Cheap fix for '96 AC blowing out defrost
10-17-2007, 03:12 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
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Cheap fix for '96 AC blowing out defrost
All,
I like many others have a problem with their '96's blowing the AC out the defrost vent for several minutes before switching to the dash vents. The usual problem is the HVAC Programmer vacuum connector.
Sometimes the vacuum connector is just loose, but on mine I found that the soft rubber between the HVAC Programmer and the vacuum lines connector would "pinch-off" cause they are just too soft.
The fix I did cost about $2 and consisted of inserting a piece of PFTE tubing into the soft rubber so that it will not "pinch-off" any longer. The pain is getting the HVAC Programmer out and then back in. This costs time and back pain...but once done.....oh yeah!
I now have AC blowing instantly out the dash vents, and heat blows to the floor, again instantly...no more blowing air out the defrost unless I select defrost. It is so nice.
I like many others have a problem with their '96's blowing the AC out the defrost vent for several minutes before switching to the dash vents. The usual problem is the HVAC Programmer vacuum connector.
Sometimes the vacuum connector is just loose, but on mine I found that the soft rubber between the HVAC Programmer and the vacuum lines connector would "pinch-off" cause they are just too soft.
The fix I did cost about $2 and consisted of inserting a piece of PFTE tubing into the soft rubber so that it will not "pinch-off" any longer. The pain is getting the HVAC Programmer out and then back in. This costs time and back pain...but once done.....oh yeah!
I now have AC blowing instantly out the dash vents, and heat blows to the floor, again instantly...no more blowing air out the defrost unless I select defrost. It is so nice.
10-17-2007, 05:22 PM
#2
Drifting
How did you locate and remove the box? That is going to be one of my winter projects. I cannot seem to even find it!
My car works, but it takes about 1 minute to switch completely.
My car works, but it takes about 1 minute to switch completely.
10-17-2007, 05:53 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
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The HVAC Programmer is located above the accelerator pedal.
If you remove the driver's seat, not the rails, just the seat.
Then remove the trim panel under the steering wheel (6 or 7 screws), plus one for the OBD II connector, pull the connector off the light.
Then you get to crawl in head first under into the foot well and above the accel pedal there is a black box with multi colored vacuum lines going to it. This is the HVAC Programmer.
Getting the vacuum lines connector off the first time is a ROYAL PITA. Do a search and you will read why. But once off, then there is one screw attaching it to the chassis, remove it, pull the box down and disconnect the electrical connector and try to get back out of the car.
Assembly is alot easier when you replace the stamped steel retainer with a nylon lock nut that hold the vacuum lines in place. Again do a search for further info.
The tubing is easy to get.
If you remove the driver's seat, not the rails, just the seat.
Then remove the trim panel under the steering wheel (6 or 7 screws), plus one for the OBD II connector, pull the connector off the light.
Then you get to crawl in head first under into the foot well and above the accel pedal there is a black box with multi colored vacuum lines going to it. This is the HVAC Programmer.
Getting the vacuum lines connector off the first time is a ROYAL PITA. Do a search and you will read why. But once off, then there is one screw attaching it to the chassis, remove it, pull the box down and disconnect the electrical connector and try to get back out of the car.
Assembly is alot easier when you replace the stamped steel retainer with a nylon lock nut that hold the vacuum lines in place. Again do a search for further info.
The tubing is easy to get.
10-18-2007, 07:51 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
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CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
CI-IV AutoX Champ
CI-IV Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '07-'10
I did something similar over 2 years ago on mine. I used a small brass nipple that is used in industrial HVAC control systems but still the same mod.
No problems at all, works great.
No problems at all, works great.
10-20-2007, 04:52 AM
#7
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thanks for the info. took mine apart couple of years ago and figured the dampers were stuck just put it back together. Now the weather was cooled off, (and I got that nylon nut off) so I'll tackle it again. 
