Chevy Blend Door Actuator Replacement - Part 1
Вставка
- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- This video describes the basic task of replacing one of the cooling system blend door actuators. As described in the video, we have a 2010 Traverse that all of a sudden started only blowing HOT air into the passenger seat. After days of internet study, I found that it was most likely the "blend door actuator". I found a cool parts diagram of the AC system, so knew where to look. After finding the bad actuator, I removed it, ordered the part, and am ready to install the working part.
Diagram: www.tonkinonlin...
RockAuto Part: www.rockauto.co...
Before you take this project on, get a "finger ratchet" to make removing your three screws waaaaaay easier. When I purchased my actuator from Amazon the finger ratchet came up as a recommended item and it made installing the new actuator a breeze. It took me 40 minutes to remove the panel, the glove box, and the actuator and ten minutes to reinstall with the finger ratchet. Thanks again Dan.
This problem is so common, been going on for years with the same bad part, and so expensive to fix it should be a recall. I buy American all I can but things like this make me want to buy a Toyota next time.
Nice video! Thanks for taking the time. You're very good at it.
I just wanted to let this guy know that he made this video. Some simple that a woman can do with it herself. You helped me diagnose my problem. ( my was the main actuator on the driver side) And how to take it apart. And now the taping sound is gone. Thanks so much for your video.
Dan, thanks for sharing and saving us some time and money. Good karma at you. +VinylToVideo, I love my 2012 Chevy Impala LTZ. After 96K and I had to replace a $25 part, in 30 minutes, I'm not complaining. This big car is solid, easy to work on, parts are cheap, and drives like a dream. Has 300+ HP with a 6 speed tranny. It can haul ass and gets 30 MPG on the highway. This is my 3rd one. Thank you General Motors and all the folks that designed and built these great American cars.
Dan, I've been living with that clicking sound for years. Guess I just got used to it, UNTIL I came upon your post. SO... now knowing what I was looking for and analyze the problem, I made it a point to remedy it today.
I believe someone said new actuator was $30 at AutoZone, $80 at the dealer (plus labor). I went to the salvage yard today and pulled the two that I needed to replace and they only charged me $4 each. Now one has to have LOTS of patience to replace them as there are TIGHT to get
Video definitely helped with changing driver's side blend door actuator on my '97 Venture, thanks. RE MY Venture: two 5.5mm bolts secured actuator. A small stationary post slides into the top hole. Move small black box (3" x 5") by sliding it forward (backward?). Remove white plastic plate that box was attached to by carefully prying towards center of vehicle. (It basically is secured like a typical plug: 3 hooks go into 3 holes in a metal bracket secured above the plate.) Doing the above created enough room to get a 1/4"ratchet/socket fairly easily. I like to use putty to secure the bolts into the socket when re-installing. The blend door shaft is white and oval-like shaped and the hole in the actuator has to line up accordingly. Shaft can be flipped back and forth to help line the two up. I had to eventually plug in the actuator and operate it while off the shaft so I could put the hole in position to line up with the shaft. Thanks again for the video and for letting me piggyback the Venture info.
Good video , good information. Very tight quarters for sure as I replaced the actuator for the air vent operation. You had an even more difficult one to do. I made a short tool with a drilled 1/8 hole in the short socket that held a short T20 bit and put in a short drill blank thru the socket for leverage with a little tape wrap on the ends to cushion for fingers to turn the T20 bit. Thanks again. Hopefully my tool will come in handy when I must change the actuator that you had to. Also, my old actuator had a burned resister that I am replacing, same place that you mentioned. Then I will have a spare since the rest of the board and motor looks good.
I'm sorry to say this but I learned my lesson with rockauto.com. You truly get what you pay for.
+BORTAC82 MAYBE a little more info on why you are complaining about rockauto??
Thanks for this Dan! Our Chevy dealer wanted ~$400 to fix our AC that was stuck on defrost and this cost me about $35 and an hour of work. Awesome!
Hey dan great video! Helped me out a lot I replace 2 of my actuators on my impala it has 3 but only had to replace 2. The one under the glove box was easy but the one on the driver side was a lot harder. I took off pretty much everything to get to it and I could only fit half my hand in there. I had to detach some clips that were holding some wires to be able to fit my hand in there. It took me about an hour and a half to replace that sucker lol! My heater is a hot as the AZ weather now! Thanks again you saved me 900 dollars!!
Awesome. Your video helped. I changed my door actuator because the defroster only worked and wouldn't switch over. Cost me about $50 for an Oreilly's one. Would've been way cheaper on ebay but needed it now. Anyways, changed it out and WALLAH!! It works now. Thanks again.
BTW the actuator I changed using a 7/32 socket. A little ratchet fit pretty well.
Thanks Dan. Great video & straight to the point. Just replacing a single resistor for under a $1 would do the fix. I chose to replace the whole unit just in case the gears decided to go out next. It’s people like yourself that make life a joy when DIY is preferred.
