Dash vents not opening?

DRFLYFISHER

MEMBER
2002 SAAB 9-5
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
36,000 MILES

Air conditioning comes out of the defroster vents and the rear vents. Does not come out of the vents on the dash. Did some reading and tried pressing the Auto and Off buttons together and this did not work. Only got a "0" code on the display. Tried this repeatedly with the same results. The air is cool but just coming out of the wrong vents. Is this a mechanical or electrical problem?

1 Reply

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

It could be either, to answer your question. There is a bulletin that specifies this possible symptom. I have included it for your reference. It is a bit involved, and not real descript on illustrations of procedures.

A/C - Airflow From Vents Can't Be Changed

Bulletin No: 854-2461

Date: March 2004

Market: US, CA

Cars Affected:
9-5 M98-

LHD: up to and including VIN 43012480

RHD: up to and including VIN 43015355

Background

The bushing of the air distribution flap on the driver's side can detach from the heating and ventilation housing, causing the metal shaft of the flap to detach. If this occurs, it is no longer possible to change the position of the flap, that is to say airflow always comes from the same vent.

This problem may be mistaken for a fault in the air-mixing flap (heat regulation).

In the case of customer complaint the following procedure must be carried out.

Symptom description

Airflow always comes from the same vent and cannot be changed.

Parts Required

48 69 244 Bushing (white) (CA: 30590471)

Procedure

First check if the fault is caused by the air distribution flap or the air-mixing flap (heat regulation).

1. Start the engine.

2. Calibrate the ACC system by holding the AUTO and OFF buttons depressed at the same time. Wait until the system has completed calibration (approx. 30 seconds).

3. Set the driver and passenger side temperature to 21 °C (70 °F).

4. Select defroster mode. Wait until the system has stabilized (approx. 30 seconds).

5. Use your hand to check that air is flowing from the vent on top of the dashboard.

6. Select panel mode. Check that the panel vent is open and increase fan speed. Wait until the system has stabilized (approx. 30 seconds).

7. Use your hand to check that air is flowing from the panel vent.

8. Repeat the check and switch off the engine.

If airflow can be changed, the fault may be in the air-mixing flap; see following SI:

US/CA: 854-2411

Other markets: 854-2396

If airflow cannot be changed and continues to blow from the same vent, the fault is in the air distribution flap.

Remedy the fault as follows:

1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

2. Select defroster mode. Wait until the system has stabilized (approx. 30 seconds).

3. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position. Slide the seat to its rearmost position for easier access.

4. Remove the bottom of the panel on the driver's side. Check if the bushing is loose or missing. If the bushing remains in the correct position and the flange lies against the housing then the fault can be due to the lever operation on the passenger side which is not described in this TSB.

5. Remove the mixed air temperature sensor from the air vent to the front floor. On cars up to VIN 43003168 (LHD) and 43005803 (RHD), it is mounted on the side. On cars after these VINs, it is mounted in front of the air vent.

6. If still in place, remove the old bushing. Insert a flat-nose pliers through the floor vent and use it to hold the shaft in place.

7. Insert a finger in the air vent and turn the flap (see illustration) to the defroster end position:

8. Press in the metal shaft so it is pressed into the lever on the passenger side.

NOTE: Take care when pressing the axle into the lever on the passenger side so that the axle is guided into its groove before the bushing on the driver's side is pressed into place. Otherwise, the lever on the passenger side may detach.

9. Fit the air distribution flap bushing. The flange should lie against the housing.

10. Fit the mixed air temperature sensor.

11. Start the engine.

12. Calibrate the ACC system by holding the AUTO and OFF buttons depressed at the same time. Wait until the system has completed calibration (approx. 30 seconds).

13. Select defroster mode. Wait until the system has stabilized (approx. 30 Seconds).

14. Use your hand to check that air is flowing from the vent on top of the dashboard.

15. Select panel mode. Check that the panel vent is open and increase fan speed. Wait until the system has stabilized (approx. 30 seconds).

16. Use your hand to check that air is flowing from the panel vent.

17. Select AUTO. Wait until the system has stabilized (approx. 30 seconds) and switch off the engine.

18. Fit the bottom of the panel on the driver's side.