easy fix for AC?

[95astrovan]

my AC controls are scccreeewweedd. when i got the car, the air would blow from the defrost and floor, but not the vents. now it doesnt blow at all, thou the compressor does come on when the switch is moved anywhere besides the "off" position. pretty sure the vacuum connection stuff is messed up...any easy way i can get the vacuum controls corrected, without payin 50 bucks at the local garage to have it done? not only do i not have air, but on a humid rainy day, i have no defogger/defrost. :bs:

[kristen]

Re: easy fix for AC?

can you hear the air blowing but it's not coming out anywhere?

[95astrovan]

Re: easy fix for AC?

i actually cant hear the air blowing. sittin with the car runnin, when i cut the knob on, i can hear the compressor come on, but no air sound. with the radio all the way down i can hear a whooshin sound, like the vacuum sound.

[Rob Bell]

Re: easy fix for AC?

Sounds like you blower went out or got disconnected, that's an easy test and fix. The defrost occurs because there is no vacuum, so the default position is defrost for safety reasons. You can take out the HVAC controls and check the vacuum lines, and then check the lines under the hood. Also you can check the actuators. A handheld vacuum pump is a huge help here.

[95astrovan]

Re: easy fix for AC?

it'd be wonderful if i could save the money and do this myself. the HVAC controls, are you refering to the climate control knobs? i'd assume the dash must come off, or atleast be loosened to lift it up to get to those...

[kristen]

Re: easy fix for AC?

lay on the ground on the pass side. there is the blower motor. see if the wires are connected and see if the motor turns on. you might have to replace that.

[Rob Bell]

Re: easy fix for AC?

I believe that for the climate knobs, you just take off the trim plate around them and the radio, then undo the screws. On a Cavalier I used to have, the little rotating vacuum control went bad and was leaking. I got a "new" one from the junkyard and that fixed the problem. At least though, listening around behind the controls may help you determine the source of the leak.

[kristen]

Re: easy fix for AC?

yes you just have to take off the bezel and there are 2 bolts holding knobs on.

i know someone who sells the whole plate, if that's your problem