Cold passenger air

RICHARD A CARON

MEMBER
2012 GMC ACADIA
3.8L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
58,350 MILES

Like many others, the device that blends air failed so that passengers front and rear were getting cold air when the driver got heat. The air adjusting valve was defective and replaced at $700.00 Canadian. Good news was it was covered by an extended warranty purchased at the time of purchase of this used but certified GMC vehicle. Over many purchases and with diminished quality of GM parts, extended warranties have usually paid off.

Next on the list is replacing a defective driver door window switch which now only operates driver door window. Passenger and rear windows can be made to go down but not up.

5 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

So, what is your question? It sounds like you have made up your mind that the switch is the cause.

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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 5:55 PM

RICHARD A CARON

MEMBER
3 POSTS

With the heating system is there a recall because I see many failures of the mixing valve. If not why not?

For the driver door window switch, the dealership solution is to replace the defective switch with a new one at over $760.00 Cad not covered by warranty. Can we not just take apart and clean contacts? How?

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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 6:10 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

They do not make recalls for air conditioners. Recalls are made for safety and emissions reasons only.

If they say it needs a switch, then it needs a switch. They are the ones that diagnosed the issue.

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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 6:14 PM

RICHARD A CARON

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Perhaps. I do not know how detailed the diagnosis procedure is. If I reflect back on other diagnoses, often parts that could have been repaired are simply replaced. I often ask for replaced parts and have fixed many with very little effort or time. Cleaning contacts that have become dirty or otherwise do not work is a frequent occurrence. Replacement should not always be the first or preferred fix.

The other issue is parts and labor costs when warranty is not available. Car makers force their dealers to buy at list costs and charge high hourly wages. Dealers that shop for better costs are stripped of their dealership. That is something I have and huge problem with. A seat belt tension-er failed. The dealer wanted and most $1,000.00 to replace it. The part on line could be bought for less than $100.00. But the dealer refused to install a part I provided even if it was an OEM part from GM. Can you comment on this?

I might try to clean the swith before heading back to the dealer. How is driver door taken apart on 2012 GMC Acadia SLT?

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Thursday, November 2nd, 2017 AT 6:30 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

You do not have to take the door apart. The switch pops out from the top. Do not try to take it apart though. Spring loaded parts will fly out everywhere.

When the dealer make a repair they have to get it right the first time and they have to stand behind their work and their parts. They cannot install other peoples parts and warranty the whole job. They also will not take a chance on simply cleaning something as when it does not work you will expect them to fix it for free.

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