I found that GM used the same actuators for years! SO, the part numbers were the same for about 10 years and used in Silverado, Tahoe, Sierra and Suburban. Someone before me at the yard needed something behind the dash which saved me the trouble of removing the glove box and wire harness from the firewall behind the blower motor which helped. It also helps to remove the vent/stereo panel to get the one behind that. But nothing really helps getting to the one behind the blower motor.
Hey Dan, thank you for the video. Coincidentally, a faulty actuator was the first major problem that I had with my wifes 2011 Traverse. The blower was stuck on the defroster setting. Luckily for me, it was the one you demo'd, which was relatively easier to reach from the glove compartment with a T20 plug and a spanner. I did come away with some nicks and scrapes on my hands but that's nothing compared to the pain that $500+ dealership quote would have caused to replace it.
I would like to add that while the faulty actuator has been removed, you can manually turn the axle that the actuator turns, to change the setting, until you replace it. Care must be taken to gently check which way to turn it or the damage caused would cost a lot more to fix.
Thanks again! -Lionel.
Thank you so much, sir. Your knowledge has helped me replace that part and stop the click click clicking noise.
Dan, I appreciate you posting this video. We're actually having the opposite issue on our Tahoe with the passenger side blowing cold air when I have the heat on. Wasn't so much a problem in the summer but now it's getting into fall and we're having 32 degree temps. Brrr!!!!! Now, at least we have an idea of what the problem might be. Thanks again!
I'm SO glad you got those fixed...and for $4?? SWEET!!
Good info, doesnt cover my vehicle but is sound advice and as we all know most GM vehicles are very close to the vehicle Dan used. Great job
Awesome video. You got my 2011 Traverse working again with little $$$. Thanks Dan!!
as a side note for those that dont want or cant spend the cash on a new actuator but need the cool air like in many parts of the us like we do here in phoenix az follow his steps up to taking apart the actuator and pry up slightly on the motor geer enough so it is not contacting the gears then you can move the shaft to where you want it.
Dan, I've been looking for something like this for about a month now and the clicking is driving me nuts. I've had them replaced once already, which ran me close to $300. Unfortunately, the warranty has run out on me, and I'd much rather not pay $300 again when I can do it relatively quickly and inexpensively. Thanks again and kudos!
Thank you for this video! I was able to replace one of my actuators successfully.
Thanks! I had a prob with mine stuck on floor/defrost also like another comment, that actuator is the one directly above the one you are replacing. Drivers actuator does hot/cold for driver. Only thing I did different is to get a small ratcheting set from Lowes for under $10 Kobalt 9-Piece 4-in Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver Item #: 239459 Model #: 60359. Made things go faster and easier than using needle nose. The set comes with a T20 also.
Not sure which actuator you replaced. The one on top you say is for air control from windshield to floor. The lower passenger actuator I assume is for the air temp control . My temp flow is now stuck mostly on cold side meaning I am now freezing my ass off going down the highway in 30 deg rainy weather while trying to constant wipe the moisture and fog off my windshield. No heat no defrosting evaporation. Your diagram & video helped me. tks.
I replaced the lower actuator on the passenger side. The passenger side has two actuators. The driver's side has one. From what I can tell, the lower actuator controls heat vs. AC. I really think you need to get your hand up in there when you're stopped, change the temp settings and zones, and feel if the actuators are moving at all.
The lower one controls a door flap in the vent that opens or closes the heater core air even when the AC is running. I removed my non-functioning lower actuator and opened the vent flap by hand allowing heated air to pass. I probably will end up buying a new actuator but am attempting to repair the original first. So far I found the diode to be open and possibly the Zener diode shorted. Wish I could find a schematic to tell me the component values of these.
where lower actuator is located ?
just wanted thank you for such an awsome explanation,i have a 2010 acadia also bought it brand new, and having the same issue no heat on the wifee side LOL!!!
you just saved me about $500 as i was just about to take it to ther dealer... keep up the good work
Good job, no nonsense in getting right to the point. Thank you.
As I said, they are TIGHT to get at. I needed to change the one behind the stereo, and the other behind the blower motor. The one behind blower motor, I removed the glove box, and IF one has long enough arms and small enough hands, can reach through the glove box and under the dash with a small 1/4 drive ratchet and 9/32 socket. The hand through the glove box has to hold with one finger the socket on the screw while the other hand ratchets. Easier said than done, but that's how I did it.
Thanks for making this easy to follow and speaking clearly. Still wondering if I need to remove the console on my 2005 Trailblazer to gain access. No-one has done a step by step on the Trailblazers yet -that I know of. Thx
I suppose it's possible if both actuators have failed, but they perform separate functions. It's a REAL pain in the butt to get to the lower actuator. Take your time. Small turns of the bit. Lots of light. Lots of patience!
Thank you for the video. I saved $350 dollars by doing this myself.
Dan you have a great series of Utubes here! thank you so much!!!
