Minimal Air Flow In Vent Position With Full Heat (Disable Temperature Sub-Damper Door) - (Dec 9, 2003)

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

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.

6.-Remove the two actuator retaining screws and the mode door actuator.


 
7.-Remove the two screws that hold the mode door actuator mounting plate to the HVAC module. Remove the plate, exposing the mode door levers underneath. Refer to the illustration above for the location of the mode door levers.



8.-Locate the mode door lever, (1) 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.

9.-With the mode lever removed, swing the temperature sub-damper door lever (2) fully up. This opens the door fully on the inside of the HVAC module.
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.



10.-Loop a tie strap through the channel of the lever. Loop the tie-strap over the upper actuator attachment boss, making sure to also get the strap over the side ribs, as the side ribs are the locating feature for the actuator backing plate. Refer to the illustration above for location of the tie strap.

11.-Install the actuator mounting plate on the HVAC module. Make sure the plate is seated against the ribs on the mounting boss.

12.-Install the mode door actuator onto the actuator mounting plate.

13.-Start the vehicle and check the operation of the HVAC system mode doors and temperature controls.

14.-Install the instrument panel compartment.

15.-Install the instrument panel insulator/closeout panel.


***  I had low air flow in all the positions and a slight noise i did this in half hour and it works fine. I didnt have the mode door actuater it has instructions about i pulled the glove box out and saw the 2nd illustration right away so it may not be easy on all cars but on my 02 it was a breeze  ***

Mine has done this a few times. Then other times the interior is so hot I have to have the windows down in mid winter LOL.

Did this work for anyone???

I dunno if that's my problem, but I never use anything but the floor for my heat because it just seems that it's not very hot...heck, barely warm coming from the vent. But on floor....after awhile of driving I'm with 03' Tek....I gotta crack a window or two.

I am new to this sight and new to the Aztek.  First GM car in 25 years.  Can you tell me where I can find the external HEPA filter?

Thanks.