The arm on the air temperature blend door on my 2006 pontiac torrent that connects to the actuator has broken. This allows nothing but cold air into the inside of the vehicle and very difficult to clear the window. There seems to be hundreds of similar complaints pertaining to this problem. This causes a extremely potential hazard due to faulty parts and workmanship. Due to the fact that this problem has occurred, this vehicle is inoperable until it is fixed due to colder weather. I have parked this vehicle and I am still making payments.
2006 Pontiac Torrent visibility complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 89, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I own a 06 pontiac torrent and just recently the heater and defroster quit working. After having it diagnosed I was told that the heater blend door was broken and it would cost around $1000 to be fixed. After much research I have found that there are thousands of torrent owners with the same problem, as well as chevrolet equinox owners. This is a serious visibility issue, with no way to clear our windows of fog and frost in these colder months. Although I have not heard of any deaths or injuries resulting from this obvious design flaw, I believe it is just a matter of time. Please help!!!!
Air blend door has defect where motor actuator over-rotates and breaks door. Vehicle is left with no heat for vehicle or defroster. This is a manufacturing defect and can happen at any time, causing loss of visibility in cold weather. Internet search indicates this is common problem for 2006 pontiac torrent and chevy equinox.
The motor actuator for the air blend door over-rotates, which has caused the air blend door to fail. The result is the car no longer has any heat and the windows can no longer be defrosted. This has been a common problem for 2006 pontiac torrents and chevy equinox (the internet is full of complaints). Gm has refused to conduct a recall or tsb due to the large amount of labor required to tear the dash apart to fix (7-8 hours). This is a manufacturing defect that needs to be addressed and can occur at any time, which would cause loss of all defrosting capability of the windshield and side windows.
All the blowers are working but no heat will come out. Continues to blow cold air no matter what control is selected. Looks like the blend door is broken, which is causing it to not flip over to the heat side.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that the heater was inoperable. The dealer inspected the vehicle and advised that the blender door failed. The dealer stated the blender door was not covered under warranty and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed the failure to be a manufacturing defect. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 57,000. Updated 10/27/2011 *ln
No heat; temperature control does not change from cold to hot. Believe temperature blend door to be the problem, as this seems to be what the dealers (checked with 3 local gm dealers) all point to as a common problem on this model. This will affect visibility (no or poor defrosting) as well as comfort, both of which are safety hazards when facing the coming wisconsin winter. Strongly believe this to be a manufacturing defect that should be recalled, as it involves a relatively low cost part but extensive labor to dismantle the dashboard and replace it. Estimates have ranged from $800 to $1200 for the job. Please take action on this, as it has been a safety and financial concern for me and my family, as well as numerous other pontiac torrent and chevrolet equinox owners. Thank you.
No heat in 2006 pontiac torrent. Broken valve door. Hundreds of other people are having this problem. However, since the actually maintenance is so costly, gm has chosen to not recall it. ( http://m.topix.com/forum/autos/chevrolet-equinox/tnmhvcte76u9hgth4/p19 ).
Experienced no heat; fan worked. No heat means you can't defrost or de-fog your windshield. Took to dealer for repair. From invoice -- "temp actuator out of parameter. Broken temp door...temp door does not move...defective temp actuator. Does not respond....r&r temp actuator. Found end of temp door broken off. Temp actuator out of parameter due to broken door. Need temp door....re-placed temp door and temp actuator as needed." cost including labor & parts ~$1550. General motors has not issued a recall to fix this safety issue gm has not even issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) about this problem to advise dealership service departments about the how's and why's of this malfunction.
Heat went out with out warning. Upon researching online found it's a common problem and should be recalled. The actuator was the cause of the broken shaft on the blend door. The actuator had rotated too far, beyond its limits, and overpowered the plastic shaft on the door. This actuator isn't just a simple motor. As you know, an electric motor spins when power is applied. The actuator is a small electric motor connected to a gear-reduction unit, with a position-sensing device that is monitored by the body control module (bcm), which is a computer that controls a bunch of stuff not related to the engine or powertrain. When the position sensor indicates that the actuator is at the end of its range of travel, the bcm shuts off power to the motor. The output shaft on the actuator should never be able to reach the degree of rotation that is shown above. Why did that happen? Did the bcm malfunction and apply power too long? I doubt it... Because electronic circuits are less likely to malfunction than electro-mechanical devices. I'm going to have to assume that the actuator is faulty... That the position-sensing device (probably just a variable resistor) developed an open circuit, or an internal short circuit, or something. This kind of problem bugs me (and a lot of other people) because general motors has not issued a recall to fix what can be a safety problem... No heat means you can't defrost or de-fog your windshield. What's worse... Gm has not even issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) about this problem to advise dealership service departments about the how's and why's of this malfunction. So I'm a bit concerned that the new actuator might malfunction just like the first one. If gm had issued a tsb, I'd be assured that the engineers had solved the faulty actuator problem, and that all the replacement parts had been revised and improved, and the heat would work just fine for years to come. But I don't have that confidence. Recall needed. $915 to fix it.
