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2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise


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jordanpatrick
Novice

Oct 12, 2011, 6:42 PM

Post #1 of 9 (3491 views)
2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In

2003
Pontiac
Grand AM GT
3.4L
86,000 M

Hello,

I was changing vent settings from blowing forward (heater, not AC), to defrost last week and as soon as I adjusted the vent selection dial I began to hear a "hissing" sound.

The noise is constant now, regardless of if heat is on, AC is on, or just turned off. It also continues despite which setting the vents are on, although as I change vent settings the sound changes a bit, almost like static.

I am not sure what to make of this, and perhaps the hissing is not related to the vents at all, and the timing was purely coincidental.

If anyone has any ideas, I would appreciate it.

-jordanpatrick


Also, to clarify, everything seems to be working correctly. I did replace the blower motor resistor today, but the noise started last week, and was unchanged after the install.

(This post was edited by jordanpatrick on Oct 12, 2011, 7:02 PM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Oct 12, 2011, 7:01 PM

Post #2 of 9 (3477 views)
Re: 2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In

The mode controls are done through vacuum actuators and you likely have a leak in one of the lines, switches or actuators.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Old 396
User

Oct 12, 2011, 7:02 PM

Post #3 of 9 (3471 views)
Re: 2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In

It's a vacuum leak. You have to remove some access panels and look up into the bottom of the dashboard with a bright light and try to track down the hissing sound.


jordanpatrick
Novice

Oct 12, 2011, 7:03 PM

Post #4 of 9 (3463 views)
Re: 2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In

Thank you for the reply.

Is this something I should have checked by a mechanic, or is it a relatively easy to troubleshoot / fix for a novice?


jordanpatrick
Novice

Oct 12, 2011, 7:07 PM

Post #5 of 9 (3452 views)
Re: 2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In


In Reply To
It's a vacuum leak. You have to remove some access panels and look up into the bottom of the dashboard with a bright light and try to track down the hissing sound.


In this case, what should I be looking for, and how will I determine where the leak is located?


Old 396
User

Oct 13, 2011, 2:51 AM

Post #6 of 9 (3432 views)
Re: 2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In

Jordan,

Hammertime and I were posting last night at the same time so I missed his answer. I'm seeing it now for the first time and I agree with it. The items he mentioned are the items you have to check. I don't know how to answer your novice question. What do you mean by novice? Do you have some skill? or are you totally new to auto repair. Again you are looking for a vacuum leak. You're going to find it by LISTENING AND FEELING for it. The hardest part of this job is getting up, into, and behind the dashboard. It depends on where the leak is. For example you may have to pull the radio and heater controls to locate the hiss. Like I said originally, remove the access panels under drivers side and passenger side dashboard, and get in there with a bright light. Maybe you'll see (and or) hear something.


Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Discretesignals profile image

Oct 13, 2011, 4:48 AM

Post #7 of 9 (3427 views)
Re: 2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In

If it is hissing in the off position, either the leak is at the back of the control panel or the source vacuum line. I'd pull the panel out and check there first. If you take it to a shop, take it to one that has an EVAP smoke machine. The smoke will show you where it is leaking.





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(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Oct 13, 2011, 4:49 AM)


jordanpatrick
Novice

Oct 15, 2011, 8:30 PM

Post #8 of 9 (3401 views)
Re: 2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In


In Reply To
Jordan,

Hammertime and I were posting last night at the same time so I missed his answer. I'm seeing it now for the first time and I agree with it. The items he mentioned are the items you have to check. I don't know how to answer your novice question. What do you mean by novice? Do you have some skill? or are you totally new to auto repair. Again you are looking for a vacuum leak. You're going to find it by LISTENING AND FEELING for it. The hardest part of this job is getting up, into, and behind the dashboard. It depends on where the leak is. For example you may have to pull the radio and heater controls to locate the hiss. Like I said originally, remove the access panels under drivers side and passenger side dashboard, and get in there with a bright light. Maybe you'll see (and or) hear something.


Ok. I do have some skill, although I am very new to auto repair.

I will have some time tomorrow, so providing the weather is decent, I will remove the panels under and around the dash to try and listen / feel for the leak location. I have installed an aftermarket stereo, so I am least familiar with removing the radio, and dash controls.

Assuming I can locate the leak, what is the best way to fix it? I suppose it depends on the size / severity of the leak, but is there a standard method for dealing with a vacuum leak? Epoxy? Replace the section of tubing?


jordanpatrick
Novice

Oct 15, 2011, 8:31 PM

Post #9 of 9 (3400 views)
Re: 2003 Grand Am GT - Hissing noise Sign In


In Reply To
If it is hissing in the off position, either the leak is at the back of the control panel or the source vacuum line. I'd pull the panel out and check there first. If you take it to a shop, take it to one that has an EVAP smoke machine. The smoke will show you where it is leaking.


Thank you for the advice. I am going to try and find the leak, but if I fail, I will keep that in mind.






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