Grand Prix HVAC issues

[samiott]

I have a 2003 Grand Prix GT. For the past 3 years Ive had to replace a blower motor resistor every year. Now the center console controls have stopped. The rear defrost button and the AC button will not light up or work. Tried a replacement console from the local junkyard because GM wants over 450 bucks for a new one but no luck. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

[richtazz]

Welcome to AF!

Do you have any other electrical gremlins like the key getting stuck in the ignition, dash lights dropping out or the DIC flashing? If so, you may need an ignition switch/harness assembly. One of the symptoms of a bad ignition switch is loss of blower speeds 1-4 (speed 5 gets it's power independent of the ign switch).

[samiott]

no other gremlins but the strange thing is:
1. I replaced the blower motor resistor yesterday
2. The blower motor does only work on 5. (When it decides to blow at all)
3. The blower doesnt always work. a good example is today when I left for work I had no heat or air. Then out of the blue, it just kicked on max. Even though it had kicked on I still could not get the rear defrost or AC to work by pressing the buttons but it was blowing heat on max.

Thanks for the quick reply too!

[richtazz]

you are welcome.

I would check voltage at the HVAC fuse. If it is lower than battery voltage, or if it fluctuates, I would say it's time for an ignition switch, even though you have no other gremlins.

[JonJon68]

X2, I'm with Rich. My blower speeds were acting up just like yours even though I had replaced my blower resister. Moreover, my DIC was affected as well from my failing ignition switch. Replaced the switch and all is well again.

[samiott]

Bought the part last night. I will install this evening and let you all know the results.
Thanks for all the help!

[SNKPWR]

i disassembled my ignition switch assembly and cleaned the contacts due to the same problems...works great so far, but probably won't last more than a year or two from what i've read, but it was much cheaper than buying a new one...

[samiott]

Installed the ignition switch assembly. Not the easiest job but not to bad.
Final result: everything is working!
Thanks so much for the quick replies. Saved me a ton of time and money.
I really appreciate it guys.

[richtazz]

Samiott,

You are very welcome, very glad to hear you got her fixed. also, thank you for the feedback, we like to hear happy endings.

[JonJon68]

Good to hear you have it repaired! And it is a tedious job for sure. I had my head in the windshield for some time even using the mirror. Moreover, my plastic steering wheel column was definitely a challenge to realign for some reason. For someone who had never done this I was quite happy with the results and exceptionally grateful for the advice and step by step instructions here on the forum.

[richtazz]

that's what we're here for Paul.