GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: In order to avoid misdiagnosis, complete Diagnostic System Check before beginning vacuum diagnosis.

  1. Inspect the vacuum supply to the vacuum/electric solenoid (purple and black vacuum hoses) while the engine is running:
  2. • The vacuum should be approximately 124 kPa (18 psi) with the engine running.
    • The vacuum should remain at approximately 124 kPa (18 psi) when the engine is turned OFF.
  3. Test each vacuum actuator by disconnecting the vacuum hose and applying vacuum directly to the actuator. Repair or replace as necessary.
  4. Reconnect all vacuum and electrical connections.
  5. Start the engine. Cycle through the operating modes of the heater-A/C control while observing the valve actuators:
  6. • Test for vacuum to the mode valve actuators by noting the mode valve actuator position. When vacuum is applied, the actuator will retract. Refer to the Air Delivery Vacuum Distribution table below.
    • If the vacuum actuator retracts incorrectly, replace the heater-A/C control. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement .
    • If the vacuum actuator does not retract, inspect for vacuum leaks, collapsed vacuum hoses or binding valves. If the vacuum actuator is OK, replace the vacuum/electric solenoid.

Air Delivery Vacuum Distribution

Vacuum Actuator

Vacuum Solenoid/Hose Color/Valve

Abnormal Condition Reference

Defrost Solenoid

Yellow

Heater/ Defrost Valve

Heater Solenoid

Red

Heater/ Defrost Valve

Bi-Level Solenoid

Brown

A/C Bi-Level Valve

Air Inlet - Recirc Solenoid

Orange

Air Inlet Valve

Air Inlet - Outside Solenoid

Orange

Air Inlet Valve

A/C Solenoid

A/C Bi-Level Valve

Off

Vent

Vent

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement or Mode Valve Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Upper

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement or Mode Valve Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Vent

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Refer to Air Inlet Actuator Replacement or Air Inlet Valve Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Lower

Vent

Vacuum

Vacuum

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Refer to Defroster Valve Actuator Replacement or Defroster Valve Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Defrost

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Refer to Defroster Valve Actuator Replacement or Defroster Valve Replacement in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning