1998 Grand Am Doesn't Blow Strong Heat

(CT, USA)

What could be the problem with my 1998 Grand Am GT? The heat comes on but it doesn't blow out nor does the front defroster work. You can hear it but you can't feel anything. Then when you change the temperature to cold and turn on the a/c you can hear and feel it a little but not strongly and it's not cold. What could be the problem? How much will it cost to repair?

Steve Says,

Thanks for asking me your question. There are several things that you should check. The first thing is the cabin air filter. Your owners manual will say where it is located (many times it is under the dash). If it is clogged with dirt and/or debris then it can cause these symptoms.

If that does not seem to be the problem then you probably have a problem with one of your blend doors, the control head or the linkage that opens and closes the blend doors. You can try looking under your dash to see if you can see any metal rods that are just flopping and not connected. This is not likely but I have seen it happen.

If this is just a cabin air filter that is plugged then it should only cost in the $20-$30 range. If that is not it then it is impossible for me to give you a good estimate as it has not been diagnosed. It will likely be in the $150-$300 range and possibly more.

I hope this has helped.