GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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

  1. Check vacuum supply to vacuum/electric solenoid (purple and black vacuum hoses) while engine is running.
  2. • Vacuum should be approximately 60 kPa (18 psi) with engine running.
    • Vacuum should remain at approximately 60 kPa (18 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 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 for service procedure.
    • If a vacuum actuator does not retract when it should, check for vacuum leaks, collapsed vacuum hoses or binding valves. If OK, replace the vacuum/electric solenoid.

Air Delivery Vacuum Distribution

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Defrost Solenoid

Heater Solenoid

Bi-Level Solenoid

Air Inlet-Recirc Solenoid

Air Inlet-Outside Solenoid

A/C Solenoid

Abnormal Condition Reference

Vacuum Hose Color

Yellow

Red

Brown

Orange

Orange

Blue

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Vacuum Actuator

Heater/Defrost Valve

Heater/Defrost Valve

A/C Bi-Level Valve

Air Inlet Valve

Air Inlet Valve

A/C Bi-Level Valve

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Off Mode

Vent

Vent

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement .

Upper Mode

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Refer to Mode Actuator Replacement .

Vent Mode

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Refer to Air Inlet Actuator Replacement .

Lower Mode

Vent

Vacuum

Vacuum

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Refer to Defroster Actuator Replacement .

Defrost Mode

Vacuum

Vent

Vacuum

Vacuum

Vent

Vent

Refer to Defroster Actuator Replacement .