Tech Tips

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Electrical System

MiniVan Melt Down

Owners of 1993 to 1995 GM Lumina, Silhouette and Trans Sport Minivans are likely to lose their cool due to repeated dead batteries and multiple replacements of alternators (Bosch p/n AL8691X).  It seems that these vehicles were built with HVAC control assemblies which allowed for about a 14 milli-amp parasitic draw to occur when the vehicle is shut off but the AC controls are left in the "RECIRC" position.  By repeatedly leaving vehicles parked in the "RECIRC" position, the battery eventually goes dead leaving the suspicion of a defective alternator.  To correct this condition GM has released revised HVAC control assemblies which do not allow this parasitic draw to occur.  Replacement HVAC control assembly part number applications are as follows...

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