2000 gmc sierra 1500 blow hot air but the air is in the dash not coming out of the vents, why?

SOURCE: 2000 GMC Sierra 5.3 Litre, won't blow hot air

I experienced the same head ache. First attempt was to replace the thrmostat and after taking it apart I realized that there was nothing wrong with it. I then removed the plastic cover/panel located under the dash board on the passenger's side. (only a few 4-5 smalls screws) Removal will enable you to see the on/off switch/gate moving/rotating as you turn the knob to hot or cold positions, on the control panel. If that switch/gate seems to work ok, then the trouble is within the heater core. Many mechanincs suggested that I replace the heater core. A very expensive proposition.
I checked the heater core supply/intake hose and found it hot to the touch, while the return hose was nearly cold. It was definitely a heater core blockage. I removed both ends (supply and return) hose connections/clamps. They are located near the fire wall in the engine compartment. A special tool is very helpful to remove those clamps easily and to replace them as well. It can be done the old fashion way but this tool was a life saver and reduced work time to just minutes. (Tool is $70.00 bucks at auto parts store,so I borrowed mine from a mechanic/friend)
I then hooked up a garden hose to the return end of the heater core and reversed the flow of coolant/water through the heater core. My truck is a Sierra 2000 and I refuse to see how a heater core could get clogged up with clear coolant alone. To my surprise a flat piece of rubber about the size of a quarter blew out of it and the flow of water became unobstructed. I reconected the ends of the hoses to the heater core, replaced the lost antifreeze & everything returned back to normal. No money spent for something most mechanics suggested I replace control valves/switches ($280.00) replace heater core ($500.00) etc etc. I am glad I was curageous enough to tackle this myself and save a few pennies. Good luck, and I hope this will work for you.

SOURCE: a/c and heater only blow air out of defrost

sounds like there is a vacuum leak, possibly under the hood.. Vaccumm is needed to change the mode doors.

Colin Stickland

• 22516 Answers
• Posted on May 30, 2009

SOURCE: a/c and heater only blow air out of defrost

either a vacumn pipe is broken or the ends split so its not passing a vacumn to open the flaps,where they are and how to get to them i cant help because i have never worked on one as they are not here in spain.check the engine end first though .Look for some small rubber pipes running from the inlet manifold

SOURCE: 2000 gmc sierra 1500 5.3 v8. a/c heater control problem

your heat/cool and vent selection options are controlled by engine vacuum through small clear tubes attached to the rear of your climate control interface. Other vehicles have small steel pull wires that operate the desired changes. You might try removing the trim and any fasteners affiliated with the interface/console. GENTLY pull outward and look to see if any of these tubes are pulled off or cut/damaged. Did anyone recently install a new stereo in the vehicle? If so, the vacuum tubing and or pull wires that change your outlets could have been damaged when the stereo unit was pushed into place. Hope this helps

Testimonial: "Very good information. THANKS!"

SOURCE: 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 - heater blows, but only cold air

Check coolant level. Check for heat at the heater hose going from water pump to heater core at firewall. Check to see that cable is moving coolant control valve from the closed to open position. Low mileage so it shouldn't be plugged heater core.

Testimonial: "You were absolutely correct. Low coolant level. Put in some 50/50 and we're nice and toasty now, but need to find out why coolant was so low. Thanks."