GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Use the diagnostic table below in order to diagnose the system if the following conditions exist:

    • The airflow through the vents changes modes while driving.
    • The airflow through the vents remains in any mode and is unable to change.

Refer to the vacuum diagrams and the operational charts for the following information:

    • Airflow
    • Air door functioning
    • Vacuum circuits

Inspect the hose connections at the following positions:

    • The vacuum actuators
    • The control head valve
    • The vacuum tank

If the vacuum is less than normal at all positions, remove the tee.

Connect the vacuum gauge line to the tank.

Read the vacuum. Refer to the following list for information on the vacuum readings:

    •  if the vacuum is still low, the problem lies in the feed circuit to the tank or the tank.
    • If the vacuum is now normal, the problem lies downstream.
    • The vacuum may be less than normal at some positions.
    • If the vacuum is low at one or several of the selector knob positions, a leak is indicated at the circuit(s).
    • The vacuum may be normal at all positions.
    • The malfunction may be caused by improperly connected or plugged lines.
    • If the vacuum is normal and even at all positions, the malfunction may be caused by the vacuum valve(s).

Inspect the specific vacuum circuits using the following steps:

  1. Place the selector knob in the malfunctioning position.
  2. Inspect the vacuum for the pertinent vacuum actuators.
  3. If the vacuum exists at the actuator but the door does not move, the actuator is defective or the door is mechanically bound.

  4. Inspect the vacuum harness first.
  5. Determine whether one of the following is the cause:

    • The vacuum harness
    • The vacuum valve is low
    • No vacuum exists at the actuator

Inspect the vacuum harness circuit using the following steps:

  1. Disconnect the vacuum harness at the control head.
  2. The green line should show the engine vacuum. If the green line does not show the engine vacuum, trace back through the connector to the vacuum tank.
  3. Place the selector knob at the involved circuit position in order to check any individual circuit.
  4. Inspect for vacuum at the individual circuits.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Is the system stuck in defrost or the system changes modes while the vehicle is driving?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 2

2

  1. Attach a vacuum gauge at the water control valve with a vacuum tee.
  2. Set the temperature lever to the full cold setting while the engine is running.
  3. Move the temperature knob from the full cold setting to any other temperature position momentarily.

Does the vacuum drop immediately?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. The water valve vacuum switch is OK.
  2. Set the temperature lever on the full cold setting while the engine is still running.
  3. Cycle the knob through all of the modes.
  4. Observe the vacuum gauge.
  5. The reading should stay steady and momentarily stop the engine in each mode.

    The system should hold a vacuum in each mode for at least 20 seconds.

Does the system hold a vacuum in each mode for the specified time interval?

20 seconds

System OK

Go to Step 5

4

Replace the hot water vacuum switch.

Is the replacement complete?

--

System OK

--

5

Does the system hold a vacuum in any mode?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Does the system hold a vacuum in only one mode?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

  1. Inspect the valve and the engine for the source of the vacuum.
  2. Replace the vacuum reservoir.
  3. Refer to Vacuum Tank Replacement

Is the replacement complete?

--

System OK

--

8

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

Do you hear any leaks?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Apply 15 inches of vacuum to each port at the rotary vacuum switch harness.

Does the system hold the vacuum?

--

System OK

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the control assembly.

Refer to Control Assembly Replacement

Is the replacement complete?

--

System OK

--

11

  1. Inspect the system for leaks.
  2. Repair the vacuum harness if you detect leaking.
  3. Replace the leaking actuator.
  4. Refer to Air Conditioning Accumulator Replacement

Is the replacement complete?

--

System OK

--