96 vette possible vacuum problem

[Bikefreak]

About two years ago my ventilation system quit shifting from defrost to dash and at the same time the cruise control stopped working. This is getting to be a pain. I know that some systems work off of vacuum. I pulled the covers off the console and pulled out the box with all the switches for the vents I think it's the ecc. There were no vacuum connections, can anyone help me?? Also I can't get my hood open. It looks like one side is popped and one isn't. I have tried pulling on the cables that operate the latches with no luck.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[tacoma man.]

my camaro is doing this same thing, im thinking its my hvac needs replaced

[snoopy2003]

Originally Posted by Bikefreak

About two years ago my ventilation system quit shifting from defrost to dash and at the same time the cruise control stopped working. This is getting to be a pain. I know that some systems work off of vacuum. I pulled the covers off the console and pulled out the box with all the switches for the vents I think it's the ecc. There were no vacuum connections, can anyone help me?? Also I can't get my hood open. It looks like one side is popped and one isn't. I have tried pulling on the cables that operate the latches with no luck.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This is really an easy fix:
1. first check the vacuum hose and connection to the cruise control diaphram ( it is located just above your battery on the drivers side)
if this is ok:
2. remove the right or passenger side fuel rail cover and look for a plastic vacuum connector ( it is round and black and has three small vacuum hoses connected to it) either a hose is bad and cracked or the vacuum plastic connector is cracked from the heat of the engine degrading it. see if this helps should only take you 5 minutes if you get your hood open

[jaz19]

I'm having similar problems.

On the hood - you have to hold tight the blackcovering before pulling on the metal cable. If that doesn't release it, the cable probably fell off the latch connector, and it's impossible to get open without ripping out the front panel. Cost me $250 to get mine open.

[audible]

Got to watch those vacuum hoses. I have noticed a few of mine being really dry. infact I'm going to change some of the worse ones out this weekend.

[jaz19]

If they dry out will they lose vacuum, or does changing them just prevent them from breaking later, once they dry out totally.

[audible]

Originally Posted by jaz19

If they dry out will they lose vacuum, or does changing them just prevent them from breaking later, once they dry out totally.

Yes, they will loose vacuum. When they start to crack or become hard they can loose their seal and thus you will loose vacuum. Changing them is cheap and easy. Remeber to mark where they go and get EXACT same size hose for replacement. Use caution when removing the old lines as you do not want to tweak any of the connecting nipples .

Good luck.

[hogs29]

The hood problem is fairly common among C4's. Look into any of the Corvette parts suppliers (Eckler's, Mid-America, Zip, Corvette Central) and they all sell a tool made specially for opening a C4 hood when the cable breaks or comes loose. It was developed on the assembly line, and it does work. It goes for about $20.

The '96 A/C system is not vaccum operated, so you may be in need of a new control head, or at least one of the many actuators on the A/C box.