GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
  2. Warning: Refer to Battery Disconnect Warning in the Preface section.

  3. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  4. Remove the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement or Engine Cover Replacement.
  5. Remove the windscreen wiper arms. Refer to Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement.
  6. Remove the air inlet grill panel. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement.
  7. Remove the air filter assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement or Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement.
  8. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.

  9. Object Number: 2040970  Size: SH

    Note: Heater hoses for 3.6L engine are shown. 6.0L engine heater hoses are similar.

    Note: Mark position of heater hoses (3) and heater hose retaining clamps (1) before removal to make sure of correct alignment during assembly.

  10. Using J 38185 compress the heater hose retaining clamps (1) and slide along the heater hose (3).
  11. Remove the heater hoses (3) from the heater core pipes (2).

  12. Object Number: 2040644  Size: SH
  13. Disconnect the vacuum hose (1) and the vacuum brake booster check valve (3) from the vacuum brake booster (2).
  14. Detach the vacuum hose (1) from the bulkhead mounted vacuum hose retaining bracket (4) and position aside.

  15. Object Number: 2034102  Size: SH
  16. Remove the remote battery positive post cover (1).

  17. Object Number: 2040647  Size: SH
  18. Remove the remote battery positive post to wiring harness retaining bolt (1).
  19. Remove the starter motor power cable (2) and position aside.

  20. Object Number: 1957871  Size: SH
  21. Remove the suction pipe upper to suction pipe lower retaining nut (1).

  22. Object Number: 1955641  Size: SH
  23. Remove the suction pipe/liquid pipe retaining clip to left front chassis rail retaining bolt (3).
  24. Detach the liquid pipe (1) from the suction pipe/liquid pipe retaining clip (2).

  25. Object Number: 1950845  Size: SH
  26. Disconnect the suction pipe upper (1) from suction pipe lower (2).
  27. Note: The sealing washer (3) is a single use item and must be discarded after use.

  28. Remove the sealing washer (3). Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement.
  29. Discard the sealing washer

    Note: Cover any opening of the A/C system with a suitable cap or tape immediately, to prevent absorption of moisture from the atmosphere.

  30. Cap or plug the suction pipe upper (1) and the suction pipe lower (2).

  31. Object Number: 2040649  Size: SH
  32. Remove the suction pipe/liquid pipe pad to TX valve retaining nut (1).

  33. Object Number: 2040651  Size: SH
  34. Disconnect the suction pipe/liquid pipe pad (3) from the TX valve (1).
  35. Note: The sealing washers (2) are a single use item and must be discarded after use.

  36. Remove the sealing washers (2). Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement.
  37. Discard the sealing washers

    Note: Cover any opening of the A/C system with a suitable cap or tape immediately, to prevent absorption of moisture from the atmosphere.

  38. Cap or plug the suction pipe (4), liquid pipe (5) and the TX valve (1).

  39. Object Number: 2040971  Size: SH

    Note: HVAC to bulkhead retaining bolt locations are shown in a 3.6L engine compartment. 6.0L engine compartment HVAC to bulkhead retaining bolt locations are the same.

  40. Remove the HVAC to bulkhead retaining bolts (1).

  41. Object Number: 2040972  Size: SH
  42. Disconnect the blower motor electrical connector (2).
  43. Disconnect the HVAC module electrical connectors (3).
  44. Disconnect the blower motor control processor electrical connector (1).
  45. Detach the I/P wiring harness to HVAC module assembly retaining clips (4).
  46. Remove the instrument panel (I/P) pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement.
  47. Remove the instrument panel centre support bracket. Refer to Instrument Panel Retainer Replacement.

  48. Object Number: 2040974  Size: SH
  49. Remove the HVAC module assembly to I/P carrier retaining bolts (1).

  50. Object Number: 2040976  Size: SH
  51. Remove the HVAC module assembly to I/P carrier retaining bolts (1).
  52. Remove the I/P carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement.

  53. Object Number: 2040979  Size: SH

    Note: To remove the HVAC module assembly (2) from the vehicle (1) rotate the HVAC module assembly (2) downwards and towards the back of the vehicle (1).

  54. Remove the HVAC module assembly (2) from the vehicle body (1).

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 2040979  Size: SH

    Note: To install the HVAC module assembly (2) to the vehicle (1) rotate the HVAC module assembly (2) upwards and towards the front of the vehicle (1).

