GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

If the airflow through the vents changes modes when the vehicle is in operation, or if the airflow remains in any mode and does not change, diagnose the system using the table below.

Start the engine and let the engine idle down. Move the selector knob to each position. (Refer to the vacuum diagrams and the operational charts for the airflow, the door functioning and the vacuum circuits.) Refer to Function Test . If the airflow does not come out of the proper outlet at each selector knob position, complete the following procedure:

  1. Inspect the hose connections at the following locations:
  2. • The vacuum actuators
    • The control head valve
    • The vacuum tank
  3. Inspect the vacuum source circuit by completing the following steps:
  4. 2.1. Install a vacuum tee and a gage at the vacuum tank outlet.
    2.2. Idle the engine.
    2.3. Move the selector knob to all of the positions.

    Read the vacuum.

    Normal vacuum is equivalent to the manifold vacuum.

    2.4. If the vacuum is less than normal in all of the positions, complete the following steps:
             2.4.1. Remove the tee.
             2.4.2. Connect the vacuum gage line to the tank.
             2.4.3. Read the gage.

    Low vacuum indicates a problem in the circuit feed to the tank.

    A normal vacuum reading indicates a condition downstream.

    2.5. Less than normal vacuum in some positions indicates a leak in the circuits of the affected selector knob position.
    2.6. Normal vacuum in all of the positions indicates a condition caused by improperly connected or plugged lines, or an inoperative vacuum valve.
  5. Inspect the specific vacuum circuits by completing the following steps:
  6. 3.1. Place the selector knob in the affected position.
    3.2. Inspect for vacuum at the affected vacuum actuator.
    3.3. If vacuum exists at the actuator, but the door does not move, the actuator is inoperative, or is mechanically bound.
    3.4. If the low or no vacuum exists at the actuator, complete the following steps:
             3.4.1. Inspect the vacuum harness.
             3.4.2. Inspect the vacuum valve.
  7. Inspect the vacuum harness circuit by completing the following steps:
  8. 4.1. Disconnect the vacuum harness at the control head.
    4.2. The green line indicates engine vacuum.

    If engine vacuum does not exists, trace back through the connector to the vacuum tank.

    4.3. In order to inspect any individual circuit, complete the following steps:
             4.3.1. Place the selector knob at the affected circuit position.
             4.3.2. Inspect for vacuum.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

DEFINITION: The vacuum system is stuck in defrost or changes modes while the vehicle is in operation.

Refer to vacuum schematic in HVAC air delivery.

1

  1. Install a tee in a vacuum gauge at the water control valve.
  2. Set the temperature lever to the full cold position.
  3. Idle the engine.
  4. Momentarily move the temperature knob from the full cold position to any other temperature position.

Does the vacuum stay the same?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 3

2

Does the vacuum not exist?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

Replace the hot water vacuum switch.

Does the vacuum system operate properly?

--

Go to Function Test

Go to Step 4

4

  1. With the engine idling and the temperature lever in the full cold position, cycle the mode knob through all the modes.
  2. Observe the vacuum gauge.
  3. The vacuum should stay steady.

  4. Momentarily stop the engine in each mode
  5. The system should hold a vacuum in each mode for at least 20 seconds.

Does the system not hold a vacuum in any mode?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Inspect the source vacuum in the following components:

    • The vacuum reservoir
    • The check valve
    • The engine

Did you find and repair a condition?

--

Go to Function Test

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Remove the control assembly in order to access the rotary vacuum valve.
  2. Listen for a leak in the affected mode.

Is a leak audible?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Replace the control assembly.

Does the vacuum system operate properly?

--

Go to Function Test

Go to Step 8

8

Apply the specified amount of vacuum to each port at the rotary vacuum switch harness.

Does the system hold vacuum?

103.4 kPa (15 psi)

Go to Function Test

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Locate the leak in the vacuum harness.
  2. Repair the leak.

Did you repair a leak?

--

Go to Function Test

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the leaking actuator.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Function Test

--