Alero has some problems, please help!

[GrabberBlue302]

I am new here. I have a 1999 Olds Alero with the V6 engine. I have some problems that maybe you all have experienced and can maybe help me out.

The cruise control stopped working. The light will come on but I have to physically hold the button down to have it stay on. If I take my finger off of the button the cruise control will stop working. So it does work, but I have to hold the button the whole time.

The climate control. I get nothing at all until I turn it up to the third position. If I have it at the first 2 I get nothing at all, which bites because if I want a small amount of heat or A/C, I can only have a bunch all the time. So I have to turn it on, and turn it off when I get too hot or cold.

Does anyone know what could cause these problems? If so can someone recommend a fix or steer me in the right direction? Thanks I appreciate it! Nick

[gdoggy]

You need to go buy a cruise control button and fan speed resistor pack for your blower.

[Leah525]

I also have a 99 Alero and my 1 & 2 switches do not work either. we changed out the cluster that has the switches, didn't do any good. if you can get air through at a high RPM (which is what mine did) then chances are you have a cracked vacuum hose. when RPMs are high, it creates enough of a vacuum to get air through, otherwise you have nothing.

[BOOZER]

The who da what da rpm is da vacuum?????????
Like "gdoggy" said replace the blower motor resistor & youll have your low speeds back, its in the housing next to the B/M. The cruise switch is broken, it's no big deal to replace & not very expensive.
Were's that last poster from?? Fix your own car first, or keep on trying to before running people around in circles. I have a good deal on a vacuum pump you can duct tape to the roof to pull some warm air in, might look a bit funny though!!

[jammroc00]

I agree. I also have a 99 alero and the 1&2 switches also went..It was fixed by the dealer the first time because it was under warranty...Now I have to fix it myself.....The dealer also said it was blower motor resister which cost approximately $27.00.
I just dont know where to find the part on the car to replace it........

[autobob]

Originally Posted by jammroc00

I agree. I also have a 99 alero and the 1&2 switches also went..It was fixed by the dealer the first time because it was under warranty...Now I have to fix it myself.....The dealer also said it was blower motor resister which cost approximately $27.00.
I just dont know where to find the part on the car to replace it........

Remove the panel under the dash on the passenger side (3 screws).
Look up underneath and you will see a metal cylinder close to the firewall. This is the blower motor. In between the motor and the firewall is a small elipitical plastic device. This is the blower motor
resistor. Disconnect the connector from it and remove the two screws (5.5mm). This is fun, as one of the screws is REALLY close to the firewall and most socket wrenches can't get in there. Anyways, after you take out the two screws the resistor will come out quite
easily.

I've done this TWICE now in 90,000 miles.

And MY cruise control switch busted also. I was able to jam a
dime alongside the switch to keep it depressed. It's a good
temporary solution until you have time to actually replace it.

[mrlsle]

I just replaced my resistor for the same reason. AC Delco part number 89018413. It cost about $29. canadian

[I'mBroken]

I'm having the same issue, but before I knew this forum existed, I took my console apart in the dark. I managed to find the 3 springs that go in the dial that tells the air where to go, (right hand switch), but it appears there may have been a ball berring that rode the plastic to make the switch click. That I have not found, can anyone tell me if that is for sure what I am missing?

I can't see how it would stop the switch from changing where the air goes and once I put it back together, without the bearing, it appears that the air just comes out of all opening, no matter where the switch is turned. Knowing my luck I now have to replace an expensive part that was working in the first place.

Any direction would be greatly appreciated!!!

[alero99]

the best way to fix a faulty cruise control button....stick a penny or dime in it...not real high tech and lots of ppl ask you why its there but it works

[I'mBroken]

Haynes doesn't tell me the parts of my climate directional switch. I am still trying to figure out if I have all the pieces yet.

Please help.

[JTrujillo86]

It probably doesn't tell you because GM has it listed as one part. Usually, if you can replace a part to a unit, the manual tells you how. Because GM has the entire HVAC unit listed at one part, the manual won't tell you how to replace it.

- Jeremy

[neuf62]

i just want to thank autobob for his easy and direct fix for the resistor. that is what i am going to do right now to fix my fan issue.
neuf62

[LeBuick]

How do you replace the cruise switch? What about the airbag?