GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: To avoid misdiagnosis, complete Symptoms before beginning vacuum diagnosis.

This air delivery system uses a manual selector located in the heater-A/C control module to operate vacuum controls in the air distribution ducts.

  1. Check the vacuum supply to the vacuum selector (purple and black vacuum hoses) while the engine is running.
  2. • Vacuum should be approximately 40 kPa (6 psi) with engine running.
    • Vacuum should remain at approximately 40 kPa (6 psi) when 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. Start the engine and cycle through the operating modes of the heater-A/C control while observing the valve actuators.
  5. • Check 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.
    • If a vacuum actuator retracts when it should not, replace the heater-A/C control module assembly. Refer to Control Assembly Replacement .
    • If a vacuum actuator does not retract when it should, check for vacuum leaks, collapsed vacuum hoses or binding valves. If these are OK, replace the affected vacuum actuator.

Vacuum Distribution

Mode

Vacuum Ports/Vacuum Hose Color/Vacuum Actuator Valve

Abnormal Condition

Defrost

(YEL)

Defrost Valve

Heater

(RED)

Mode Valve

A/C

(BLU)

IP Outlet Valve

Bi-Level

(BRN)

IP Outlet Valve

Air Recirc

(ORN)

Air Inlet Valve

Recirculation

Vent

Vacuum

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

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

Bi-Level

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Vent

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

Upper

Vent

Vacuum

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

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

Lower

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Vacuum

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

Defog

Vent

Vent

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

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

Defrost

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

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

Outside Air

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Vacuum

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