Guys, even thought I live in South Carolina I do not much like using A/C in my cars. I prefer a "vent" setting, bringing in fresh outside air, windows up or down depending on how hot it is. In my newly-purchased v. low mile 2003 with dual-zone, no matter where/how I set the system with A/C off, the air through the vents is still slightly warm, and actually rather hot at the under-dash (floor) area near my right leg. A reading of the relevant service manual section did not tell me much (except to fervently wish the original owner had NOT ordered the dual-zone) and I am wondering if this somewhat warm air is normal, the system routing vent air through the heater core to some degree and forcing you to use A/C if you want cool air. Can you tell me if this is what you experience in your dual-zone-equipped car (warmish air coming out of the vents---with A/C off, settings to full cool, outside air button pushed, panel/floor combo directional settings, fan on 2 or 3 bars)? I'd certainly appreciate your input. Regards, Ralph Boineau in central South Carolina

 

My 2002 coupe without dual zone did the same thing. I took it into my local Chevy dealer and they found a couple problems. They replaced the HVAC unit (fortunately under my extended warranty) and found a broken vacuum hose. Although the repairs fixed the problem, the cockpit still gets warm near my right leg, presumably from exhaust heat coming up through the tunnel. I just ordered a heat shield that is supposed to block most of the heat and keep the cabin cooler. Hope this helps.

Mark