HVAC problems on 200 Series

[SteveL]

I am having problems with my 09 200 HVAC. From startup after sitting a while (varies) temps default to 75 on both sides. I can set lower temps and AC works fine. Also upon startup the Auto is on but no temps show up on screen. After a bit, 30 to 60 seconds the auto goes out, If I turn auto on temps show up and fans start and all is well. This has just showed up in the last month or so. Does the HVAC have a memory battery that could be dead?

 

[stonepa]

I am having problems with my 09 200 HVAC. From startup after sitting a while (varies) temps default to 75 on both sides. I can set lower temps and AC works fine. Also upon startup the Auto is on but no temps show up on screen. After a bit, 30 to 60 seconds the auto goes out, If I turn auto on temps show up and fans start and all is well. This has just showed up in the last month or so. Does the HVAC have a memory battery that could be dead?

Did you recently change the cabin filter? It sometimes acts like this when the recirc flap is damaged.

 

[SteveL]

Did you recently change the cabin filter? It sometimes acts like this when the recirc flap is damaged.

no I did not, but will check it out.

 

[Sandroad]

no I did not, but will check it out.

Put the system in RECIRC before accessing the filter to see if the mechanism works.

 

[Sandroad]

I am having problems with my 09 200 HVAC. From startup after sitting a while (varies) temps default to 75 on both sides. I can set lower temps and AC works fine. Also upon startup the Auto is on but no temps show up on screen. After a bit, 30 to 60 seconds the auto goes out, If I turn auto on temps show up and fans start and all is well. This has just showed up in the last month or so. Does the HVAC have a memory battery that could be dead?

No separate battery, but how is your main battery? Low voltage could cause the default settings like that. It’s possible you need a new battery or cleaned up terminals.

 

[NikP]

Mine had the same behavior and turned out to be the cabin filter wasn't installed correctly. Luckily the filter door wasn't broken like others experienced.

 

[ryanCA]

Mine does exact thing

For 6 months been trying to figure out if someone broke recirc door in filter

cant figure it out

——-

my rear fans also make a “fluttering noise” - almost like a paper is stuck in the vent - cant figure that out

 

[MSLX]

I had the same issue - I think the cabin filter pleats need to run 'east to west' with your truck. Going from memory here: turn your truck on, hold the DISP button down and turn your parking lights on/off 3 times - when the service menu shows up press the Clear button and you should be GTG.

 

[NKP Garage]

Follow the procedure I detail in this video to read the HVAC codes. Then reset the HVAC codes. Then drive around for a few miles with the AC on and then read the codes again.

Sometimes these type of problems get resolved with a simple reset. But if they don't at least you will have the trouble codes to chase down the actual issue.

-

 

[e0dn0b]

Hi all sorry to revive this thread but I am having the same issue. I just bought this 21 LC and found the HVAC doesnt turn on automatically and resets to 75 when I manually turn it on. Then I found that the recirculation door doesn't open after reading some of these threads-- i can manually open it with my fingers with no resistance however. I double checked and it appears the cabin filter is installed correclty and clicked in. When i turn the car off I can hear an intermittent buzzing sound from behind the unit (not sure if this is the actuator trying to work). I followed the above videos instructions for HVAC error code and it came back "42". does this mean the actuator itself is broken or could it still be the door itself? Wondering if anyone had any guidance as to whether I should start prying the glove box apart to further diagnose. Thanks!

 

[Sandroad]

Hi all sorry to revive this thread but I am having the same issue. I just bought this 21 LC and found the HVAC doesnt turn on automatically and resets to 75 when I manually turn it on. Then I found that the recirculation door doesn't open after reading some of these threads-- i can manually open it with my fingers with no resistance however. I double checked and it appears the cabin filter is installed correclty and clicked in. When i turn the car off I can hear an intermittent buzzing sound from behind the unit (not sure if this is the actuator trying to work). I followed the above videos instructions for HVAC error code and it came back "42". does this mean the actuator itself is broken or could it still be the door itself? Wondering if anyone had any guidance as to whether I should start prying the glove box apart to further diagnose. Thanks!

The actuator has been broken. Lifting the change door manually instead of using the RECIRC button is what breaks it. At some point someone who changed the cabin filter broke it. All the info you need for the repair, including where to order the custom fix and a how-to video is in this thread, or links in this thread.

Post in thread 'HVAC problem'

Feb 27, 2025

Note that the cabin filter hood/arm may be broken but may operate in one direction. At least that was my case… it would close to recirc but the arm was cracked so it wouldn’t flip back to fresh air. Make sure when you’re checking that you watch it open and close multiple times when flipping between recirc and fresh.

Likewise; cycle it back and forth at least 5 times.

• Oakleyguy

 

[e0dn0b]

The actuator has been broken. Lifting the change door manually instead of using the RECIRC button is what breaks it. At some point someone who changed the cabin filter broke it. All the info you need for the repair, including where to order the custom fix and a how-to video is in this thread, or links in this thread.

Post in thread 'HVAC problem'

Feb 27, 2025

Note that the cabin filter hood/arm may be broken but may operate in one direction. At least that was my case… it would close to recirc but the arm was cracked so it wouldn’t flip back to fresh air. Make sure when you’re checking that you watch it open and close multiple times when flipping between recirc and fresh.

Likewise; cycle it back and forth at least 5 times.

• Oakleyguy

how do you know its broken? like what symptom? could it be that the actuator arm just popped away from the recirc flap? thanks in advance

 

[Sandroad]

how do you know its broken? like what symptom? could it be that the actuator arm just popped away from the recirc flap? thanks in advance

Very rarely the arm is dislodged and can be put back on. The plastic parts are relatively fragile and if the flap has been lifted manually it’s very likely broken. Since you have to remove the same glovebox parts to either inspect the mechanism or install the fix, you may as well order the fix from @Oakleyguy and be ready to install. The symptoms of a malfunction recirc/fresh mechanism are exactly what you describe.

 

[e0dn0b]

Very rarely the arm is dislodged and can be put back on. The plastic parts are relatively fragile and if the flap has been lifted manually it’s very likely broken. Since you have to remove the same glovebox parts to either inspect the mechanism or install the fix, you may as well order the fix from @Oakleyguy and be ready to install. The symptoms of a malfunction recirc/fresh mechanism are exactly what you describe.

Ok thanks for the heads up. Will order everything before disassembling the glovebox . I just need a 10mm socket wrench right ?

 

[Oakleyguy]

Ok thanks for the heads up. Will order everything before disassembling the glovebox . I just need a 10mm socket wrench right ?

Watch this video, I go through the full install: