GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Were you sent here from Too Cold in Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Too Cold in Vehicle in HVAC Systems - Manual or Too Cold in Vehicle in HVAC Systems - Automatic

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Allow the engine to idle.

Does the engine reach a normal operating temperature?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 9

3

  1. Allow to idle.
  2. Select the FLOOR mode.
  3. Select the minimum blower speed.
  4. Select the maximum temperature setting.
  5. Feel the temperature of the inlet and outlet hoses at the heater core.

Does the inlet hose feel warmer than the outlet hose?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Install a thermometer into the I/P center air outlet.
  2. Secure a thermometer to the heater core outlet hose.
  3. Select the PANEL mode.
  4. Select the maximum blower speed.
  5. Select the maximum temperature setting.
  6. Record the temperature at the following locations:
  7. • The I/P center air outlet
    • The heater core outlet hose
  8. Compare the recorded temperatures.

Are the temperatures similar?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Inspect and repair the following areas of the vehicle for cold air leaks:
  2. • The cowl
    • The recirculation door
    • The HVAC module case
  3. Perform the necessary repairs.

Are the repairs complete?

Go to Step 10

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6

  1. Start the engine and allow to idle.
  2. Depress the mode control button until the LOWER position is displayed.
  3. Select the lowest blower speed position.
  4. Turn the temperature control knob to the maximum hot position.
  5. Check the temperature of the heater inlet and outlet hoses by feel.
  6. (The air temperature around the hoses must be at least 24°C (85°F).

Does the heater inlet hose feel warm and the heater outlet hose feel cold?

Go to Step 10

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7

  1. Turn OFF the engine.
  2. Backflush the heater core. Refer to Flushing in Engine Cooling.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Select the FLOOR mode.
  5. Select the minimum blower speed.
  6. Select the maximum temperature setting.
  7. Feel the temperature of the inlet and outlet hoses at the heater core.

Does the inlet hose feel warmer than the outlet hose?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 10

8

Replace the heater core. Refer to Heater Core Replacement .

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 10

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9

Repair the low engine temperature concern. Refer to Engine Fails To Reach Normal Operating Temperature in Engine Cooling.

Is the repair complete?

Go to Step 10

--

10

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Does the system operate correctly?

System OK

Go to Step 2