GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

This procedure provides a test of all functions of the heater/defroster unit.

  1. Warm up the vehicle.
  2. Keep the engine running.
  3. Perform the tests outlined in the table below and look for the results indicated.

Controls Settings

Correct Results

Mode Nob

Temp Control

Blower Motor Switch

Blower Speed

Power Vent Outlet

Floor Outlet

Defrost Outlet

Side Window Outlet

Vent

Cold

Off

Off

No Airflow

No Airflow

No Airflow

No Airflow

Vent

Cold

4

High

Ambient Airflow

No Airflow

No Airflow

No Airflow

Floor

Cold to Hot

4

High

No Airflow

Cold to Hot

Minimum Cold to Hot Airflow

Minimum Cold to Hot Airflow

Defroster

Cold to Hot

4

High

No Airflow

Minimum Cold to Hot Airflow

Cold to Hot Airflow

Minimum Cold to Hot Airflow

If any of these settings does not produce the correct results, perform the following diagnostic procedure.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Verify the customer's complaint.

Are the customer's concerns verified?

Go to Step 2

System OK

2

  1. Examine the affected door in the unit for proper attachment to the vacuum actuator.
  2. Inspect the actuator connection to the door.
  3. Inspect that the vacuum hose is properly connected.

Is everything connected properly?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Repair as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

System OK

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4

  1. Disconnect the actuator at the door.
  2. Inspect the range of the door travel and the effort required to move it.

Does the door move freely through its entire range of travel so that it can close at both ends of the range?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

5

Inspect the travel of the actuator by turning the control knob with the engine running.

Is the actuator travel OK?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Reinstall the actuator.
  2. Recheck the system using the Control Settings/Correct Results tests in this procedure.

Does the system perform properly?

System OK

Go to Step 9

7

  1. Inspect the vacuum hose at the control.
  2. Inspect for a broken control.

Is there a problem with the vacuum hose or the control?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Repair the vacuum hose or the control, as necessary.

Did you complete the repair?

System OK

Go to Step 9

9

Recheck the system using the Control Settings/Correct Results tests in this procedure.

Did you find and correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect for airflow from the defroster or the vent outlets.

Is there high airflow from the defroster or the vent outlets?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Adjust the heater door at the floor and the vent door to get the proper airflow.

Did you find and correct the condition?

System OK

--

12

Switch the mode knob to defrost.

Is the defroster airflow OK?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

13

  1. Remove the heater outlet.
  2. Inspect the heater outlet for obstructions.
  3. Remove any obstructions in the heater outlet.

Did you find and correct the condition?

System OK

--

14

Inspect the blower speeds for change in the airflow.

Does the blower speed increase as the control is turned from 1 to 4?

Go to Step 15

Go to Blower Motor Malfunction

15

  1. Inspect for obstructions in the system at the blower inlet and inspect the air filter if the vehicle is so equipped.
  2. Remove any obstructions at the blower inlet and replace the filter if it is clogged.

Did you find and correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 16

16

  1. Set the blower on 4.
  2. Rotate the temperature control from full hot to full cold.
  3. Listen for an airflow change.

Does the airflow change?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 18

17

  1. Inspect the temperature door, the cable, the linkage, and the control.
  2. Adjust the temperature control to full hot.

Did you find and correct the condition?

System OK

--

18

  1. Inspect the system for any obstruction between the blower and the system outlets.
  2. Remove any obstruction between the blower and the system outlets.

Did you find and correct the condition?

System OK

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