I live in SO. CA. near the recent fires and in a high wind area. My A/C and ventilation system is blowing dirt and ashes in my eyes, face, clothes and all over the interior of my truck. My daughter has also had debris blown in her eyes from the rear vents.


I called several Chevy dealers and explained the problem to them. I also told them that it blows dust even when on recirculate. They all said it's common due to no more filter in the cab since 02 and the fact that 15% of the air is fresh on recirculate. The dealer told me to call Chevy Customer Service at 800-222-1020.


I spoke with a Rep., explained the problem and he called back and said that there's nothing that can be done, due to the fact that there is no filter in the cab. I explained that this could be a safety issue since if dirt blows in your eyes it could cause an accident.


The Rep. said nothing could be done and this problem would be reviewed. He assigned a case number. I told him to make a note that if I was a cause of an accident, due to the fact that dirt and debris blown in my eyes I would hold Chevy responsible. He told me that he wrote that down.


I need everyone who has experienced this problem to call Chevy and see if we can get this problem fixed! Maybe they could add some kind of filter after the fact. What was GM thinking?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif


Please call 800-222-1020 and voice your concern.


Thanks,


Chris


04 Crew Cab LT D/A


Edited by: dslbrnr

You do know that this is the same with almost all vehicles? Not many have filters. Other then the 99-02 chevys I don't know of any that do use a filter.

IIRC you can hack into the duct and put the filters in. i think someone said something about that before.

I forgot to mention that my Truck is parked outside and when the wind blows it seems to find it's way into the vents. If you ever park your truck in a dusty windy area you will find out what kind of problem I am taliking about.


I don't think we should have to pay $40,000 plus dollars to have dirt blown in our face.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif

Toyotas have dust & pollen filters in a number of their newer vehicles that filter out debris from the outside.You would think for $40K chevy would install a similar system ??

You could probably put some kind of fine wire mesh to filter the air before it gets inside the truck if you can find it with holes that small. I guess you could use that washable filter material too.

Maybe you could try blowing compressed air into the ventalation system?Or opening all the doors and blowing compressed air in the cowl area below the wipers.I do not think GM should be held responsible for natural disasters such as the fires we just had.

The fact of the matter is not only ashes from a fire 4 months ago are entering my ventilation system, it's dirt. I am not holding GM responsible for natural disasters, merely a very poor design. My truck is parked outside in the weather. I guess GM should have posted a note, reading " when you buy this truck please park it in the garage so dust/dirt and or ashes won't enter the air system". The debris also enter while driving in a dusty area, such as a dirt road.


Maybe if you had an eyeful of dirt, you might understand where I'm comming from.


A filter system that was on the earlier trucks would have eliminated this new problem. I guess it's probably a matter of money for GM.


Maybe I should just where a dust mask and gogles.

Dust Mask and Goggles.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif


The only thing I could think of is removing 2 tabs which hold the recirculation door open about 1/4 inch so there is allways some fresh air entering vehicle.You can access these tabs if you remove the blower motor and reach straight up towards the cowl.With alittle time and effort these tabs could be cut down so the door would close all the way.


I have actually made these tabs bigger for a few customers because of a whistle complaint coming from A/C system driving in a headwind.


Because of the winds from the East lately we have gotton the ash blown back into all of our faces.This has happened atleast 3 times after the fires.


Has anybody installed HEPA filters in a vehicle that does not come with them?I have not,But I would think it could be done.


Everything comes down to money with GM.I still want my Homelink,Sunvisors with lighted mirrors,Underhood light,and Glove box light.But I am not holding my breath.


I will take a look at putting HEPA filters in my truck,See if it can be done.

Thanks Heathen, I will look in to the tabs inside the blower motor. One of the problems is my daughter has Asthma and the dust and pollen really bothers her. I would greatly appreciate a fix for the filter system though and would gladly pay to have it installed, but think GM should offer the fix!


The only problem I can see with removing the tabs is when you do return to fresh air, the dust would enter at that time. That is if there was wind and dust blowing,which had collected in the cowling area.

I removed the trim panel to access where the Hepa filters would be.The case is molded the same as one with Hepa filters.But there is no cover to remove.I am going to have to cut a hole in the case and then make a door to cover the hole.I did not have the time or the balls to cut it yesterday.But I will keep you informed.

Thanks again Heathen, you may have to patent your idea if it works. I'm sure there will be alot of interest.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

I'll second that!!! (Being interested in the conversion)

I work at Delphi where these HVAC units are produced. I used to work in production and have assembled several of the HEPA units. It seems that we used to do alot more Cadillac units and they all had filtration. Once we lost those contracts the non-caddy units worked away from filters. I'm sure this was a decision by GM to save on costs.

That figures. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Disapprove.gif


I wish we could order those units from delphi and if so how hard to install?

I'm not currently working in the HVAC area at Delphi. The filters(2) fit side-by-side in an Air intake assembly that was attached later to the HVAC unit. I'm not sure if the old AI would fit up to the GMT800 unit or not. I'll try to ask around in the next few days. If it is possible then the parts could be ordered most likely through GM. The worst part would be having to take the dash apart to access the unit. Otherwise it's about four screws and an actuator that snaps on.

Thanks Maynard, I appreciate it.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Maynard - I would love to have you post info so we could install the filtering system ourselves... I am ordering a new 04 CC and expect to get it next month.


Do you have any diagrams or other info that could help those of us who want clean air? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif


Thanks!

Have not had time to cut case.Was going to do today but RAIN!!I have bought the HEPA's.Just need time to put them in.

