Poor quality HVAC Controls

426ted · January 8, 2013

Last fall the actuator for the drivers side HVAC temperature setting failed, resulting in hot air only. Had that fixed at the dealer (though it took the idiots twice to figure what the problem was). Now a similar issue has arose, though it is on the passenger side and the actuator is stuck on cold. Have many other members experienced this? I'll be looking for a new truck in 2014, and really want to stay with GM, but these small electrical items that keep on failing on this truck (crank sensor, all of the TPM sensors etc) are starting to drive me crazy. I guess it's a result of all the made in china garbage on my Mexican built truck.

farmgirl · January 8, 2013

I have the same problem with my 2011 Sierra last year in Jan i had frost on the inside of my Windshield and windows brought back to dealership reprogram the hvac every thing sould by fine well this week i have the same problem but this time the whole windshield and windows were cover with frost. going to dealership tomorrow to see what gm will be doing about this can anyone else tell me if they had the same issue and if there are any other problems that are a resaltof this

gmtech4 · January 9, 2013

Last fall the actuator for the drivers side HVAC temperature setting failed, resulting in hot air only. Had that fixed at the dealer (though it took the idiots twice to figure what the problem was). Now a similar issue has arose, though it is on the passenger side and the actuator is stuck on cold. Have many other members experienced this? I'll be looking for a new truck in 2014, and really want to stay with GM, but these small electrical items that keep on failing on this truck (crank sensor, all of the TPM sensors etc) are starting to drive me crazy. I guess it's a result of all the made in china garbage on my Mexican built truck.

why didnt you diagnoses it yourself instead of the "idiots" ?,you should buy a dodge ,your confidence in GM techs is underwhelming

tanked_darren · January 9, 2013

why didnt you diagnoses it yourself instead of the "idiots" ?,you should buy a dodge ,your confidence in GM techs is underwhelming

Govtech, I don't doubt you are a good tradesman who tries their best as I do in my trade of choice, millwright. But the sad fact is there are terrible tradesmen out there, parts changers we call them. Around my area my friend had to try 3 different dealers before he found one who knew how to unlock a stereo I gave him from my truck and charged him 160$, its sad really, and not to mention the morons I ran into myself over the years. It's these bad dealers/techs that give the bad rep to others, its hard to trust anything after being burned more than once, don't take it to heart man. I'm glad there is this forum it helps me repair trucks at my work site and share experiences don't get mad because someone thinks a dealership hires morons because they ARE out there.

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gmtech4 · January 9, 2013

im not mad at all,i just dont like the negative comments ,its a crazy life being a dealer tech,i left in 08 .....crazy is a nice word ,

talent is getting harder to find maybe ...who knows , a dressed up resume leads to getting burned management side

chupe442 · January 9, 2013

Did your problem start to show up since any battery/power loss issues? The common actuator issue with the classic bod trucks (yours is newer) seems to revolve around that. It seems that fix is to run the HVAC through a relearn process. I am not sure of the specific recipe but it will involve pulling the HVAC fuses (both dash and firewall), turning the ignition on (but not start), and possibly opening/closing the drivers door. This has worked for me in the past with some pretty good luck. Google the relearn process, there are a few out there.. The one with the drivers door (it replicates end of ignition cycle) worked for mine a year or so back.

I get your issue with the dealer... No offense to the GM techs but many of them are very "green" in the field and dont have any idea of what they are doing or are just part of the "part changer" mentallity. Its that way in all fields any more. Changing the part is easy, its being able to explain why that seems a lost trade...

chupe442 · January 9, 2013

why didnt you diagnoses it yourself instead of the "idiots" ?,you should buy a dodge ,your confidence in GM techs is underwhelming

Still spreading the love huh Gov?

bartonjude · January 9, 2013

I'm with Gov on this one. Name calling, bitching and whining does absolutely no one any good and is not relevant to the topic at hand. Go on Dr. Phil's website if that's all you want to post.

tanked_darren · January 9, 2013

I'm with Gov on this one. Name calling, bitching and whining does absolutely no one any good and is not relevant to the topic at hand. Go on Dr. Phil's website if that's all you want to post.

Thanks for your contribution.

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2010LTZ4x4 · January 9, 2013

I see Dr.Phil and HVAC has managed to come together in the same topic LOL, let's keep it going in the direction of the original post. HVAC problem!

426ted · January 9, 2013

why didnt you diagnoses it yourself instead of the "idiots" ?,you should buy a dodge ,your confidence in GM techs is underwhelming

Well, the tech said that there was an update for the HVAC system, so he did whatever to update it. The problem is, the idiot never checked his work to confirm that it was fixed. I pick up the truck right before closing and find out that the problem was not fixed. Sorry, idiot fits the bill. Had to leave the truck overnight and they replaced the actuator the next day. Sorry, just frustrated with all of the small issues that I've had with my truck.

Black2011 · January 9, 2013

In this situation, I kind of have to take the techs side. Gm likely does not pay for the technician to warm up the vehicle, take it on a 1/2 hour drive and ensure the repair was made. However, as a customer I understand your frustration. I too had the defrosting issue. so far after the dash re-programming I have not noticed an issue, however have not endured hunting season yet.

426ted · January 9, 2013

In this situation, I kind of have to take the techs side. Gm likely does not pay for the technician to warm up the vehicle, take it on a 1/2 hour drive and ensure the repair was made. However, as a customer I understand your frustration. I too had the defrosting issue. so far after the dash re-programming I have not noticed an issue, however have not endured hunting season yet.

No, I disagree. Leave the truck idling outside if they have to. Don't tell me that it is fixed when they didn't test the repair. My bitch is not with the tech (I'm over that inconvenience) more with the shoddy parts used on our trucks. And more to the point, curious if other board members have had this issue and some of the solutions for getting it resolved. I really miss the wire controls from my old '86 GMC. To chupe442, that's the type of advice I was looking for; one less trip to the dealer saves me precious time. Thanks.

GMCustomerService · January 12, 2013

Just Ted,

Did you happen to give the dealer a call to let them know that your concern has returned? I can also look into this for you as well. Feel free to contact me privately with more details including the last eight of your VIN for assistance. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

GMCustomerService · January 12, 2013

farmgirl,

Did you end up taking your vehicle into the dealer? Was your concern resolved? Feel free to keep me posted and contact me as well if you need anything.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.