2002 Buick Rendezvous Heater

JILLBALES

MEMBER
2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS

Heater problem
2002 Buick Rendezvous Engine Size unknown All Wheel Drive Automatic 99000 miles

The heater and AC in my car are the correct temp coming out of the vents, but it is barely coming out. I have to put my hand all the way up to the vent to feel the air. The defrost works but the heat blows out hardly any air at all on the floor, or out of any of the vents. I have auto temp control and on the highest setting, you cannot feel any heat unless you are holding your hand to the vent.

1 Reply

DENNYP

MECHANIC
1,824 POSTS

Subject: Minimal Air Flow In Vent Position With Full Heat (Disable Temperature Sub-Damper Door) #03-01-38-013A - (12/09/2003)

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

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:

Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position and move the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) temperature control to the full cold position.
Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position.
Remove the instrument panel closeout/insulator panel.
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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.
Install the actuator mounting plate on the HVAC module. Make sure the plate is seated against the ribs on the mounting boss.
Install the mode door actuator onto the actuator mounting plate.
Start the vehicle and check the operation of the HVAC system mode doors and temperature controls.
Install the instrument panel compartment.
Install the instrument panel insulator/closeout panel.