I won't have a chance to get to the wind tunnel/model shop for another week. This will be the best chance of finding out if there is an easy solution to retrofitting the HEPA filters. There are a few people there that have the job of making differant units work in differant cars. They do this to try to line up new customers. I think they will be the best shot. Sorry that it will take so long but I will post any info I can get.

I won't have a chance to get to the wind tunnel/model shop for another week. This will be the best chance of finding out if there is an easy solution to retrofitting the HEPA filters. There are a few people there that have the job of making differant units work in differant cars. They do this to try to line up new customers. I think they will be the best shot. Sorry that it will take so long but I will post any info I can get.

I cut the the case today and slid the HEPA filters in place.I have not built a cover yet.Just need a piece of plastic.So far probably could do the whole job in about an hour.I have pics but dont have any editing to make them a smaller file size so cant post them.

That would be great if you can make those filters work, it's bull that gm took them out. Can't wait to see your article in the DIY section on adding filters to 03-up trucks.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I cut the the case today and slid the HEPA filters in place.I have not built a cover yet.Just need a piece of plastic.So far probably could do the whole job in about an hour.I have pics but dont have any editing to make them a smaller file size so cant post them.





I could resize and host the pictures on my web site if you'd like.


E-mail them to me, mike330r@sandbros.com and I will put them up.





I see your in San Deigo, what part?

Thanks Heathen, I am excited! I can't wait to see the pic's. Will the cover be hard to fabricate?


All of us wanting clean air appreciate your efforts.

Mike I am in El Cajon.Thanks for hosting those pics.Not sure what will need to be done once you host them.Let me know.


dslbrnr Glad I can help out.I dont think the cover will be hard to make at all.Once you see the pics You will understand.Just going to need a flat piece of plastic and some thin foam to seal against the case.I dont think there is much air coming out of the hole I cut because the filter is blocking it, but a cover still should be made.

I am in Clairmont :) Nice truck! Mine should be here in a couple weeks!


Here's the pic's:


http://www.sandbros.com/files/hepa_filter/Picture%20024.jpg





http://www.sandbros.com/files/hepa_filter/Picture%20025.jpg


http://www.sandbros.com/files/hepa_filter/Picture%20026.jpg


http://www.sandbros.com/files/hepa_filter/Picture%20028.jpg


http://www.sandbros.com/files/hepa_filter/Picture%20028.jpg


http://www.sandbros.com/files/hepa_filter/Picture%20029.jpg





And your truck can be seen here: (http://www.sandbros.com/files/hepa_filter/Picture%20010.jpg)

Heathen,

You have come up with a good idea and I'm going to follow it. It would seem that cutting the left side a little more to the right would allow some flat surface to tap a screw into. That assuming the filters could still both be installed.

Thanks for having the cajones to give this a try and for the photos to follow.

Regards,
Bob

In the first pic to the left of my finger there is a piece of plastic I plan on using this to screw the cover into and then at the other end maybe using a j clip.Making the plastic a little larger then the hole I cut and attaching some foam tape to it to seal it should work ok.


thanks again for hosting pics.Where did you buy your truck Mike?Edited by: Heathen

I like this idea as I have horrible dust too in cab.

But it looks like the filter is just shoved into a hole and not sealed against anything. At best it might catch 5% of the dust.

Am I wrong here?

The filter goes to the top of the case and seals about 90% of the evaporator core.You stick the first filter in and push it towards the firewall then stick the second filter in.It does help alot.I have replaced alot of these with 15,000 miles and they are filthy.Leaves,dirt and other debris is trapped in the filter rather then coating the evaporator core.Protecting the Evap. Core is one of the positives of having this installed I have seen the core so packed with dirt and debris no air flow would even pass through it.It is a very costly repair to remove the case and clean or replace the core if the vehicle is out of warranty.

Heathen are those the standard GM filters for the earlier trucks?


Thanks again,


Chris,


Rancho Cucamonga, CA


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

Ok now that you have posted pics, I can see that all they did was seal the hole. That looks like exactly the place where my filters go, just no opening. You can even see a screw hole there like the bottom of the filter cover screws onto on my truck. Looking to the right of the pic I can see the little slot that the tab on the end of the filter cover slides into. It slides in on the front and screws on the back. So you should be able to get a cover from an older truck (2002 and older) and cut a slot to match the cover, then slide some filters in and put that stock cover over it. Clean it up nice with the dremel, then blacken the cuts a bit with some marker and it will look like it is totally stock.


This is great. That was one of my major concerns, getting a truck that would be dirtier inside than my current truck. Excellent.

Hey Heathen, did you get the filter cover made yet? Would you please take some pictures for us.


How is it working?

Has anyone fitted an earlier cover yet?

Now that I looked again at my cover, it is backwards to what that picture shows, the tab is on the front of mine and the screw is at the back. So probably a home fabbed cover will be needed. Too bad, that would have made it really easy. Should still be easy with a plastic strip or light sheet metal. Edited by: _nar_

Bought gauges recently and been working on getting them installed.Will get back to Hepa filter cover soon.All seems to be working well with the filters in place.I will have to drop the trim panel and make cover a piece of plastic should do just fine to cover hole.Just purchased digital camera from Ebay so will wait on its arrival before taking pics.

Has anyone figured out a better fix for this problem. I too am getting alot of dust in my 04 and want to do this mod. Any ideas for a cover?

I have a laser machine, when I do the same thing to my 04 lly cc I will cut a pice of plastic to make a cover on the laser machine, hope to do this weekend, I had a 99 Silverado that had these filters from the factory, if I am not mistaken the tab sticking out in front of the cut hole is how the cover screws in with a tab that slips into the other end of the hole. If I make a cover I will make a template