Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

catch-22 · 05-05-2009, 02:46 PM

Can someone confirm for me if my 1996 Sierra has Cabin Air Filters? If it does where are they? My A/C seems to not blow very hard anymore - its cold but not much pressure on high. The floor blows the strongest but the dash and windshield vents don't seem as strong as they used to be. I was hoping that a cabin air filter replacement will be the cure. If not, what else should I check?

ChevLoRay · 05-05-2009, 05:40 PM

I don't think there are any cabin filters in these trucks. I would suspect that the door(s) that deflect air may not be working properly. I don't have any way to prove/disprove that the door would be the issue. Maybe Chevy Tech will be reading this and have some input.

ChevyTech · 05-05-2009, 07:48 PM

The think the first year there were cabin air filters in GM trucks was 1999, and NOT all 1999 trucks had filters.

By 2004 GM stopped putting cabin air filters in the trucks.

My first guess would be the “recirc” door aka fresh air door, is not operating correctly. Each time you shut off the engine the fresh air door should open if it is not already open. When you change settings from recirc to max ac the door should open, and if you listen carefully you should be able to hear it.

Another possibility is that there is debris like leaves and seeds blocking air flow. I have seen blower motor fans fully of leaves and AC evaporators plugged up with cottonwood seeds.

It is also possible that the mode door in the heater box is damaged or catching.

ChevLoRay · 05-05-2009, 08:03 PM

Thanks for the input.

ChevyTech · 05-05-2009, 08:16 PM

You’re welcome. A thank you is always appreciated.

This happened to be one of the few posts I read today.

catch-22 · 05-06-2009, 09:42 AM

Thanks for the reply - Where is the “recirc” door aka fresh air door located, how do I get at it? I would guess its vacuum operated - so with the truck running the vacuum should close the door. Shut the engine off and door should open - correct? If this is the problem - how hard is it to replace?

ChevLoRay · 05-06-2009, 10:14 AM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=257463

This thread is from the past couple of weeks and will tell you a whole lot about what operates the door you are asking about. Chevy Tech explained it and there are pix to go along with it.

Post #9 is where the good stuff kicks in and it starts to gel.

Hope it helps.

Unkle Fester · 05-06-2009, 01:26 PM

I have a 98 GMC Sierra and the recirc vent is right side under the dash of the passenger side. Right behind the blower (big round thing sticking into the footspace) It's a squarish looking grill. when recirc is on, grill looks open, fresh air - it is closed.

I only know because I have water leaking into mine...

I think my '90 burban was in the same place, can't see it changing that much.

Hope that helps

05-05-2009, 02:46 PM	#1
catch-22 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 36	Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? Can someone confirm for me if my 1996 Sierra has Cabin Air Filters? If it does where are they? My A/C seems to not blow very hard anymore - its cold but not much pressure on high. The floor blows the strongest but the dash and windshield vents don't seem as strong as they used to be. I was hoping that a cabin air filter replacement will be the cure. If not, what else should I check?

05-05-2009, 05:40 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? I don't think there are any cabin filters in these trucks. I would suspect that the door(s) that deflect air may not be working properly. I don't have any way to prove/disprove that the door would be the issue. Maybe Chevy Tech will be reading this and have some input. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

05-05-2009, 07:48 PM	#3
ChevyTech Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,620	Re: Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? The think the first year there were cabin air filters in GM trucks was 1999, and NOT all 1999 trucks had filters. By 2004 GM stopped putting cabin air filters in the trucks. My first guess would be the “recirc” door aka fresh air door, is not operating correctly. Each time you shut off the engine the fresh air door should open if it is not already open. When you change settings from recirc to max ac the door should open, and if you listen carefully you should be able to hear it. Another possibility is that there is debris like leaves and seeds blocking air flow. I have seen blower motor fans fully of leaves and AC evaporators plugged up with cottonwood seeds. It is also possible that the mode door in the heater box is damaged or catching.

05-05-2009, 08:03 PM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? Thanks for the input. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

05-05-2009, 08:16 PM	#5
ChevyTech Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,620	Re: Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? You’re welcome. A thank you is always appreciated. This happened to be one of the few posts I read today.

05-06-2009, 09:42 AM	#6
catch-22 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 36	Re: Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? Thanks for the reply - Where is the “recirc” door aka fresh air door located, how do I get at it? I would guess its vacuum operated - so with the truck running the vacuum should close the door. Shut the engine off and door should open - correct? If this is the problem - how hard is it to replace?

05-06-2009, 10:14 AM	#7
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=257463 This thread is from the past couple of weeks and will tell you a whole lot about what operates the door you are asking about. Chevy Tech explained it and there are pix to go along with it. Post #9 is where the good stuff kicks in and it starts to gel. Hope it helps. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. Last edited by ChevLoRay; 05-06-2009 at 10:15 AM.

05-06-2009, 01:26 PM	#8
Unkle Fester Ignorance is Bliss Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sherwood, OR Posts: 92	Re: Does a 96 GMC Sierra have in Cabin Air Filters? I have a 98 GMC Sierra and the recirc vent is right side under the dash of the passenger side. Right behind the blower (big round thing sticking into the footspace) It's a squarish looking grill. when recirc is on, grill looks open, fresh air - it is closed. I only know because I have water leaking into mine... I think my '90 burban was in the same place, can't see it changing that much. Hope that helps

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