2002 AC/Heat Question
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 212
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From: Huntsville Alabama
2002 AC/Heat Question
I drove a 2002 coupe today in my search for a C-5. The car has a clean carfax report and looks like its been very well cared for. Two things botherd me so I wanted to ask for some help on the forum. I do not want to buy myself into a big repair bill right off the bat.
When I tured on the AC/Heat unit to check it out it made a sound like a piece of paper was stuck in the blower, or maybe the fan was hitting a piece of plastic. Just a sight ratteling sound and it never got better as I drove the car. It did this on both AC and heat settings. Dealer had on idea the car was even doing this untill I showd him, he did'nt know what the cause was. Anybody have a idea what might be going on here?
The other thing was that there was a high pitched whine coming from some where, pretty sure it was from the engine bay. I think it may be the fuel pump, the dealer agreed. Is it normal for the fuel pump to make this sound, or is the fuel pump about to go belly up? What elese could make this type of noise?
Tanks a ton for any help
When I tured on the AC/Heat unit to check it out it made a sound like a piece of paper was stuck in the blower, or maybe the fan was hitting a piece of plastic. Just a sight ratteling sound and it never got better as I drove the car. It did this on both AC and heat settings. Dealer had on idea the car was even doing this untill I showd him, he did'nt know what the cause was. Anybody have a idea what might be going on here?
The other thing was that there was a high pitched whine coming from some where, pretty sure it was from the engine bay. I think it may be the fuel pump, the dealer agreed. Is it normal for the fuel pump to make this sound, or is the fuel pump about to go belly up? What elese could make this type of noise?
Tanks a ton for any help
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Did they offer to fix the problems? If not don't buy it if you do not feel like they will fix it. IMHO, you have those issuses just walk away and find another car.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 47
From: Indianapolis IN
Originally Posted by KeithG
I drove a 2002 coupe today in my search for a C-5. The car has a clean carfax report and looks like its been very well cared for. Two things botherd me so I wanted to ask for some help on the forum. I do not want to buy myself into a big repair bill right off the bat.
When I tured on the AC/Heat unit to check it out it made a sound like a piece of paper was stuck in the blower, or maybe the fan was hitting a piece of plastic. Just a sight ratteling sound and it never got better as I drove the car. It did this on both AC and heat settings. Dealer had on idea the car was even doing this untill I showd him, he did'nt know what the cause was. Anybody have a idea what might be going on here?
The other thing was that there was a high pitched whine coming from some where, pretty sure it was from the engine bay. I think it may be the fuel pump, the dealer agreed. Is it normal for the fuel pump to make this sound, or is the fuel pump about to go belly up? What elese could make this type of noise?
Tanks a ton for any help
When I tured on the AC/Heat unit to check it out it made a sound like a piece of paper was stuck in the blower, or maybe the fan was hitting a piece of plastic. Just a sight ratteling sound and it never got better as I drove the car. It did this on both AC and heat settings. Dealer had on idea the car was even doing this untill I showd him, he did'nt know what the cause was. Anybody have a idea what might be going on here?
The other thing was that there was a high pitched whine coming from some where, pretty sure it was from the engine bay. I think it may be the fuel pump, the dealer agreed. Is it normal for the fuel pump to make this sound, or is the fuel pump about to go belly up? What elese could make this type of noise?
Tanks a ton for any help
My 2002 (which I purchased last October) makes the same noise with regards to the AC/heater blower. I've only put about 1400 miles on the car since I bought it, but the blower is still working. I've not yet worried about tracing the cause of the noise yet, though I do remember a thread a few months back where a few other members commented about the noise as well.
The fuel pump is behind you (when you are sitting in the driver's seat). If your pump is making noise, it wouldn't be coming from the engine bay.
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Huntsville Alabama
Thanks a lot guys 
I decided to walk away from this one. The dealer was a mom and pop type place and they made no offer to fix the problem if there was one. Funny thing is that there was a big Chevy dealer across the street, seems to me they would take it over and see whats up. Also my freind that rode with me on the test drive said they thought the whine sound was coming from the back.
Any way, Like I said I walked away on this one and I believe it was the right move. The right Vette will come along, just have to be patient enough to let it happen.
I decided to walk away from this one. The dealer was a mom and pop type place and they made no offer to fix the problem if there was one. Funny thing is that there was a big Chevy dealer across the street, seems to me they would take it over and see whats up. Also my freind that rode with me on the test drive said they thought the whine sound was coming from the back.
Any way, Like I said I walked away on this one and I believe it was the right move. The right Vette will come along, just have to be patient enough to let it happen.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
It is easy for leaves and trash to get into the HVAC intake and cause the fan to make that noise. There isn't any type of screen to prevent trash from getting in that area! 
