I have recently experienced fault code B-1347 (Low Coolant). Resetting the code permitted the a/c to again operate but the air output from the condenser was cool at best even with the temp control set at 60 degrees.

A check of the low-side pressure showed 38 psi (normal) but there is noise eminating from the accumulator anytime the compressor is engaged. This noise is loud enough to be heard inside the car. Additionally, if the a/c has been off for an extended period ( a couple of days) there is a loud thud at the accumulator when the a/c is first turned on.

Question:

Is it possible for an internal failure of the accumulator to cause B-1347 to set on a fully charged system?

GM has replaced the original accumulator (P/N 1132695) with a new part (P/N 88968517). Is this because of a higher-than-normal failure rate of the original accumulator?

I assume you mean Low "Refrigerant". Coolant would indicate antifreeze. When the system detects low refrigerant it disables the compressor to prevent damage. By clearing the code and running it, you are doing more damage than good. Being low on refrigerant would explain poor cooling.

I have never heard of an accumulator making noise before.

What was the high side reading?

You're right, it was Low Refrigerant and not Low Coolant. The high-side pressure was about 200 psi.

The noise is clearly coming from inside the accumulator. You can put your hand on the accumulator and suppress much of the noise. The momentary thud that occurs when the a/c is turned on (after being off for an extended period) can be both heard and felt in the car. You can also feel the thud if your hand is on the accumulator when the a/c is switched on.

WOW! You might go over to caddyinfo and post it there. KHE (Kevin) is the A/C guy there. He may have an answer for you. I sure don't.

Will you give me the internet address for Caddyinfo? I will contact KHE (Kevin) on this A/C problem.

http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?act=idx

I had the a/c repaired today and here's what they found:
The system was low on freon as the system had rightly detected (B1347). There was only about 0.45 pounds of refrigerant in the system.

There was a pressure leak at the high-pressure switch (an internal switch malfunction). Electrically, the switch performed properly therefore it never set a fault code.

Even though the low side pressure was about 38 psi and the high side pressure was about 205 psi, the system was undercharged. So, any pressure-reading device that indicates full-charge based strictly on a low-side pressure reading alone may not provide an accurate assessment of the real condition.

The noise at the accumulator disappeared when the system was fully charged.

The reason why the accumulator was noisy with a low-charge was not determined.

Output air temperature from the evaporator is now proper.

So how did the system maintain 200 psi on the high side if the freon was mostly depleted?