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1979 Chevy Camaro Heating and Air Conditioning

Tiny
SWINDLER2010
  • MEMBER
  • 1979 CHEVROLET CAMARO
1979 Chevy Camaro

I am doing a total interior restoration of my camaro and I have the entire dash out of the car. Before I reinstall a dash board I want to get the heating and air conditioning system (previously not working), up and running. Is it the heater core? Is it the radiator? Is it something electrical? What should I replace and how can I get this system working?
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Monday, February 8th, 2010 AT 10:32 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
What part of the HVAC wasn't working before you took the dash out.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 AT 12:27 AM
Tiny
SWINDLER2010
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I have no idea, all I know is that when I try turn the air on, nothing happens. Its dead. Thats why I thought it could be electrical.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
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The HVAC system is a ballet of vacuum and electrical items working together.

Let's try this.
With the Key in the ON position, set the blower speed to the setting right below HIGH.
Now slide the mode switch from off, all the way over to defrost. One position at a time.

Listen for the blower.

Set the blower switch to the HIGH setting and repeat.

And report your findings.
The nest step will require a test light.
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 AT 9:19 PM
Tiny
SWINDLER2010
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There is no response from the blower at all
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 AT 5:06 AM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
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I would prefer the next test be done with a test light instead of a multimeter.
(A multimeter can detect voltage, but the circuit may not be able to carry enough amps to make things work)

With the key ON,
slider on VENT
fan switch on mid-high
Test for power at the blower motor with your light.
On most GM cars it is a big purple wire.

And test that you have power on both sides of the fuse, there is a tiny slit of metal on each side of the number on the fuse, that you can test without removing the fuse.

And report back.
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Thursday, February 11th, 2010 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
SWINDLER2010
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I went out and bought a test light. The fuse seems to be ok, with no problems. I am completely oblivious though as to where else to look for this blower motor wire (the purple one). However when I turned the key half way, I did notice the sound of a small motor running. I dont know if this is the blower motor, but a little bit of air comes out of the main large vent. However the controls had no effect on the noise or the air, so I wonder if thats even the right thing. I have my entire dash removed from the car, but I don't know what to take out next to reach the blower motor. Do I reach it from under the hood or inside the car under the dash?
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Saturday, February 13th, 2010 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
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Under the hood.
On the firewall.
Kinda in the middle, but more to the passenger side.
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Saturday, February 13th, 2010 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
SWINDLER2010
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Now im reaally confused. The blower motor works and the fuse is good. What else could be the problem?
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 8:48 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
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Do you mean that the blower motor has magically started working?
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 9:17 PM
Tiny
SWINDLER2010
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I found that the switch was catching and needed a little force activate the motor. Ok so the blower motor runs, so now everything under the hood should push air into the motor correct?
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 AT 11:03 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
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Now that the blower is working.
You wont be able to tell if everything else is ok until you put the dash back together,
(or at least half to 3/4 of the way)
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 12:58 AM

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