If you notice that your GMC’s automatic climate control isn’t working as it should—like the cool setting is pumping out warm air—it could be time for an HVAC system reset. You can reset the system by removing and replacing the HVAC/ECAS fuse.

GMC vehicles are known and loved for their long-lasting utility. The tough GMC line is built with advanced technologies that keep drivers comfortable, so it can be troubling when one of their systems, like the HVAC, goes out. Heating and cooling are crucial to commute comfortability, so you’ll probably want to fix that issue as soon as you can.

And here to tell you how to rest your GMC climate control is

Jerry

, the highly trusted brokerage app that saves users money on

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. We’ll run through the reset process, why your HVAC system may malfunction, ways to diagnose the problem, and of course, expert tips to save on your

GMC insurance cost

GMC climate control reset instructions

Though several potential issues could cause a malfunction in your GMC climate control system, the most likely one is an issue with your car’s electrical system. An electrical problem could affect your HVAC system uniformly, or it could be a bit wonkier and only cause one side of your vehicle to show signs of trouble.

Electrical issues may sound quite complex, and some of them are, but happily, you can reset a GMC HVAC electric system relatively easily with the classic turn off and on technique.

Step 1: Turn the car off. Since you’ll be dealing with your fuse box, you won’t want any power running through the car to avoid electrocution.

Step 2: Locate the fuse box under the hood. The fuse box is under the hood on the driver’s side. If you can’t find it, consult your owner’s manual.

Step 3: Find and remove the HVAC fuse. The HVAC fuse can vary in location depending on your GMC’s year and model so be sure to consult your owner’s manual.

Step 4: Pull the fuse out, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect it. You’ll want to be gentle on the fuse so you don’t damage it. Consider using a fuse puller!

Step 5: Start the car and don’t touch anything! After you replace the fuse, turn the car on without pushing any other buttons and wait 40-60 seconds until the control module recalibrates.

This simple process should successfully prompt a GMC climate control reset. However, if you’ve completed these steps and find that your AC is still acting up, you may need to do some troubleshooting.

MORE:

Heating A/C inspection

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Other reasons your GMC A/C isn’t working

The HVAC fuse reset should help your GMC AC issue, but there may be another problem that a simple turn off/turn on can’t help. If it’s not an electrical issue, there are several other potential malfunctions that you should consider.

Clogged cabin air filter

The

cabin air filter

is crucial to your GMC’s ventilation system. Over time, though, dust particulates, dirt, and grime build up on the filter and cause a reduction in the ventilation system’s efficiency.

You need to change the cabin air filter on your vehicle a few times during your GMC ownership, and it’s recommended to replace it every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. You may be able to extend the life of the filter by cleaning it off with a vacuum or compressed air.

Blend door actuator malfunction

The blend door actuator in a GMC is a small motor that controls the amount of airflow through the vents. If it becomes faulty, you’ll notice a lack of control over the desired temperature of your vehicle’s interior and a clicking sound coming from under your dashboard.

This malfunction will require a mechanic’s help to replace the bad part.

A/C refrigerant leak

If it's not an issue with the electrical system, this is the most likely cause of your GMC HVAC malfunction.

GMCs lose about 15% of their refrigerant annually just from regular use, but if the coolant level drops faster, you’re probably dealing with a leak. The leak could be due to a faulty or worn-out part like a sealing ring or the condenser, and you’ll be able to repair this leak by replacing the malfunctioning component.

Clogged or failed condenser

Another potential GMC climate control malfunction is a clogged or failed condenser. The HVAC condenser in a GMC vehicle is meant to release the heat energy that accumulates from the refrigerant’s cooling. However, it can get clogged with dust, dirt, grime, bugs, and other particulates that stop it from adequately releasing the heat, which will back up into the vehicle’s interior.

You could clean the condenser by removing the front bumper and washing it off with a moderate power washer setting. If it’s not a clogging issue, though, a mechanic may need to find the faulty part causing the failure and replace it.

Faulty compressor

The HVAC compressor works with the condenser to keep the vehicle’s interior cool using the refrigerant. The compressor operates in a way that changes the coolant gas to liquid and allows you to keep your car at a comfortable temperature.

The compressor in GMC vehicles can sometimes become stuck if they aren’t used often and this can cause them to break apart and damage the AC system. If a damaged compressor is the issue, you’ll need to replace it to correct the malfunction.

MORE:

AC compressor relay replacement cost

How to diagnose a GMC climate control malfunction

The malfunctions mentioned above are just a couple of the most common reasons your GMC’s climate control may be on the fritz, but there could be other causes. It could be as simple as a dirty air filter, but it may be more complex and need an expert’s eye to catch it.

Before you try to fix the issue beyond disconnecting and reconnecting the HVAC fuse, you’ll want to diagnose the exact problem. Many vehicles these days have on-board diagnostics systems that can give you a good idea of where the issue lies, but if you don’t have that, it’s best to bring your GMC to a certified mechanic.

The knowledge and resources certified mechanics have will help to ensure the correct diagnosis and repair of your all-important HVAC system. The last thing you want to do is try to repair it yourself and end up in a worse place than when you started.

MORE:

What is a cooling system flush?

How to keep GMC insurance costs low

GMC vehicles are built for utility, but the average GMC owner will spend over $700 annually on repairs. Add that to higher-than-average

car insurance

rates and regular services like oil changes and fuel fill-ups, and owning a GMC can get pretty expensive.

A great way to save money on your GMC-related expenses is by using the

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