A/C problem with 1999 malibu

[usmailman956]

The control head(the dash unit) is the problem there is a post somewhere that details the procedure for fixing the control head or it can be replaced it just snaps into dash and then wired up. Had mine replaced 2 times under warranty on my 03 ls. This is a common problem with malibus

[wade623]

mine had the same problem so i took it out and cleadit and put it back together but now the control for where the fan blows does not seem to work it only blows ont the head and feet setting does anybody kno y

[horndawg54]

Originally Posted by bobdoles

just wondering if any body knows were the control module is and how hard it is to replace it. any help would be greatly app.

The control module is the part with the blower switch, temp control, air direction know. it also has the rear defrost button and AC button.

easy to relplace. pull the plastic bezel surrounding the radio, and AC. 2 screws let it come out, and their are four harness connectors on the back.

I then took my unit apart piece by piece. Cleaned each moving part, knob and contact with spray contact cleaner. The I noticed these little copper connectors on the left and right knob that need to come in contact with the computer board. Since I had notice that pulling on the fan switch fixed my AC, I realized that by pulling gently on these copper connectors, would make a better connection just like I had been doing on the blower knob.

See the response in this thread that show detail web site on how to remove and clean the control uit.

[horndawg54]

Originally Posted by george_malibu

Sounds like a recall dont you think? My '98 is doing it too and it was replaced in 01. That one too does the blinky blinky on off.

LAW SUIT!!!!!

It seems almost universal, along with the faulty gas gauge problem, and yes they should recall, bu it is not a safety issue.

[dsmSpidey]

Does anybody think this could also cause the AC fuse to blow? The 10A one in the under-hood fuse box.

[theosdad]

You need to clean the control head. To do this remove the Dash trim and control head. You do not need to remove the vacuum hoses. Carefully open the cotrol head. You should then see the circuit board. Under where the fan and blen output knobs are there will be a metal pad. Clean this with a pencil eraser. Reassemble and all should be well. I did this on my 1999 Malibu and it worked great.

[moon03]

I just bought a 2000 Malibu and was told the a/c didn't work so when I got it home I tried it and wow cold air. now it is doing exactally as described in several posts here. I play with the switches and buttons and sometimes it comes back. I was ready to get a used replacement but came here and found this thread, I am not afraid to look past the first page of posts for similar problems. I will get around to cleaning the contacts soon and have a printed copy of the instructions. (wish I was near the author's shop)

[PTG1212]

It's actually a pretty easy fix. I did it about 4-5 weeks ago and it's been working great.

I used a pencil eraser, then a cotton swab with alcohol then put some graphite, using a pencil, on the contact pads. The only problem I had is that one of the plastic stubs that holds the fastener for the fascia piece broke. I glued it and it seems to have held. Not a big deal. Everything is held tight.

Whole process took no longer than 20 minutes. Pop the little piece off around the ignition key first. The fasteners for the larger fascia piece that covers the whole center area are as follows. Two near the ignition key area, one upper RHS, one lower LHS and RHS.

The circuit board is held in by two small clips at the top and bottom of the board. Press these in and the board comes right out.

You don't have to remove the vacuum and other connectors. The fix can be done while it's connected.