Another HVAC POST

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

OP
OP
Z

zmusclow

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 12, 2021
Posts
24
Reaction score
1
Just replaced the control head. I am having the same issue with both of the control circuit 3 fault codes[emoji24]. I am at a loss of where else to troubleshoot are there any other things it could be? Maybe a bad actuator? When commanded from the tech 2 the actuator still moves full range. When looking at the tech 2, the commanded position is always on 0 unless commanded by the scanner and the min and max counts are 0. Just on the mode door actuator.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
Z

zmusclow

TYF Newbie
Joined
Jan 12, 2021
Posts
24
Reaction score
1
Update: has to replace mode door actuator again and problem is solved.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

tRidiot

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2011
Posts
363
Reaction score
282
Update: has to replace mode door actuator again and problem is solved.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What parts did you use for the initial and now subsequent replacement? OEM or aftermarket or what?
 

afpj

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Posts
779
Reaction score
308
thought I’d pile on and share my troubleshooting without a tech2:

2002 Yukon 5.3 4x4 213k miles. One day it would only blow at footwell and defrost vents. Couldn’t manually even select primary vents ( to your face). found b3761 code. Got gm mode control actuator installed (pita), can see it cycle the same as the original (would only move from foot to defrost or both, but no primary vent selectable). Unplugged battery to do a total reset. This resulted in default defrost only mode. Recirc also now doesn’t work. . Got to be the controller, so Start looking for hvac control unit. Can only find dorman. Even Chevy dealer doesn’t have it ( no longer made). Not fond of dorman, but had no choice. Got a reman unit part 599-260, but didn’t work (specs says needs programming, thought it meant recalibration, but apparently not). Paid more and got a new unit dorman part 599-215. Works. All modes work correctly. Only issue is erratic temps ( large hysteresis effect) . Thought maybe it was the unit I got, so exchanged for another, same issue. Well, guess I just have to adjust the temp differently from Oem, but at least all modes work. Not exact replacement as per dorman advertisement
, but no choice.

yeah, could’ve saved money on the mode controller with a tech 2, but with my luck, getting something that can only be used on gm cars essentially guarantees something cataclysmic would happen to the Yukon. YMMV.
 

afpj

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2009
Posts
779
Reaction score
308
Thought I’d update this regarding the dorman hvac controller. I’m on my 3rd unit. Second unit was better than the first with regards to temp control, but second unit would not turn on ac after turning off the car and everything set to auto. Had to turn off then turn on using the ac button, and ac would kick on. Well traded that in for 3rd unit. Worked for about a week like it’s supposed to, now it doesn’t turn on the ac after engine restart despite the ac light being on, have to turn off then turn back on like the 2nd unit. Dorman strikes again. I thought if using eBay for a used unit, but with my luck it would be bad and screwed again. Well, I’m hoping it’s not my bcm.
 

tRidiot

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2011
Posts
363
Reaction score
282
Jeez, what a nightmare. I don't understand how Dorman stuff is so SH***Y. And how they haven't been sued out of business.
 

Chad98

TYF Newbie
Joined
Dec 8, 2017
Posts
11
Reaction score
2
Location
Tomball Tx
Anyone figure out the control head issue? I have a 2002 Tahoe that’s stuck on defrost. I’ve replaced ALL the actuators with new AC delco units. No change...I replaced the control head with a used one..no change. Tried a Dorman Remanufactured unit part # 599-260 for vehicles with rear ac since mine has it...no change. So I try a new Dorman unit part number 599-215 and full functionality is restored...until I discovered now my rear ac is not working at all because this control head is for vehicles without rear ac...this tells me that the front controller and rear controller MUST be able to communicate with each other. Tried putting the correct control head back in and it again defaults to defrost and will not move. I’ve tried every recalibrate procedure known and no change. Seriously thinking about just using the incorrect control head just so I’ll have full front functions but I REALLY want both front and rear to work as designed. Anyone have any idea on WHY it defaults to defrost with the correct control head, but functions fine when the incorrect control head is installed? (I just lose rear air)
 

swathdiver

Full Access Member
Joined
May 18, 2017
Posts
19,104
Reaction score
25,038
Location
Treasure Coast, Florida
Y'all could have bought a Tech-2 and moved on to greater pursuits. It would have paid for itself already too.

Dorman parts in this area are so inferior you are better off with used from the salvage yard.
 

S33k3r

Full Access Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2017
Posts
2,254
Reaction score
2,977
Location
Dallas, Texas
Anyone figure out the control head issue? I have a 2002 Tahoe that’s stuck on defrost. I’ve replaced ALL the actuators with new AC delco units. No change...I replaced the control head with a used one..no change. Tried a Dorman Remanufactured unit part # 599-260 for vehicles with rear ac since mine has it...no change. So I try a new Dorman unit part number 599-215 and full functionality is restored...until I discovered now my rear ac is not working at all because this control head is for vehicles without rear ac...this tells me that the front controller and rear controller MUST be able to communicate with each other. Tried putting the correct control head back in and it again defaults to defrost and will not move. I’ve tried every recalibrate procedure known and no change. Seriously thinking about just using the incorrect control head just so I’ll have full front functions but I REALLY want both front and rear to work as designed. Anyone have any idea on WHY it defaults to defrost with the correct control head, but functions fine when the incorrect control head is installed? (I just lose rear air)
Sounds like you have a wiring issue between the head unit and the rear AC. This is suggested because it works fine if you take the rear out of the mix, but misbehaves when the rear is included.
 

Fjs0001

Member
Joined
Mar 1, 2018
Posts
94
Reaction score
71
Anyone figure out the control head issue? I have a 2002 Tahoe that’s stuck on defrost. I’ve replaced ALL the actuators with new AC delco units. No change...I replaced the control head with a used one..no change. Tried a Dorman Remanufactured unit part # 599-260 for vehicles with rear ac since mine has it...no change. So I try a new Dorman unit part number 599-215 and full functionality is restored...until I discovered now my rear ac is not working at all because this control head is for vehicles without rear ac...this tells me that the front controller and rear controller MUST be able to communicate with each other. Tried putting the correct control head back in and it again defaults to defrost and will not move. I’ve tried every recalibrate procedure known and no change. Seriously thinking about just using the incorrect control head just so I’ll have full front functions but I REALLY want both front and rear to work as designed. Anyone have any idea on WHY it defaults to defrost with the correct control head, but functions fine when the incorrect control head is installed? (I just lose rear air)
Have you had any luck?

I've been having similar issues for about 3 years. I have to unplug the actuators while they recalibrate so they stay on the cold or hot setting. This isn't my daily unless my other cars are down. I've been waiting on something else to go wrong to justify buying a tech2.
 
Top