2006 pontiac torrent. Consumer states problem with the functioning air temperature blend door *tgw the consumer stated when she turned the heat on one morning, only cold air came from the vents. The consumer learned the plastic door was attached to a motorized actuator which opened and closed to allow airflow past the heater core.
2006 pontiac torrent; loss of heating system; no de-ice or defrost capability; $1200 repair cost...failure of air temp blend door assembly.
2006 pontiac torrent - heat stopped working without warning - only cold air blowing from heater and defroster/defogger. Brought car in for service to have thermostat checked - no issues with thermo. Told the problem is the "blend door" inside the dash and it will cost approximately $1254.32 in labor since the entire dashboard needs to be removed in order for the part to be replaced. This is a safety issue since without heat, the defroster does not clear the windshield or driver side and passenger side windows, affecting visibility. After reading numerous complaints about this same issue I really think a recall is in order here. This is not a normal "wear and tear" issue, and is obviously a design flaw and faulty parts, seems this issue is due to a faulty actuator that is over torx the blend door causing the door to break. Door and actuator needs replaced.
2006 pontiac torrent - heat stopped working without warning - only cold air blowing from heater and defroster/defogger. Brought car in for service and had coolant, heater core, fuses and thermostat checked - all fine. Told the problem is the "blend door" inside the dash and it will cost approximately $1000 in labor since the entire dashboard needs to be removed in order for the part to be replaced. This is a safety issue since without heat, the defroster does not clear the windshield or driver side and passenger side windows, affecting visibility. After reading numerous complaints about this same issue I really think a recall is in order here. This is not a normal "wear and tear" issue, and is obviously a design flaw and faulty parts, please help.
Heat went out with out warning. Upon researching online found it's a common problem and should be recalled. The actuator was the cause of the broken shaft on the blend door. The actuator had rotated too far, beyond its limits, and overpowered the plastic shaft on the door. This actuator isn't just a simple motor. As you know, an electric motor spins when power is applied. The actuator is a small electric motor connected to a gear-reduction unit, with a position-sensing device that is monitored by the body control module (bcm), which is a computer that controls a bunch of stuff not related to the engine or powertrain. When the position sensor indicates that the actuator is at the end of its range of travel, the bcm shuts off power to the motor. The output shaft on the actuator should never be able to reach the degree of rotation that is shown above. Why did that happen? Did the bcm malfunction and apply power too long? I doubt it... Because electronic circuits are less likely to malfunction than electro-mechanical devices. I'm going to have to assume that the actuator is faulty... That the position-sensing device (probably just a variable resistor) developed an open circuit, or an internal short circuit, or something. This kind of problem bugs me (and a lot of other people) because general motors has not issued a recall to fix what can be a safety problem... No heat means you can't defrost or de-fog your windshield. What's worse... Gm has not even issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) about this problem to advise dealership service departments about the how's and why's of this malfunction. So I'm a bit concerned that the new actuator might malfunction just like the first one. If gm had issued a tsb, I'd be assured that the engineers had solved the faulty actuator problem, and that all the replacement parts had been revised and improved, and the heat would work just fine for years to come. But I don't have that confidence. Recall needed. Dangerous.
I own a 2006 pontiac torrent. Overnight the heater stopped working in my vehicle. The blower fan and all the switches are fine. Airflow does change from vent to floor to defrosters. When I turn the temperature knob to hot air, only cold air comes out no mater what the setting is on the mode door. I brought it to my mechanic and they ran a diagnostic. My temperature gauge was fine as was my coolant level. They advised that the temperature shaft is broken inside the heater box and would need to be fixed by removing the entire dash labor cost alone is above 1000k. I called gm to ask what they will do to assist with the cost but since there is no recall or class action they will not help to repair the damaged heater door. Online there were over 325 complaints of the exact same issue when I just put in 2006 pontiac heater as a search. Note that this vehicle is only 5 years old and garaged at all times this should not have happened and is a safety issue especially since I no longer have heat in the car and transport children daily.
