2003 CHEVY CAVALIER- front defrost quit working?

Question

Hi, My warranty just expired and wouldn't you know that the front defrost just quit working. The heater and the rear defrost work just fine. I thought it may be a fuse? but I looked in the manual and there is no fuse for the front defrost... Any ideas on how to fix it :) or what I can do to defrost the windows in the mean time? Thanks

Answer 1

A few possible causes..

Those vehicle are known for cheep knobs...is yours loose if so replace.

Try this test test turn knob to floor, then move to each different selection, the selection before defrost is Heat/Def once there put your hand up by the windshield defrost duct and see if there is air comming out, if so you have a bad control head if not you most likely have a faulty mode door actuator...these two will cost over $200.

My sudjestion......All GM dealership service managers have the authority to GOOD FAITH warranty anything (except batteries) on your vehicle for 5 years 60,000 miles. Go to the dealership that you have been taking it to while under warranty and ask the service manager for a GOOD FAITH warranty. If you are the orignial owner and have ever Burned the dealership on a Service survey you might not have any luck......

Test it like i described......if not the knob......Try asking for Good Faith...It is Christmas Time.

Good Luck

Answer 2

This is not specific to the Cavalier but rather more general. Switching to defrost requires the correct contact be made when you move the lever or press a button (depends on your cars setup). If everything works except one mode then you have a bad connection. If the A/C comes on (assuming you have A/C) as is normal for defrost but the air does not go to the windshield then the power to the controlling vents is disconnected - those are usually vacuum lines.