1997 Chevy Silverado Defroster not working

WINSKINS

MEMBER
1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
312,000 MILES

When I turn the selector dial on the dash to defrost, little to no air comes out of the vents on top. Air was coming out the vent on the bottom toward the floorboard. This was a real problem this morning when we had freezing rain. When I turn the dial, it sounds like the air is being re-directed but its not working. Is there any way I can fix this without having to pay big $$ to have the dash taken apart?

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008 AT 11:20 PM

2 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

It sounds like you have a vacuum leak in one of the hoses connected to the heater system. Check under hood for any vacuum hose leaks. If not there, you will have to go into dash to check vacuum hoses their.

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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 1:49 AM

MIKE HALL 2020

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I am not a mechanic, but had the same problem with my '95 silverado. The problem was a rod or arm had come disconnected from a lever under the dash at the actuator. The actuator was on the end of the heat/air unit by the gas pedal. I removed the bottom trim panel on the dash to make it easier to get to, but not sure this was necessary. Found the rod was loose from the lever that connects to a door internally that directs the air flow. Just reconnected and has stayed connected so far about four weeks ago.

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Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 AT 8:31 AM