Enviormental controls out of control

Now that I am on a roll I wanted to say something about my Malibu's enviormental control system. It seems like if you want heat it has to be cranked up to 80 before it starts to get warm. When you put air on the front windshield it becomes A/C and puts a mist on the glass. It seems like it is impossible to get hot air to the front windshield without turning on the A/C. The A/C light comes on as soon as you put the control on Win/feet and just Win. Sometimes the windshield gets fogged and I cannot figure out how to get warm air on the glass because the A/C comes on automatically and can't be shut off. Anyway, I have vented again and feel better but am hoping to hear from someone who could let me in on the secret of actually controlling the enviornment in the cabin.

Patrick McLaughlin:banghead: :banghead:

The reason the A/C compressor comes on in defrost is to dry the air before it hits the cold windshield. The moisture in the air passing over the A/C evaporator coils will condense on the coils and drip out. If you are getting a "mist" on the inside of your windshield, check to see that the A/C is working and your heater core is not leaking.

Well, almost the same thing but my heater core is not leaking but i don't have heat when i turn it on in any postions of the control knob.

I don't know of any factory a/c equipped vehicle made in the last ~20yrs that wont cycle the a/c compressor when w/s defrost mode is selected. They all do this, like jonnik says, to dry out the air. Not trying to be a smart azz, but to add heat, roll the knob/lever to the red side. It will get hot. If it doesn't you probably have a blend door problem. An initial blast of condensation on the w/s should go away almost instantly with the setting on defrost. If it doesn't your a/c isnt working or again, a blend door problem.

Joel

Rodeo2:
There is no red or blue area on the heat cold corntrols just a button for A/C on/off. When you put the defroster on the air coming out is cold and probably dry but it does not warm up. I do not have any control over the heat or cool control on my '04 Malibu. That is what is driving me nuts. The A/C appears to be working fine except that I can't seem to turn it off when trying to clear the windshield. I must be doing something wrong but I am not sure how to correct it.

I assume you have automatic HVAC, I would try to reset by pulling the fuse for a few seconds. Other than that see the dealer.
I am going to assume you have the new style Malibu. The fuse panel at the passengers left kick panel, there are 3 HVAC fuses there, I would pull all 3.

Pat, so you have a digital temperature display on the HVAC controls then? You should be able to dial in what ever temp you want, on any setting.

Joel