How to fix the A/C recirculation button on a 1997-2002 Chevy Malibu
If you have a 1997-2002 Chevrolet Malibu, you more than likely experience the lovely feature of having the recirculation button blink and/or turn off the whole air conditioning system all together. I was convinced the thing was possessed, until I decided to Google the problem. It took some digging, but I was eventually successful, and if you’re like me, you’ll be glad you found this post because it will save you a lot of money!
The Symptoms
The recirculation button on the control head for the A/C would not stay engaged (green light stay on) and would switch back to normal A/C, instead of Max A/C.
The Solution
Fortunately the solution is easy, follow my brief instructions and see the PDF at the end for pictures. The problem is that the brushes on the switches are losing contact with the circuit board. Get down to them and clean them off and apply some graphite (from a #2 pencil) and all will be well!
- Remove the bezel around the key and the A/C controls and radio. To remove the bezel, you just pry the cover around the ignition switch off, then pry the black trim off. Its all held on by clips. Just remember to pry evenly and not necessarily in one spot.
- Remove the screws holding in the A/C controls and disconnect the wiring and hoses.
- Take the control head to a clean area where you can catch falling parts if need be.
- Remove the control knobs by pulling them off.
- Pry open the front with a small screwdriver (notice tabs on the sides holding it in).
- Take buttons and light ring out and pry up the circuit board to expose the brushes and contacts.
- Carefully clean both contact surfaces (2 of them) on the circuit board with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip (don’t use sandpaper as that will be too abrasive).
- After it dries, take a #2 pencil and rub on the contact surface you just cleaned (doesn’t need to be too heavy).
- Put things back together in reverse order and enjoy the cool air!
As promised, the PDF file with pictures is here: AC Control Repair. I can’t remember where I got this from, but as it was freely given to me, so I freely give to you. Nacho, whoever you are, I thank you!
- Average rating: 4.25 from 4 users
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Jesuel said
am August 8 2008 @ 11:24 am
Thanks, I’ve been have this problem for about 2 years, I own a malibu 99 and since I got it have this issue, every time I hit a bump or fell in a hole(very common in reynosa) the switch starts blinking and the air turned off, now thanks to you I can enjoy my fresh air without moving the controls, it took me about 15 minutes to do this and is costless, thank you very much again.
Frank said
am April 24 2009 @ 2:22 am
I had the same problem with my malibu and others that I had repaired while working at Lou Grubb Chevrolet in Arizona, after buying 2 control heads for my personal car and much frustration watching each one of them fail after a short time I did this, remove the glove box and just above the blower motor is the recirc door, take a plastic trimable 1/2″ sprinkler riser and trim to length so it can be stood up to fully hold the recirc door open all the time and be sure to secure in place with heavy wire so that it wont fall into the blower motor, I know it sounds like a hack idea but it works perfectly.
Garon said
am April 24 2009 @ 10:54 am
Frank,
I suppose that would work too if all else fails. Thanks for the tip.
manuel said
am July 6 2009 @ 11:31 am
it stop but 123 do not blow only 4.5 what i am doing not right
Garon said
am July 6 2009 @ 11:34 am
Manuel, sounds like you may have a bad switch or something else is wrong. Did you check all the fuses (door panel and under the hood)?
manuel said
am July 6 2009 @ 11:38 am
yes
Garon said
am July 6 2009 @ 11:39 am
Crap, I really have no idea then. Sorry.
manuel said
am July 6 2009 @ 3:08 pm
the controller was replaced with abrand new one and it still does the same thing
Beep said
am July 29 2009 @ 4:42 pm
manuel, if some of the lower speeds do not work, replace the blower motor resistor near the motor
Rod said
am August 30 2009 @ 2:14 pm
My 98 Malibu’s AC light blinked on and off causing the AC to turn on and off ever since I bought it in about 2001. A lube shop told me I needed to service the freon but that did not work. My daughter complained so I looked into it again and another web site said I needed to replace the control head. I then found the photos you linked in your instructions but still did not know how to romove the bezel. your instructions were also very helpfull making the job easy. It took just over an hour being very carfull not to break anything and it worked! I am not a mechanic. Thank you for the instructions.
Garon said
am August 30 2009 @ 2:28 pm
Added some tips on how to remove the bezel. Thanks for the post and suggestion Rod.
Mike said
am September 28 2009 @ 12:03 pm
Have a 2002 with the blinking on/off AC problem. Utilized the taking apart, cleaning the contacts per the included instructions. Hve done this twice …….. both times solved problem for about 2-3 days then back to cutting in and out …… any other suggestions?
Garon said
am September 28 2009 @ 2:33 pm
Mike, make sure your pencil is a good #2 pencil. When I did it, it usually lasted for a year. If that doesn’t work, go to http://www.car-part.com and search for a junkyard nearby that may have it and get it for cheap.
Judy said
am July 22 2010 @ 4:04 pm
I did this and the A/C works beautifully. We have a 2002 Malibu and it was easier than I thought. The only problem I have now is the A/C doesn’t turn off. I can turn off the switch but I can still hear the compressor still kicking in and out. I also can’t switch to recirculate from fresh air. I’m shoping for a new module to be installed before winter. In the meantime we are enjoying the A/C.
John said
am July 31 2010 @ 4:24 pm
If your AC control will not change from Fresh Air to Recirculate there is also a significant chance that the Fresh Air/Recirculate Door is broken. I hav enot been able to swith to Recirculate this summer and finally took out the glove box to inspect. The door shaft (plastic) sheared away where the actuator connects. So the AC controls are working properly, but the mechanical connection between the actuator and the Door Shaft is the problem. Not an easy fix. Will likely require the removal of the dash to fix.
Marc said
am August 7 2010 @ 9:58 pm
I just bought a 2002 malibu and thought I was going to have to spend $300 to fix the AC. I googled the AC problem and found this! Figured I would give it a shot before wasting my money. It worked perfectly, all the buttons work, THANK YOU!