Odd deal with Max A/C

ThunderRoad · Post by **ThunderRoad** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:03 am

2004 we jsut bought 6 weeks ago... have learned that when the Max A/C button is disengaged, just about the time you would think the door should be closing to the outside, there starts a 'thumping' noise under the right side of the dash.It sounds like someone flipping the lid of a spring-loaded plastic box.Does anyone have any Service Bulletin info on this or have a clue as to what it might be?Thanks..

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:20 am

Sounds like you recirculate button/flap is not working properly. Are you able to get down there somehow and check to see if there is something preventing the flap from closing so the cabin air recirculates?

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:25 am

sounds to me like the relatively common problem of the gear in the recirculate flap motor being stripped. Seems to be coming up a lot lately. see http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... d=29575and Welcome to genvibe

ThunderRoad · Post by **ThunderRoad** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:21 pm

Thanks jm... I pulled the glove box door and saw exactly what's happening. When I shut off the Max A/C button, the foam covered door gets closed and then pops back open and snaps shut over and over.I pulled the electrical plug and now it physically stays in Max A/C mode all the time, but at least we can now use the defroster.Dealer says that motor cost 75$ I think I'll leave it like this.BTW- what oil is specified to be in the Vibe engine?Thanks ya'll.

altimar · Post by **altimar** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:30 pm

Quote, originally posted by ThunderRoad Â»BTW- what oil is specified to be in the Vibe engine?It says on the oil cap. (should be 5W30)

prathman · Post by **prathman** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:27 am

Quote, originally posted by ThunderRoad Â»I pulled the electrical plug and now it physically stays in Max A/C mode all the time, but at least we can now use the defroster....I think I'll leave it like this.BTW- what oil is specified to be in the Vibe engine?I wouldn't recommend leaving it in the 'Max AC' (i.e. recirculate) position. That means you're not pulling in outide air and the humidity level in the car will start rising and fog up the windows - especially when it gets a little cooler.The engine was originally spec'd for 5W30 and that's what's on the filler cap. Toyota later came out with 5W20 as an additional recommendation and either one should be fine.

ThunderRoad · Post by **ThunderRoad** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 5:04 am

Quote, originally posted by prathman Â»I wouldn't recommend leaving it in the 'Max AC' (i.e. recirculate) position. That means you're not pulling in outide air and the humidity level in the car will start rising and fog up the windows - especially when it gets a little cooler.The engine was originally spec'd for 5W30 and that's what's on the filler cap. Toyota later came out with 5W20 as an additional recommendation and either one should be fine.Well, rats, wouldn't you just know that someone would rain on my parade?... I'm kiddin- thanks for the info...Just that things are tight right now and spending $75+ for a new motor isn't feasible. I may have to change it later- IF I can get my big fat hands in there to undo the screws...

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:19 am

There's a way to take the part out, open it up, rotate a ear inside, put it back together and be good to go without spending any money, I can't remember if it's in one of the threads I linked or in several others, there are a number of threads about this issue. There's one here somewhere about taking the radio out to get better access to the part.

altimar · Post by **altimar** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:45 pm

Quote, originally posted by joatmon Â»There's a way to take the part out, open it up, rotate a ear inside... gear?

Vibr8tr · Post by **Vibr8tr** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 2:20 am

Mine started doing this a few weeks ago also. As of right now I havent done anything about it, but I can't use the defrost. I will probably get a new motor soon. Do you happen to have the part number or anything from the dealer? Maybe we can find a cheap one online or even at a junk yard.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 5:02 am

Quote, originally posted by altimar Â» gear?I guess it depends on whether you want to not hear the sound or stop it from making the sound. Quote, originally posted by Vibr8tr Â»Mine started doing this a few weeks ago also. As of right now I havent done anything about it, but I can't use the defrost. I will probably get a new motor soon. Do you happen to have the part number or anything from the dealer? Maybe we can find a cheap one online or even at a junk yard.Look at the threads referenced above, the info is in there somewhere, as is the discussion of rotating something inside the actuator

ThunderRoad · Post by **ThunderRoad** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:26 pm

I'm going to rotate the gear..does anyone have any hints on removing the radio to get better access to the gear motor screws?

JohnC · Post by **JohnC** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:28 am

I believe a prevention to this is to put the fan on low speed when you swap between max and normal or any othe damper door swaps such as floor to vents etc.This makes it so the doors don't have the added resistance of the high air flow.

ThunderRoad · Post by **ThunderRoad** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 4:18 am

Man, I tried this thing 6 ways to Sunday and it still kept popping... The gear seems to be the solution..but now I gotta get the radio out of the way of my fat fingers...

Odd deal with Max A/C

Odd deal with Max A/C

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