    Note: Make sure the HVAC module assembly (3) fits into the drain assembly

  1. Install the HVAC module assembly (1) to the vehicle body (2).
  2. Install the I/P carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel Carrier Replacement.
  3. Caution: Refer to Title not found in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 2040976  Size: SH
  4. Install the HVAC module assembly to I/P carrier retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  5. Object Number: 2040974  Size: SH
  6. Install the HVAC module assembly to I/P carrier retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 9 N·m (80 lb in).

  7. Object Number: 2040971  Size: SH

    Note: HVAC to bulkhead retaining bolt locations are shown in a 3.6L engine compartment. 6.0L engine compartment HVAC to bulkhead retaining bolt locations are the same.

  8. Install the HVAC module assembly to bulkhead retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 7 N·m (62 lb in).

  9. Object Number: 2040972  Size: SH
  10. Connect the blower motor control processor electrical connector (1).
  11. Connect the HVAC module electrical connectors (3).
  12. Connect the blower motor electrical connector (2).
  13. Attach the I/P wiring harness to HVAC module assembly retaining clips (4).
  14. Install the I/P upper trim pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Upper Trim Pad Replacement.
  15. Install the I/P retainer bracket. Refer to Instrument Panel Retainer Replacement.

  16. Object Number: 2040651  Size: SH
  17. Remove the plugs or caps from the suction pipe (4), liquid pipe (5) and the TX valve (1).
  18. Note: DO NOT coat the NEW sealing washers (2) with oil, they must be fitted dry. The use of mineral oil will render the sealing washers (2) useless, as the sealing washers (2) WILL swell causing refrigerant to leak out.

  19. Install NEW sealing washers (2). Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement.
  20. Position the suction pipe/liquid pipe pad (3) to the TX Valve (1).

  21. Object Number: 2040649  Size: SH
  22. Install the suction pipe/liquid pipe pad to TX valve retaining nut (1) and tighten to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

  23. Object Number: 1957873  Size: SH
  24. Remove the plugs or caps from the suction pipe upper (1) and the suction pipe lower (2).
  25. Note: DO NOT coat the NEW sealing washer (3) with oil, they must be fitted dry. The use of mineral oil will render the sealing washer (3) useless, as the sealing washer (3) WILL swell causing refrigerant to leak out.

  26. Install a NEW sealing washer (3). Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement.
  27. Install the suction pipe upper (1) to the suction pipe lower (2).

  28. Object Number: 1955641  Size: SH
  29. Attach the liquid pipe (1) to the suction pipe/liquid pipe retaining clip (2).
  30. Install the suction pipe/liquid pipe retaining clip to left front chassis rail retaining bolt (3).

  31. Object Number: 1957875  Size: SH
  32. Install the suction pipe upper to suction pipe lower retaining nut (1) and tighten to 22 N·m (16 lb ft).

  33. Object Number: 2034103  Size: SH
  34. Install the starter motor positive cable (2) to the remote battery positive post (3).
  35. Install the remote battery positive post to wiring harness retaining bolt (1) and tighten to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  36. Object Number: 2034102  Size: SH

    Note: Make sure the clips on the remote battery positive post cover (1) are engaged to avoid an induced rattle condition.

  37. Install the remote battery positive post cover (1).

  38. Object Number: 2040644  Size: SH
  39. Connect the vacuum hose (1) and the vacuum brake booster check valve (3) to the vacuum brake booster (2).
  40. Attach the vacuum hose (1) to the bulkhead mounted vacuum hose retaining bracket (4).

  41. Object Number: 2040970  Size: SH

    Note: Heater hoses for 3.6L engine are shown. 6.0L engine heater hoses are similar.

    Note: If reusing the heater hoses (3), align the heater hoses (3) with the marks made on the heater core inlet pipe (2) during the removal procedure.

  42. Connect the heater hoses (3) to the heater core pipes (2).
  43. Using J 38185 , slide the heater hose retaining clamps (1) back into the original position on the heater hoses (3).
  44. Install the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement or Engine Cover Replacement.
  45. Install windscreen wiper arms. Refer to Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement.
  46. Install the air inlet grill panel. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement.
  47. Install the air filter assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement or Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement.
  48. Connect the battery negative cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
  49. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.
  50. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
  51. Leak test the HVAC module assembly pipe connections. Refer to Leak Testing.