HVAC control - clicking sound

ICCS · 03-15-2006, 08:04 AM

Greetings,

I replaced the ignition switch control module about 2 months ago which solved the problem at that time. The resistor was replaced about 2 years ago when I had problems back then. In both cases this solved the problem de jour.

Now, I have no air blowing on any setting 1-5. I do hear a click sound coming from below the passenger glove compartment area when I switch from setting 4 to 5.

Checked all fuses, all okay.

Any thoughts?

BNaylor · 03-15-2006, 08:34 AM

Sounds lke the blower motor or the electrical connector to it. The relay you hear clicking is the blower hi-speed relay for position 5 which is also located on the blower motor resistor assembly. You can remove the blower and bench test it by applying 12v to the input pins.

If blower motor checks out then you have another bad BMR as long as there are no other symptoms or electrical faults. Also, check the blower HVAC fuse.

ICCS · 03-15-2006, 08:47 AM

Appreciate the quick reply. I was thinking it might be the blower motor.

I'm going to pull the sucker out and test as per your suggestion. I hope it's only the resistor (cheaper), but what can you do when these things happen. Seems like there are quite a few issues with these heating/air systems on Pontiacs?

I did check the fuses, and they all seemed fine. The only I didn't bother looking at was one that also controlled some other things. Since these other things still work, I figure that fuse it fine?

Many thanks.

BNaylor · 03-15-2006, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ICCS

Appreciate the quick reply. I was thinking it might be the blower motor.

I'm going to pull the sucker out and test as per your suggestion. I hope it's only the resistor (cheaper), but what can you do when these things happen. Seems like there are quite a few issues with these heating/air systems on Pontiacs?

I did check the fuses, and they all seemed fine. The only I didn't bother looking at was one that also controlled some other things. Since these other things still work, I figure that fuse it fine?

Many thanks.

Sounds good. I double checked the GP service manual and if the blower hi-speed relay is clicking then the HVAC blower fuse is good.

The '97 - '03 Grand Prix suffers more failures in this area compared to other GM "W" body cars. Mainly because they were delivered without a cabin air filter from the factory. As a result water and debris gets into the HVAC system intake. Check to see if you have one and if not it would be a good idea to put one in. Good luck!

ICCS · 03-15-2006, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Sounds good. I double checked the GP service manual and if the blower hi-speed relay is clicking then the HVAC blower fuse is good.

The '97 - '03 Grand Prix suffers more failures in this area compared to other GM "W" body cars. Mainly because they were delivered without a cabin air filter from the factory. As a result water and debris gets into the HVAC system intake. Check to see if you have one and if not it would be a good idea to put one in. Good luck!

I've noticed on two occassions that the floor on the passenger side gets wet. Couldn't figure that one out. I'll check it out though. Any chance there are photos of this part/area on the car on the forum anywhere?

Also, not being a mechanic but mechanically inclined :-), is the blower motor difficuly to replace? I know when the fellow replaced the resistor he had a fun time replacing that. I've got a photo of the blower motor and know what I'm looking for there.

Many thanks.

BNaylor · 03-15-2006, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ICCS

I've noticed on two occassions that the floor on the passenger side gets wet. Couldn't figure that one out. I'll check it out though. Any chance there are photos of this part/area on the car on the forum anywhere?

Also, not being a mechanic but mechanically inclined :-), is the blower motor difficuly to replace? I know when the fellow replaced the resistor he had a fun time replacing that. I've got a photo of the blower motor and know what I'm looking for there.

Many thanks.

You're welcome. Here is a link that shows the passenger side cowling area and how to install a cabin air filter. They cost around $11 - $40 depending on what auto parts store you decide on. Brands are Purolator, AC Delco, Fram, etc. One from a '97 - '04 Buick Regal fits perfectly.

The blower motor is help up to the lower HVAC assembly by three bolts (5.5mm) and not difficult to replace. As you already know it is a tight working area.

http://www.mccgp.com/upgrades/cabina...air_filter.php

ICCS · 03-15-2006, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

You're welcome. Here is a link that shows the passenger side cowling area and how to install a cabin air filter. They cost around $11 - $40 depending on what auto parts store you decide on. Brands are Purolator, AC Delco, Fram, etc. One from a '97 - '04 Buick Regal fits perfectly.

