My control flap for AC heater controls from face vent to feet vent is messing up

Tiny
FRED H FATH
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 159,000 MILES
I am having issues with AC blower controls flap will go from face to feet after a few minutes then comes back randomly
I recently found out I had a leak on AC compressor and had it replaced at a shop. I have had issues with my AC button on my AC Heater control switch. I would push the AC switch and start driving down the road then it would would randomly turn off by itself. I looked up online and and seems to be a common issue with several GM's around that year. I saw a video on how to fix on your own (didn't think I would be that crafty) so I just bought a new AC Delco AC Heater control switch. I installed the control switch and for the first time in a long time I had continuous cold AC. But now it seems another issue has popped up. When I get into car and turn on air I always have just regular air going thru the top face vents. I hardly ever use the feet fan even in winter. The AC will be running fine then it seems the face vents go out and only can feel a lower feet vent. This is not permanent as while driving it will switch back to face or after parking. Is this an electrical, vacuum or bad new switch? Is the flap controlled by a vacuum or some type of electrical motor?
Also, we had an unusually cool night and I tried something new I had run the face vent with just warm air and it stayed to face vents the whole trip. So not sure if that will help in anyway but thought I would include it.
My car has 159,268 miles. My car has an automatic transmission. It has the 3.1 L V6 engine.
Monday, September 4th, 2017 AT 11:45 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 POSTS
That has a vacuum controlled mode door. It uses two vacuum lines to control it. From your description one of the lines to the mode actuator has a leak.
The first thing I would do is remove the control head and check the vacuum lines on that end for cracks/loose. Then use a small vacuum pump to test the actuators and see if they will hold. Hopefully you will find the issue there as the mode actuators first step in repair is to remove the instrument panel.
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Wednesday, September 6th, 2017 AT 10:54 AM

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