The blower motor is an easy repair that can be accomplished from the passengers foot well. The fan is relative inexpensive and the trash can be removed without replacing the fan motor. I wouldn't let that stop you from purchasing the car!
As for the other noise, the fuel pump is in the driver side fuel tank and normally doesn't make noise a whining noise.
It does /can make a humming noise that aggravates some people. Nothing a good set of mufflers can't drown out.
Remove the fuel cap and listen in the fuel filler pipe. If the squealing noise is louder, then you have found the issue. I wonder if fuel level changes the noise?
BC
The blower motor is an easy repair that can be accomplished from the passengers foot well. The fan is relative inexpensive and the trash can be removed without replacing the fan motor. I wouldn't let that stop you from purchasing the car!As for the other noise, the fuel pump is in the driver side fuel tank and normally doesn't make noise a whining noise.
It does /can make a humming noise that aggravates some people. Nothing a good set of mufflers can't drown out.
Remove the fuel cap and listen in the fuel filler pipe. If the squealing noise is louder, then you have found the issue. I wonder if fuel level changes the noise?BC
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Feb 28, 2006 at 01:00 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Just re read your post. Pour some water on the serpentine belts and see if the noise goes away. If it does, it could be the belt or a tensioner pulley. If you like the car negotiate a deal with the seller. Go for the worst case (HVAC Blower motor replacement and belt/tensioner replacement. $500 ought to take care of both problems easily!!!!
BC
BC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 212
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From: Huntsville Alabama
Thanks big time Bill 
I already have a few other nice cars to check out so letting this one go is no big deal. If I run into this again, thanks to all of you guys help, I will know what to look for.
I already have a few other nice cars to check out so letting this one go is no big deal. If I run into this again, thanks to all of you guys help, I will know what to look for.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 743
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett IL
Originally Posted by KeithG
Thanks a lot guys
I decided to walk away from this one. The dealer was a mom and pop type place and they made no offer to fix the problem if there was one. Funny thing is that there was a big Chevy dealer across the street, seems to me they would take it over and see whats up. Also my freind that rode with me on the test drive said they thought the whine sound was coming from the back.
Any way, Like I said I walked away on this one and I believe it was the right move. The right Vette will come along, just have to be patient enough to let it happen.
I decided to walk away from this one. The dealer was a mom and pop type place and they made no offer to fix the problem if there was one. Funny thing is that there was a big Chevy dealer across the street, seems to me they would take it over and see whats up. Also my freind that rode with me on the test drive said they thought the whine sound was coming from the back.
Any way, Like I said I walked away on this one and I believe it was the right move. The right Vette will come along, just have to be patient enough to let it happen.
Well I drove it through chicago winters with snow and salt all over it I kept it clean though
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 212
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From: Huntsville Alabama
Thanks Turbo, I have read that advice many times on the forum and know its sound advice. Its just a little hard to keep passing them up when you REALLY WANT one
WOW, thats one bad A** Vette you've got there Turbo
WOW, thats one bad A** Vette you've got there Turbo
Last edited by KeithG; Mar 4, 2006 at 12:40 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Ive been down the mouse nest problem road also!!! 
Man,,,what a mess!!! Little bastards can squeeze in to anywhere they want!!
I started my 98 coupe up after it had been sitting for a couple weeks. It was freezing out and the last time I drove the car, I had the HVAC fan on high.
As soon as the engine started the entire dash started shaking and vibrating and a God awful very high pitched noise was being emitted from the fire wall area.
I honestly thought that I blew the engine!!!! As I was reaching for the key to shut down the engine, I saw a very fine nasty brown dust blowing out of the center air duct! 
I knew instantly what I was dealing with! 
When I took the fan out, the squarel cage fan was FULL of dog food, trash and a hugh mouse nest!!! If I could have found that mouse I would have ^#$^%&*&*(&(^*^$%&$^%$ 
BC
Man,,,what a mess!!! Little bastards can squeeze in to anywhere they want!!I started my 98 coupe up after it had been sitting for a couple weeks. It was freezing out and the last time I drove the car, I had the HVAC fan on high.
As soon as the engine started the entire dash started shaking and vibrating and a God awful very high pitched noise was being emitted from the fire wall area.
I honestly thought that I blew the engine!!!!
As I was reaching for the key to shut down the engine, I saw a very fine nasty brown dust blowing out of the center air duct! I knew instantly what I was dealing with! When I took the fan out, the squarel cage fan was FULL of dog food, trash and a hugh mouse nest!!! If I could have found that mouse I would have ^#$^%&*&*(&(^*^$%&$^%$ BC