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Question

My 2004 Buick Century has developed a problem with the dual control heater switch on the driver's side. The passenger side is fine. Slide the switch up to hot and you get hot air, down to cold and you get cold air. On the driver's side, it is stuck on hot. However, if you pound the dash on the top and bottom and slide the control switch up and down fast several times, it will go to cold-but it is stuck there too unless you repeat the pounding procedure.

Submitted: 388 days and 5 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $23
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

2004 Buick Century

Already Tried:
Pounding on dash (top and bottom) with clenched fist while rapidly sliding the control knob up and down the heat range slot. This works but changes it from stuck on hot to stuck on cold. If I do it again, it goes back to being stuck on hot. I can't tell if it is on full hot or full cold after I do this. My mechanic is a simple guy and thought it was a $120 electrical switch but this feels mechanical to me.

Posted by Clayso 388 days and 2 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi there. Below is a post I read referring to your issue. I would like to know what part your Mechanic is wanting to install?

 

You need to scan the HVAC and BCM for DTC's.You will
probably find a DTC B0418 .When a DTC sets for a temp control actuator,the
HVAC module defaults that actuator to a default position
which happens to be full hot.Without a Tech2 your process may be difficult to impossible
there is no recalibration process.

 

HVAC = Heating Ventalitation Air Condition

BCM = Body Control Module

DTC= Diagnostic Trouble Code

 

BO418 is for the passenger side I will get the code for the drivers side if you need it.

Have you mechanic scan the BCM for codes and let me know what he finds.

383 days and 4 hours ago.

Reply

Dear Clay,

As soon as I saw those computer codes and abbreviations, I realised the car had to go to the dealer. I just got it back and $388 later, I have a new actuator switch on the driver's side. Now the heat and cold work properly.

You saved me a pile of money because my local garage wanted to replace the thermostat for $120 but they were not quite sure how to get the dash board apart.(Gee, there was a clue....) Their buddy shop that did HVAC had recommended the thermostat replacement and offered to do it but were not really promising that the repair would work. On the computer codes, "nothing" was wrong but a manual inspection revealed the broken actuator. Part $74, Labor $280. Thanks! I love you! Where is accept? MH

Accepted Answer

Hi there. I would like to thank you for the complements. I have a lot of positive feedback, 100% in 13 automobile Makes. I do the best I can to get letters like yours, You really made my day. Thank You.

Clayso.

Picture
Expert: Clayso
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 11/4/2008

ASE Certified Technician

30 years experience full service, all makes and models. I fix cars.

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