Before beginning service of the heater and ventilation
system, perform the following functional test. Ensure that the thermostat
is fully open in order obtain accurate test results.
- Start the engine.
- Warm the engine to normal operating temperature.
- Touch the upper radiator hose. A hot radiator hose indicates an
open thermostat.
- Set the fresh/recirc lever to the FRESH position.
- Set the temperature lever to the coldest position.
- Set the blower speed to HIGH.
- Systematically move the mode lever through the various positions.
- Note which vents expel air at each setting.
- Verify that the air flow corresponds with the setting of the mode
lever.
- Verify that the air entering the passenger compartment is approximately
the same temperature as the air outside of the vehicle.
- Set the temperature lever to the hottest position.
- Verify that the air entering the passenger compartment is much
warmer than the air outside of the vehicle.
- Systematically, move the mode lever to each position.
- Note which vents expel air at each setting.
- Gradually move the blower speed from HIGH to LOW.
- Verify that the force of the air flow at each setting corresponds
with the setting.
- Verify that the blower noise decreases at each successive setting.
Evaluation
If the functional test indicates improper air delivery or a failure
to shift modes when the mode lever settings are changed, refer to the corresponding
symptom tables for diagnosis: