In this video I show you the process I use to diagnose the HVAC unit on a GMC Acadia. The customer complaint is that it blows HOT air on the driver side vents and cold air on the passenger side vents.
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49 thoughts on “Gmc acadia: hot on driver side / cold on passenger side”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Cowtails says:

    I have an 2011 traverse and it started tapping in the dash. Seems to be back dash by the firewall

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gregory Buydaert says:

    Good video. I have the identical problem in my 2011 Buick EnClave. At 60 degrees cold on passenger side and hot on drive side. I am 72 yrs old so crawling under the dash is to difficult for me. Took the car into my Buick dealer. There diagnostic came up with three error codes. They replaced the blend door Activator on the passenger side. That eliminated two of the Error codes. The mechanic now is suggesting Pulling the HVAC head or controller and check the circuitry in that. If that needs to be replaced it is a $300 plus part. Could you give me some advice on this matter.Thanks for your informative video.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tyson Basye says:

    Thank you for this. We just got my girlfriend’s 2011 GMC Acadia back from having the dealership work on the “transmission shifter module assembly” because the gear shift wouldn’t shift all the way into park, release the trigger on the gear shift knob, and let you turn the key all the way off and take it out of the ignition (a video on how to fix this problem without having to take it to the dealership next time would be glorious).
    The vehicle was/is also having the exact problem you solved in this* video, but after the dealership told us, “…for the ac concern, the ac compressor is locked up and rear evap is leaking so both need to be replaced, cost of this repair is $2,516.81,” we told them to hold off on messing with the AC. I personally can’t afford an arm, leg, left testicle, and first-born child to “fix” the ac compressor when the passenger side blows cold air just fine. I think I’ll just order a $77 AC Delco or certified original GM parts actuator and see if that doesn’t just fix the problem.
    Much appreciated; keep up the good work!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James DEARING says:

    Great info!!

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ron Kemper says:

    It was very informative for those of ho love to do-it-yourself

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars upptowne says:

    genuine GM, made in India, good one. 🙂

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Southwell says:

    I have this problem. I have the new HVAV blender for the passenger side. Just haven’t gotten around to replacing it

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JBandzz23 says:

    Could this be the same reason when I turn on my heater and it blows hot on driver side but cold on passenger side ? I have 09 Acadia

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars john webb says:

    Got a 2012 traverse I'm looking at right now. I'm a Toyota tech but I like to learn knew systems, especially lately. I have codes for left door, right door and recirculation motor! Another tech looked at it and tried the HVAC control with no success. I'm looking at the diagram tonight and gonna do some testing tomorrow, but I think he got fooled on the no command from module due to the codes being set. Anyway thx for the video you always make it look really easy when honestly modern electrical systems can throw a lot of ppl through a loop, including me! If they are actually trying to read a diagram and diagnose that is. Great vid as always. Making hard stuff simple and to the point. Keep up the good work bruh.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank Stoner says:

    I've changed all 4 blend door actuators on my 2017 acadia and the driver's side is still blowing warm. Cold on passenger side. 30 psi refrigerant on low pressure line. Am i suppose to get them calibrated?. Everything is still working the same as before i replaced them

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars daniel vaughan says:

    Drivers blend door actuator in the same location on a 2017 Acadia?

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J k says:

    Why does short refrigerant charge cool only passenger side and not driver side?

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Karen Olsen says:

    I have a 2011 gmc acadia denali-bought used. Ive already did alot of repairs-never taken care of b4. My ac does opposite-dr side cold-passenger hot. Its going bk to garage again to be ckd. Thank you

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Colt Sipe says:

    Which MaxiCOM scan tool are you using?

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stahodad says:

    I just watched a "car wizard" video…he pulls the whole dash..and charges $950.00…looks ike you just reached up in there and swaped em out…I did one on a 2007 Ford Taurus but it was easy to get to.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Denis Music says:

    Bless you😅…..I have this issue on a 2003 highlander. Driver blowing warm air and passengers slightly cooler air. My car doesnt have a option to choose which side i can have the AC on NOR can I close my vents on drivers side. Idk what to do. My sons 3 and my wifes 6 months pregnant. We have long drives to the gynecologist. Please help 🙏🏻

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Json "H82Lose79" Naugle says:

    My question is…if I replace it myself. Do I need to do the same thing as you did with the tester an recalibrate it.?

