasts around 6 months. I finally went to the dealership and bought OEM, this one almost lasted a entire year. I cannot figure out any reason why I have to keep replacing these things.

Side note: I have looked up and saw some possible connections related somehow to the AC system, not sure why or how, however the air conditioning on this thing is absolute garbage. We have had the system checked, nut no leaks were found and the system was topped off with freon. The AC system worked for a little bit, not a substantial improvement but something was better than nothing. Fast forward 6 months and the AC is back to being bad again.

 

[Geotrash]

The thermostat on the 2018 suburban keeps failing. I have noticed that if I use a thermostat from a big box auto store, it generally lasts around 6 months. I finally went to the dealership and bought OEM, this one almost lasted a entire year. I cannot figure out any reason why I have to keep replacing these things.

Side note: I have looked up and saw some possible connections related somehow to the AC system, not sure why or how, however the air conditioning on this thing is absolute garbage. We have had the system checked, nut no leaks were found and the system was topped off with freon. The AC system worked for a little bit, not a substantial improvement but something was better than nothing. Fast forward 6 months and the AC is back to being bad again.

This was happening to a friend of mine with a later model Jeep as well. Dealer replacements were lasting 3-6 months. But the most recent replacement was 18 months ago and all has been well since. My only explanation was COVID parts. Maybe you keep getting old stock? Might try buying one from Rock Auto.

More Information for GM GENUINE 1511125

And yes, the AC condenser on these has been problematic. I believe there was a service bulletin out on them.

 

[SwampLife]

For the AC system, does the whole system need to be replaced or just the condenser?

 

[Doubeleive]

there is a rash of bad thermostats and temperature sensors for the K2's out there, buy oem and hope for the best.
multiple, multiple reports of the same issue

 

[OR VietVet]

For the AC system, does the whole system need to be replaced or just the condenser?

Do you have two threads going about this a/c issue?

 

[SwampLife]

Do you have two threads going about this a/c issue?

Yes I have one specifically about the AC issue.

For the thermostat issue I have found in my research that if the AC system is working excessively hard due to a faulty condenser or other component, it can put a strain on the thermostat. Just wondering how true this is?

 

[OR VietVet]

Yes I have one specifically about the AC issue.

For the thermostat issue I have found in my research that if the AC system is working excessively hard due to a faulty condenser or other component, it can put a strain on the thermostat. Just wondering how true this is?

I know that a radiator that is not dissipating heat properly can effect the a/c condenser but I have not heard of a a/c system effecting the cooling system. Not saying that someone here will school me about that, just have not ran in to that or heard that.

 

[Geotrash]

I know that a radiator that is not dissipating heat properly can effect the a/c condenser but I have not heard of a a/c system effecting the cooling system. Not saying that someone here will school me about that, just have not ran in to that or heard that.

Agreed. The thermostat isn't affected by heat once it's opened. It's a simple device. One could argue that if the housing it sits in is made of plastic that excessive heat would affect that plastic over time, but that's all I can think of. I note that the GM Genuine replacement has a metal housing while the aftermarket replacements have a plastic one.

 

[homesick]

Agreed. The thermostat isn't affected by heat once it's opened. It's a simple device. One could argue that if the housing it sits in is made of plastic that excessive heat would affect that plastic over time, but that's all I can think of. I note that the GM Genuine replacement has a metal housing while the aftermarket replacements have a plastic one.

Just make sure not to buy one of the ones with a fuse, 2 wires, and 3 transistors. They're not very reliable, and are way too expensive.

Seriously, it never occurred to me that they'd start building thermostats out of plastic. Jeez.

joe