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The heater isn't working properly in my 2001 Pontiac Montana, I have changed the heater core and the blower motor is working fine but it won't blow through the vents in the van. What can be the problem? Can anyone please help me out? please give me any suggestions to what the problem might be. Thank-you.
Hey. If the problem is not enough heat coming out of your vents, then this is the problem:
Bulletin No.: 03-01-38-013A
Date: December 09, 2003
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Minimal Air Flow In Vent Position With Full Heat (Disable Temperature Sub-Damper Door)
Models:
2002-2003 Buick Rendezvous
2001-2003 Chevrolet Venture
2001-2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette
2001-2003 Pontiac Aztek, Montana
with Front Manual (RPO C60) or Front Manual with Auxiliary Temperature Controls (RPO CJ3) HVAC Systems only
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to correct the Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-01-38-013 (Section 01 - HVAC).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a lack of sufficient air flow from the instrument panel vents when the vent mode is selected and the temperature control is at full heat. Others may comment that the volume of hot air flow from the instrument panel vents may seem to be less than the air flow from the floor ducts.
Correction
Disable the temperature sub-damper door, located inside the air conditioning module, using the following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position and move the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) temperature control to the full cold position.
2. Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position.
3. Remove the instrument panel closeout/insulator panel.
4. Remove the instrument panel compartment.
Important: The mode door actuator described below may not be found on all vehicles. The actuator removal and replacement instructions are not necessary if this actuator is not present.
5. Locate the mode door actuator on the passenger side of the HVAC module. Disconnect the actuator electrical connector. Remove the two actuator retaining screws and the mode door actuator.
I fixed this myself in less than a half hour. If you feel up to it, I can explain how.
While I consider this an easy fix, read the instructions carefullly and decide for yourself if you want to proceed with the repair.
The 'Instrument panel/closeout insulator' is the panel underneath the glovebox. It hides the wires and the heater fan. Remove this panel.
The 'instrument panel compartment' is the glovebox. Open the glovebox and remove the 2 srcews at the top (if I remember correctly). The glovebox should pop out with a slight tug.
With the glovebox out of the way you should be able to see the parts that need to be fixed as per the pictures below.
1. Locate the mode door lever, (1 in Pic 2) in the illustration above. Remove the mode door lever by carefully lifting the lever locking tab and simultaneously prying outward at the base of the lever with a flat screwdriver. Be sure to pry as close as possible to the base of the shaft to prevent breakage of the lever.
2. With the mode lever removed, swing the temperature sub-damper door lever (2 in Pic 2) fully up. This opens the door fully on the inside of the HVAC module.
3. The sub-damper door may vibrate or fall closed if not secured in place. To ensure that this does not happen, use a plastic tie-strap to ensure that the door is held in place (Pic 3).
After this, simply reinstall what you`'ve removed!
It makes sense and thank your for the details, but will this allow you to select from floor to vent and defrost? or is the door stuck on one setting say vent?
I followed your notes and everything went smoothly. I did notice a 3 pin connector right where the actuator arms were, that wasn't connected. Small black rectangle connector, white, black and brown wires. Did you notice this on your van? If so what did it connect too?
I saw the same connector...does your van have lights under the dash that come on when you open the door? Mine doesnt and I was thinking that this was the harness for that....not sure though. My 2000 Montana has the footwell lighting. I`ll look when I get a chance. Glad to see it worked for you! Ooppss....forgot about those other 2 screws!
I'm not sure, at the moment I would say no cause they don't light, but I have other lights that don't work. And when I had the glovebox out I didn't see any other lights.
Ok, I appreciate you explaining how to fix the air flow with that lever, so I decided to give it a whirl. I removed the 2 screws from the inside of the glove box (upper 2) and couldn't find the other 2 on the bottom. There are 6 screws across the bottom (outside of box) that are like a tri-wing screws that seem to be for the hinge. My van is a 2003, but I would think they would still have the same design as yours. Am I totally missing something here to remove the glove box?
I think you`re doing the same thing I did at first....once the screws are removed, you have to 'tug' on the glovebox for it to come out. Have you removed the bottom insulator? Can`t remember if it`s attached to the glove box at all.
Let me know. If you`re still having a hard time, I`ll remove mine and let you know if I missed a step.
Hey folks. Sorry but its been awhile since I`ve been on this forum. Not sure why the pics arent showing but when I get a chance, I`ll dig them up again.
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