Front defroster problems

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 87,342 MILES
When the front defrost is needed, we have to crack the windows to prevent all the windows from fogging up. If the windows are up, all the windows will fog up quickly. Chevrolet told me my heater core was bad, but it is not leaking. Also, my diverter doors mainly the fresh/recirculate makes noise and will not move to fresh, could that be the cause? Thank you.
Sunday, November 18th, 2012 AT 3:43 AM

26 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,853 POSTS
Just because there is not any anti-freeze dripping on the floor yet does not mean the heater core is not leaking. It is probably the heater core and it has a small leak and the fluid that comes out is already a vapor if so you do need to have the heater core replaced.

But it sounds more like you have a mode door actuator that is out. #2

Here is a guide that will help you see what you are i for when doing the job. Even though this is for the blend door, the process is the same for the mode door.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

Here is the location for your car (below) I gave you all of the actuator locations for future reference.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:26 PM
Tiny
BABAPATTY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 81,000 MILES
The rear defroster does not melt the snow/ice on back windshield. The rear defroster button on the dashboard shows it is on.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,127 POSTS
Check to see if there is power to the defroster. It should have 12v. If it doesn't, you need to trace the wiring from the defroster to see where the power is lost.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NATIVEBLUEEEYES
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 53,900 MILES
Heater problem
2006 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 53900 miles

Can u tell me why my defrost does not get hot when I first start it in the morning?
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
The antifreeze has to warm up and circulate through the heater core in order for you to have heat, it takes a vehicle a while to heat it up on a cold morning.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JANELLE.WARNER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
I drive a 2007 Chev Impala. This winter I have noticed that my heat/defroster works great while I have my foot on the gas. However, when I put my foot on the brake, it blows cold air. Any idea what is going on?
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,127 POSTS
Make sure the coolant level is full. If it is full, you may need to flush the heater core.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VIVIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • V8
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
2005 Impala with dual heat and air, heat and defrost does not work on drivers side
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
You may have an actuator not working causeing this. There are two n the heater unit that control air flow. Check to see if they are gettting power.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MATHEW CAMPBELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 129,542 MILES
Why does the heater not work on the drivers side but only works on passenger side? The defrost also does not work?
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
To find out you have to open it up and check all the doors operation could be a vacuum or an actuator problem
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PVBYRD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,000 MILES
Smells problem
2005 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 82000 miles

when I turned on the defroster a horrible chemical smell came throughout the inside of my car. On every setting of the car whether vent heat or defrost it came out. This happened on Friday night, it is now Monday. It is not as strong of a smell today. It almost made me and my children sick. I thought there was some kind of chemical fire or spill outside until we realized it was only in the car. What on earth could this be?
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RENAUDTN
  • MECHANIC
  • 636 POSTS
It sounds like what you smelled was coolant. You may have a leak somewhere resulting in the smell. Did your windshield get fogged up when you turn the defrost on? Do you have liquid on the floor on the passenger side? If the leak is inside the engine compartment, it's possible the coolant leaked on a hot part of the engine which resulted in the strong odor you smelled. Have the car inspected for leaks. A coolant leak will result in lack of heat inside the car and eventually result in your engine overheating.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PVBYRD
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
There was no leaking of fluids in the car or outside. I checked underneath in my driveway. The smell is not as strong. Someone mentioned a filter for the passenger cabin. I'm gona have this checked.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ALEXAR16
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA
Noises problem
2005 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 97000 miles

when I put my a/c or defroster on I hear a noise sounds like its coming from my power steering and the noise continues until I cut them off what could this be
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
Could be your ac compressor clutch is grinding. Can you look down by the compressor and see if you see metal shavings on the pully
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ALEXAR16
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
If compressor clutch is grinding whats the solution to fix it
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
Sometimes they do offer parts to replace the clutch. But you might have to replace the compressor. I think I would take it to a shop and have them repair it. Either way both repairs require special tools to finish the job. Let me know what you find out
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARTCLEC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
Heater problem
2005 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 65000 miles

car temp rising turn on for defrost or heat blowing cold checked antifreeze good no leaks or smell
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
But is the system full. Sounds like there is a leak somewhere causing a air pocket in the cooling system
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)

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