Intermittent ventalation system fan control problem

Tiny
SLOANREALTY
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 177,000 MILES
Hi, my 04 Buick Le Sabre has an intermittent problem with the fan and directional control of the air coming out of the dash. The air output will randomly switch itself from air coming out of the dash, to the floor, to the front outlets without any warning and without me pressing any of the selection switches. I was told that it might be a vacuum problem such as a cracked, broken or rodent chewed hose causing the air flow to the baffles to fluctuate? Any thoughts? If it is vacuum related, I need help identifying the correct vacuum hoses that run to the in-dash air system. I am not having any luck finding a schematic on-line. Also. Any thoughts that it may be an electrical issue? Last summer I was experiencing the same problem with this car, as I have just described. Then about a month after the problem started, I replaced a burnt out right tail light bulb and suddenly, the air flow system started to work perfectly again! I have checked all of the perimeter bulbs on the car and do not find any that need replacing? I think my car is possessed! Maybe I should call a priest! Any thoughts and suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated> Thanks. John
Friday, May 30th, 2014 AT 12:13 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try cleaning the battery to body ground and engine to battery ground it may be corroded and causing the problem. Could be the ground from hvac is loose as well and or flapper on mode actuator has broken.
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Friday, May 30th, 2014 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
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Thanks very much for the reply. I will clean the battery cable connections and see what happens. Have a great weekend! John
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Friday, May 30th, 2014 AT 3:09 PM
Tiny
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Cleaned the battery terminals and reconnected tightly and still no-go with the air flow out of the dash. Any other suggestions? Thanks
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 9:33 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Yours is electric not vacuum. Have a pro scan this to see if the control head is screwingup. It cold also be in my previous reply like something broken
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 9:37 AM
Tiny
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Thanks again for the reply and for narrowing down whether it is vacuum or electric. I will have it tested and let you know what I find out.

Thanks again! John
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 10:08 AM
Tiny
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OMG! I am very embarrassed. In my first message I said that my Le Sabre is an '04. It is not. It is a 1994. Very sorry for the bad info. How does that change your diagnosis?

Thanks. John
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 10:19 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Do you know how mad a person gets with the wrong information? Very check for a cvauum leak and start at engine it goes to control head then to vacuum motors on hvac. I have no further suggestions.
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
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I will certainly not bother you again.
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 3:16 PM

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