The blower motor is help up to the lower HVAC assembly by three bolts (5.5mm) and not difficult to replace. As you already know it is a tight working area.

http://www.mccgp.com/upgrades/cabina...air_filter.php

Excellent. I really appreciate your help. As soon as the wife comes home with the car I'm gonna check out the blower motor and then I'll have a look for the cabin air filter and see what's up with that area. Given that I've only had water come in twice in the three years I've had the car, I'd say something is beginning to go bad in that area and looking after it now, may save some real grief later.

Cheers.

wlkjr · 03-15-2006, 10:22 AM

I'm curious about the cabin air filter and how it will stop rain from coming in. As I haven't looked at mine but have recently had this same problem with water coming into the passenger side I have been following these blower motor and leak posts.
I also have some a/c woes but haven't thought much about them until recently when I started hanging out here more often. My control doesn't seem to work correctly as I can go from the dash vent to defrost and it doesn't seem to blow any air. I can hear a roaring noise when I turn the fan higher and it gets louder but doesn't seem to blow any more air.

BNaylor · 03-15-2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlkjr

I'm curious about the cabin air filter and how it will stop rain from coming in. As I haven't looked at mine but have recently had this same problem with water coming into the passenger side I have been following these blower motor and leak posts.
I also have some a/c woes but haven't thought much about them until recently when I started hanging out here more often. My control doesn't seem to work correctly as I can go from the dash vent to defrost and it doesn't seem to blow any air. I can hear a roaring noise when I turn the fan higher and it gets louder but doesn't seem to blow any more air.

Are the other HVAC settings working?

wlkjr · 03-15-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Are the other HVAC settings working?

Yeah my air works but when I turn the fan up I don't get much more air out but it sounds like it is blowing a monsoon.

BNaylor · 03-15-2006, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlkjr

Yeah my air works but when I turn the fan up I don't get much more air out but it sounds like it is blowing a monsoon.

Have you checked the accessory vacuum line from the intake manifold. It goes by the battery and engine compartment fuse box. Easy to come apart. All the HVAC actuators especially for defrost use that vacuum source. It then routes into the firewall to a block by the blower motor and feeds off to various actuators and controls.

wlkjr · 03-15-2006, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Have you checked the accessory vacuum line from the intake manifold. It goes by the battery and engine compartment fuse box. Easy to come apart. All the HVAC actuators especially for defrost use that vacuum source. It then routes into the firewall to a block by the blower motor and feeds off to various actuators and controls.

I have not checked that but I will investigate it, thanks.

BNaylor · 03-15-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlkjr

I have not checked that but I will investigate it, thanks.

Sounds good.

BTW - On the cabin air filter checkout the link below and you'll see why it is better to have a cabin air filter then not. The HVAC intake is wide open in the Vent and AC normal positions so the cowling sealing is critical. In Max AC and other positions a flapper closes sealing it off because air is drawn in from the inside of the car. The filter is just an extra precaution and may not preclude keeping out rainwater totally.

http://www.mccgp.com/upgrades/cabina...air_filter.php

ICCS · 03-15-2006, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Sounds lke the blower motor or the electrical connector to it. The relay you hear clicking is the blower hi-speed relay for position 5 which is also located on the blower motor resistor assembly. You can remove the blower and bench test it by applying 12v to the input pins.

If blower motor checks out then you have another bad BMR as long as there are no other symptoms or electrical faults. Also, check the blower HVAC fuse.

I confirmed that the blower motor is the problem. Will pick one up on Thursday and install it. I like all the room one has to work in down there, not......

Thanks again.

BNaylor · 03-16-2006, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ICCS

I confirmed that the blower motor is the problem. Will pick one up on Thursday and install it. I like all the room one has to work in down there, not......

Thanks again.

Good job! Let us know how it turns out. Good luck!

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