2005 Chevy Silverado: How Much Freon Does it Take?

Lauren H
Feb 12, 2021

Black 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 From Front-Driver Side

Does your 2005 Chevy Silverado need Freon? If so, you are probably wondering exactly how much Freon it takes. 

While it’s not called Freon anymore, there may come a time when your 2005 Silverado needs more coolant, and putting the right amount in is crucial.

How much Freon does the 2005 Chevy Silverado take?  

This truck doesn’t use Freon; instead, it uses R134a refrigerant. The refrigerant capacity for the Silverado is 29 ounces or 1.8 lbs. if you want to refill the entire system. If the truck also has a back AC, it will take 48 ounces of R134a or 3 lbs.  

Next, we are going to look at some Silverado history. Then we will give you more information about Freon and refrigerant. We will also talk about when and why Freon and R314a are being phased out and what will be replacing them. Then, to round out this article, we are going to give you other important information about this truck.

A Little Chevy Silverado History

The Silverado is a light-duty truck that was introduced in 1999. This truck replaced its successor, the Chevrolet C/K. The first Chevy truck ever built was the Chevrolet Series C Classic Six in 1911, which was replaced by the Chevrolet 490 Series in 1915.

Interestingly, the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra are both mechanically the same. Even though these trucks are two different brands, they both have the same owner. This is because the owner of Chevrolet bought up GM stocks, then took control of and merged with GM. The Silverado and the Sierra are both still being manufactured today.

What is R134a Refrigerant?

R134a is chemical called 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, or CF3CH2F. It is a non-flammable gas that is generally used as a refrigerant in high-temperature applications, such as automobile air conditioners and domestic refrigeration applications.

R134a can be safely handled because it is non-flammable, non-toxic and non-corrosive. R134a has been used for many years to replace the R12 refrigerant that is extremely dangerous to our environment. But, very soon, R134a is also being replaced for an even more environmentally-friendly refrigerant.

What is Replacing R134a and Why?

R134a is being replaced by a refrigerant called R-1234-yf that doesn’t remain in the atmosphere as long. R134a stays in the atmosphere for 13 years versus 11 days, which is how long R-1234-yf stays in the atmosphere.

And if you were wondering how long R22 stays in the atmosphere, you might be surprised that it stays in the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years! No wonder the authorities are banning it.

When Will R134a Be Phased Out?

R134a is scheduled to be phased out and will no longer be allowed to be used after January 1, 2024. So, we have a few more years to go yet. However, most automakers are already using R-1234-yf as the main refrigerant in their vehicles.

Now, let’s move on to highlighting some important information about the Silverado.

The 2005 Chevy Silverado Recalls and Safety Ratings

This vehicle has had 16 recalls: one for the engine and engine cooling, one for equipment, four for exterior lighting, two for the fuel system/gas, one for the parking brake, one for the powertrain, one for seatbelts, one for service brakes/hydraulic system, three for steering, and one for the wheels. This comprises more recalls than for most other trucks in this class.

This truck did not receive an overall safety rating from the NHTSA. But it did receive front, side and rollover crash ratings. This Silverado received a 4-Star frontal, 3-Star passenger, and a 4-Star rollover crash rating, which isn’t as good as for some other trucks in this class.

The Most Common Complaints About the 2005 Silverado

According to the NHTSA, this truck has received 1,155 complaints. But, of course, this truck is also more than 15 years old. So, you have to keep things in perspective. However, hearing what other Silverado owners have had problems with will give you some insight into what could be happening with or what might happen to your truck.

The biggest number of complaints are below.

  • 362 — Electrical system
  • 306 — Service brakes and hydraulic system
  • 103 — Steering
  • 94 — Powertrain
  • 83 — Airbags
  • 58 — Engine and cooling system
  • 45 — Suspension
  • 31 — Equipment
  • 24 — Engine
  • 20 — Fuel system (gas); 19 — (diesel)

Obviously, there are more complaints, but these are the ones with the most numbers.

What Do Owners of the 2005 Chevy Silverado Think About It?

According to Vehicle History, 163 Silverado owners gave this truck a 4.38-Star satisfaction rating.

The most common positive comments include very spacious, drives and handles well, no major problems with it, reliable, comfortable, good gas mileage, mechanically sound, spacious, plenty of power, and smooth ride.

The most common negative comments include rattles, gauge clusters and ignition tumblers tend to wear out, transmission issues, steering problems, expensive to repair, and low gas mileage.

What Makes the Silverado So Popular?

The 2005 Silverado comes in a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The engine is a powerful V6 with 195 hp to 310 hp and has a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

The gas mileage is mediocre at 16 city and 22 highway, but low gas mileage is common among trucks. Additionally, people say this truck is extremely comfortable, and it rides and drives perfectly. So, what more could you want in a truck?

Final Thoughts about the Silverado

Most people love this truck; however, this year model does have some issues and above-average recalls at 16. The Silverado has been around for a while and has a huge following among loyal truck owners. Another thing about this truck is that since it is an older year model, some of the initial problems might have been fixed already.

Additionally, since you now know what to look for in the way of issues, you are better equipped to find a Silverado that doesn’t have those issues or one on which the issues have already been fixed.

What’s Next?

Now that you know how much Freon the 2005 Chevy Silverado takes, why not check your truck’s history? Checking the VehicleHistory for your truck will give you some advanced knowledge about what you should be on the lookout for.

Click here now to get a free vehicle history report for your truck or any other vehicle, for that matter. The vehicle history can help you avoid buying a problem vehicle and the years of frustration and repairs that are sure to follow.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jerry Upton on August 17, 2022
Great truck 🛻
Nice ride owned it for 6 years had to change out water pump after that just change oils and drive
avatar Lauren H
Lauren H. has sold new and used cars, negotiated numerous car deals, has a thorough knowledge of the best and worst vehicles produced, and has spent the last 10-years as an automotive writer.
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