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Merch Public School says:

    Hi, my car started out with the cold/hot issue. Now the AC will just blink 3 times and turn off when pressed. Would replacing the actuator fix my problem too? Thank you!

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wolfstop 666 says:

    Guy loves to hear himself talk. Stfu and get to it. Wasted time I can’t get back.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars michael deegan says:

    yep we like the that ratchet set here at work

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jack Turner says:

    Good video

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Werth says:

    Very good good information you really know what you're doing I've watched many of these two guys know what they're doing the others I wouldn't give him a screwdriver thumbs up to you

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Werth says:

    This man knows what the hell he's doing he's the best I've watched on this I've watched 12 of them he's very impressive any garage would be very lucky to have him be a technician for them big thumbs up to you and I've been around it a lot too but for him to diagnose that he's been around it all a lot more

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Southwell says:

    We have a 2009 GMC Acadia and noticed a n a trip that the passenger side blew cold air while the driver side blew warm. We wanted heat for both sides.
    I’ve read it could be the HVAC actuator on the passenger side. Dual climate control

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kenneth Franklin says:

    I've started saying "Let's fire this pig up" when I get in my car. She doesn't like it.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Southwell says:

    I subscribe to your channel. We have a 2008 GMC Acadia SLT. Having a similar problem 168k miles. And with colder months we need heat on passenger side

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars WouterB76 says:

    Wera, another great German toolcompany, thx for the tip on this piece of equipement!

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donald Rackley says:

    Great video Mr owe.ill send my car to you from London if it was viable Mr owe keep trucking boy lol.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars randy payne says:

    Hey man, can I ask why you don't use probe voltage testing equipment?

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dr Loch says:

    Acadia come with there own test light…. LMAO …… Just think a GM engineer figure a way that would help the tech when the hi tech stuff breaks….. if they were really thing they would have made it an LED bulb. Nah that would be forward thinkin…

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Nice diag process good way to verify your suspicion of the bad part @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Great video Eric O nice work @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gerad Mccoy says:

    Very impressive!

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Salvagio says:

    I have the same 2012 Acadia. Just changed the actuator that directs air flow to bottom middle or top. Was on the passenger side and what a PITA to get to. But got er done. Didn't have to recalibrate. Plugged in the new one before mounting and adjusted the gear to the same position as the old one then installed.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ron McGuire says:

    New camera works good. My eyes Itched when you cleaned off. the corrosion and sprayed the brake clean.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Call me Chato says:

    Nose hair-cam.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul N says:

    Why do you have COMMUNIST Biden ads on your channel?!?!

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jack Jacksonson says:

    Getting dad joke vibes in the first 20 seconds lmao good stuff

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Olagonin Chancer says:

    Time to trim those nose hairs.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars heyitschino says:

    Eric obviously all the customer needed was a lil WD40… Windows Down 40MPH 😉

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars heyitschino says:

    As always excellent diag video master!

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DeWayne Whitney says:

    I had to change mine on my wife's envoy. Could not figure out what was wrong with it, so I took the old one apart and the main gear was busted and it wasn't making contact with the center part that goes on the door. So yeah it could be anything.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ron H says:

    How do you know he's a pro? Digging under the dash and not losing his hat!

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave's Garage says:

    Any work arounds for re-calibrating the actuator for the DIYers with no bi directional scan tools?

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Giggitygoo says:

    Youtube is creepy. I have this problem on my Camry, just started a few days ago. Didn't say a word to anyone or Google anything about it, and now this is in my recommend.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eddie Garcia says:

    That's how you earn customers loyalty and you fix it once and done unless you get a faulty part but diagnosing is always best to make sure

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars edac1078 says:

    Now I can do it! Thanks.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Chesney says:

    So Mr O's dirty little secret is that he will load the parts cannon, but not necessarilly pull the trigger.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rinuncular too says:

    Good fix Eric

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