Heater blend door broke, so there is no heat. This is caused by the actuator over extending its cycle and it breaks the valve door. Gm hasnt redesigned this nor do they want to take any action for it. This is a serious safety concern to drive with no heat. Ave cost is around $1200 to fix and the part is $40.00. It requires your entire dash to be removed and the blower pulled out to fix the door. People need to get on gm's case and this websites case in order for them to fix this. There is alot of people with this issue weather its a equinox or a torrent.this is a safety issue and gm should be responsible for it not the customer. It is bad enough it cost thousands of dollar sto fix ontop of your car note.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact heard a loud grinding noise and stated that the brake system failed. The contact replaced the brakes; however, approximately one year later she had to replace the brakes as well as the rotors. Also the heating system was blowing out cold air. Both the dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The current mileage was 116,000. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that there was no heat blowing from the vents only cold air. The vehicle was inspected by both an independent mechanic and an authorized dealer. They both informed her that she would need to replace the heater door. The heater door was replaced by an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I own a 2006 pontiac torrent which the heat stopped working about a month or so ago. I was driving one day and turned my heater on and noticed that it was blowing cold air. My car was diagnosed and was told that it would cost $1000 or more to repair. I have been driving around with no heat and cannot use my defrost due to heat failure which obstructs my vision when driving. This vehicle should have been a recall due to the vast amount of people with the same problem. I would like to know if my vehicle can be returned for full refund in order to get one with less severe heating problems.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact stated that he had driven the vehicle without heat for two years. The dealer advised him that the temperature door was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer will be contacted. The failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 88,000.
No heat in vehicle. Only blowing cold air. Happened suddenly and without warning. This is causing me to be unable to defrost my windshield at all. It frosts up and obstructs my view while I'm driving my car. So far everything I've had done has not corrected the problem. Had thermostat replaced, heater core checked several times, coolant flushed. Still no heat.
We own a 2006 pontiac torrent which has absolutely no defrost or defogging system that will kick in. Mileage is 63,000. No warning of this problem, just quit working. This is a safety hazard, especially in cold weather or damp and foggy weather. Nothing has been done as of right now to correct as I see others are affected.
"blend door" failure, causing no heat and a $1500 repair for a fairly new car.
The heater stopped working on my 2006 pontiac torrent, cold air comes out of the vents however regardless of the setting hot/warm air does not come out. I live in a region of the country where it is essential to be able to use the defrost and the heater. We contacted the dealer and were told that it would take upwards of $1000 dollars to fix and 6-8 hours of labor, the actual part is under $100. The warranty doesn't cover it once the vehicle has gone over the mileage allotted by the manufacturer however I don't feel that this should be a factor for the heater as the number of miles driven does not affect the heating/cooling system. I don't feel that I should be responsible for replacing the part and paying for labor especially since this seems to be a common defect in both the torrent and the equinox. The amount alone is also something that many americans don't have.
No warning. Heat went out on 2006 pontiac torrent. Heat blend door is broke and needs to be replaced at a cost of around $800 to $1,000. Gm refuses to pay for replacement as vehicle is not under warranty. Part is $55 to $65 and intensive labor charges around $1,000 (8 hours). The average american cannot afford this type of repair. Found on internet, there are hundreds of complaints on this exact same problem. This includes chevy equinox's.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac torrent. The contact was driving approximately 30-35 MPH when she activated the heater and it would not engage. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that the air blend door had fractured and possibly the motor. In order to repair the failure, the mechanic advised the contact that the entire dashboard would need to0 be removed. In addition, the defroster was inoperable as a result of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer per the manufacturer's suggestion and the dealer confirmed the mechanic's findings. The contact was informed that the dealer was not authorized by the manufacturer and she would have to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 37,675. Updated 02/03/11*lj updated 02/14/11
Started car on a 20 degree morning, and discovered the heater would only blow cold air. No heat no defrost. After contacting our gm dealers service dept., we discovered there is an electric motor that controls the (air temperature blend door) that frequently malfunctions and opens the blend door beyond it's limits and breaks the plastic pins. The door then no longer opens,and of course no heat. The car cannot be driven in colder weather until this is repaired to the tune of $1100.00 to $1500.00. The entire dashboard and all components have to be removed to access this $55.00 part. Gm should be responsible for this defective actuator (electric motor) and the labor to replace it as it has occurred many times (you can find many complaints about this on the internet) and it is a hazard.
Defroster does not blow hot air out. Windshiled will not defrost.
2006 pontiac torrent, 33,350 miles. Heat stopped working. Took the car to an auto repair shop. Problem was diagnosed as a broken air blend door. Part cost around $65. Cost to repair, approximately $1000.00. Mechanic explained that the entire dash board needs to be removed to repair this "cheap part". The majority of the cost is labor. Could not see out of my windows this morning because the defrost is not working properly due to this problem. Gm should have a safety recall for this part. In doing research, this is a very common problem and needs to be addressed by general motors. The dealer will not reduce the cost of this repair because of the labor involved. This is a definite safety issue. People need heat in their car and they also need a proper defrost system. Many people, myself included can not afford a $1000. Repair bill on a "cheap part" with no guarantee that it will not break again.
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