front defroster problems

2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
87,342 MILES
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ANONYMOUS
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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.
Nov 18, 2012 at 3:43 AM
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STRAILER
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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
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:26 PM
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BABAPATTY
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The rear defroster does not melt the snow/ice on back windshield. The rear defroster button on the dashboard shows it is on.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:26 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:26 PM (Merged)
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NATIVEBLUEEEYES
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Heater problem
2006 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 53900 miles
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Can u tell me why my defrost does not get hot when I first start it in the morning?
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:26 PM (Merged)
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BLACKOP555
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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.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:26 PM (Merged)
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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?
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Make sure the coolant level is full. If it is full, you may need to flush the heater core.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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VIVIAN
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2005 Impala with dual heat and air, heat and defrost does not work on drivers side
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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HMAC300
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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.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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MATHEW CAMPBELL
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Why does the heater not work on the drivers side but only works on passenger side? The defrost also does not work?
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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To find out you have to open it up and check all the doors operation could be a vacuum or an actuator problem
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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PVBYRD
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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?
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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RENAUDTN
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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.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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PVBYRD
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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.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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ALEXAR16
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Noises problem
2005 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 97000 miles
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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
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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RHALL77
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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
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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ALEXAR16
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if compressor clutch is grinding whats the solution to fix it
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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RHALL77
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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
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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MARTCLEC
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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
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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RHALL77
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but is the system full. sounds like there is a leak somewhere causing a air pocket in the cooling system
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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HECKELG
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I have a 2005 Impala and the heat is not working well. When on defrost, it blows air that is of average temps and when on regular heat from the vents, it is warm but never hot. Where should I start looking for the problem?
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check for blend door operation and check the heater core to make sure it isn't plugged. Also, make sure the coolant is full and the engine is warming up to a normal operating temp.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:27 PM (Merged)
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KMART448
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It takes a long time before I get heat or defrost. Once it comes on, it doesn't last long. My commute to work is about 35 minutes. In that time, I have about 15 minutes of heat.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:28 PM (Merged)
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WRENCHTECH
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You will probably need a scan tool to first verify the actual engine temp to be sure the thermostat is working properly. They do have a lot of problems with them running too cool. Once that is verified, locate the 2 heater hoses where they go into the firewall and feel them to see if they are both hot to the touch. If they are both hot, the heat in that vehicle is controlled by a blend door that regulates heated air flow. it is operated by an electric motor/actuator. The problem can be that the actuator is stripped or inoperative or the door itself could be damaged.
If they are not both very hot, the heater core may be restricted and you can try flushing it out with a garden hose right at the core.
Jan 16, 2018 at 1:28 PM (Merged)
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JES521970
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I found myself in the same situation (No front defrost on 2002 Chevy Impala) but my resolution to the problem was very different.
My problem turned out to be very simple and was a stripped mode switch handle. I thought I was turning the control but in turn while it was moving it wasn't actually connected to the actual handle pole. So I was able to just pull off the handle and the inner part of the handle that went around the metal pole was cracked. Fortunately, I had a very small compression clamp that you squeeze open with pliers that fit around the center plastic holder perfectly. Yes, I was amazed I had the exact clamp I needed in stock in my garage... first time for everything I guess. Usually, when I have replaced actuators they have been clicking as previously discussed in other discussions. Because there was no front defrost & no clicking actuator noise I tried the reset procedure to no avail and then remember a previous experience where it was a stripped handle control. Turned out this stuff does repeat itself.
Jan 21, 2020 at 8:55 AM
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STRAILER
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lol yep sometimes we find just what we need to get the job done. Please feel free to use 2CarPros anytime!
Jan 21, 2020 at 10:15 AM