In part 1, you had a component diagram and mentioned that you would provide a link for us to obtain a copy. I can't find the link. Can you provide the link ASAP? (I AM IN THE COLD NORTHEAST AND MY HEATER WILL NOT HEAT) BEST VIDEO I HAVE SEEN TO HELP A DIY'ER. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
+Chuck Bernd A friend showed me where to find it. (for those still looking, you'll find it after going to the "SHOW MORE "link above)
Thanks for posting this video you were a big help with fixing this problem.
Thanks for showing the driver's side to.
my 05 GMC has manual dual zone. I think my problem is drivers side actuator. THANKS, great video!!
1. Make sure you check all sides. Also make sure to remove the pin on each side by using a standard screw driver and spinning the plastic nuts 180 degrees. then you should be able to just pop the glove compartment down VERY SLOWLY.
2. Reach down and put your finger in the small hole on the outside of the actuator. Adjust temp settings and also zone settings. Every actuator should move. I'm guessing the lower actuator is defective. That's the one that controls heat/cool.
Thanks man, although my problem is my air wont switch vents, its stuck on floor and defrost blend. So I can still switch hot/cold. I still looking online trying to locate the actuator that's bad.
You just saved my whole weekend buddy! Thanks a ton
Im stuck after removing the glove compartment. I can't access the actuators. Only removed the lower screw. Seems I need to remove the dashboard? Removed all the screws from the plastic piece below the dashboard but I can't get it out. Any recommendation/video?
Hi Dan, thanks for the post! Do you happen to know where the actuator for the REAR passenger vent is ?
Thanks. I tried to keep it concise, but it was tough. It's quite a process! But anything to save some bucks!
Great video thanks so much for posting it. Simple but very helpful
That might be the actuator on the driver's side. Remove both sides of panels. Move your air from top to bottom and feel back there with your finger to feel if the actuator is moving. Also, shine a bright light down the vend and do the same. You should be able to clearly see the vents move. You might have an obstruction.
I have a question is the same fix when the air is not coming out of the front vents and only on the defrost part of the windshield and down part of my foot ?
Very helpful. Thank you.
'09 Pontiac G8 here. Ready to go actuator hunting. Blows cold on driver's side, hot on passenger.
I have a 2012 Chevy traverse and the driver side isn't blowing anything out, my mechanic says the actuator is in the door. is this correct? because all post I'm finding is where your mentioning.
When i turn on air on my 03 sonoma im not able to use only the defrost or foot vents .for example Im getting air from all vents even though i have it on defrost . What can it be?
My problem is that when we turn on the heater, it blows correctly on the passenger side, but the driver's side and defroster both blow cold air. Does that mean I need to replace the driver's site actuator?
I am having two problems with my heating system on a 2010 Chevy Traverse. The first is it's stuck on the front vents and will not switch to others and the second is, it will not switch from hot to cold it's stuck on hot. Will just switching the blend door actuator fix both problems? Or do I have to switch out another one as well? Thanks
So I have too replace 2 actuators 1 on the driver side and the lower one on the passengers side , are they all the same part number? I see doorman has a -140 and a -141 anyone know which ones I would need thanks mike Chevrolet traverse 2010
When you say it was blowing hot was the temp it was displaying hot also? or down at the temp you wanted it to be and it just wasn't reaching it
My Chevy recently started making that "click/tick" noise. If I unplug the actuator, the noise ceases. Is it safe to ride around with the A/C while having an unplugged actuator?
absolutely worked! Thanks😊
I suppose this might be part of my problem 2011 traverse not switching over from heat to ac in front...back is fine...???
Good video. Helped a lot. 136 dealers dislike this video.
Sorry, Late to the party. So you don't have to remove the dash as I been told I would have to in my 2009 Malibu LTZ? Been quoted over $800 or more after calling several places. Jeeeesh, I been cold for 5 years and this is all I've had to do?
Dan the man!
@Dan Abbott
thank you so much. all this information helped a lot. tyvm. :D
cheers mate
Great Video.
I was hopeing it would be the same on a GMC 2500HD its not so still trying to find out how to get to them
Couple of questions - 2011 Traverse, no heat only cool air on right passenger side.
1. The glove box won't come off the hinge and I don't want to force it?
2. I can see the actuators; one is reachable and the other is impossible but I can't tell if they are moving? I adjusted the temp but I can't tell if they move...is it possible both are defected?
Any help will work. I just spent Cash on tires, brakes and rotors this month now this...
have the issue with my 2007 tahoe will blow cold then go hot for both sides are all my actuators out?
So if the whole vehicle does not have ac, do I replace driver side and passenger side?
My friend I have a problem with My Chevy Traverse 2011 and its a little bit annoying
I start to hear water behind the dashboard and later on it damaged the "fan" front of the passenger seat , I replaced It but the water still there!!
lately i knew that the AC drain line is clogged
I don't mind to pay money to fix but the problem when i went to the mechanic he said its going cost you about 1000$$ "we will remove the dashboard!!!!!!"
I saw some videos for the other cars to how to open the clogged; but I couldn't find the drain line.
can you help me out by showing a video for where this drain line located?
thanks and sorry for the long message.
On my 2009 Impala the middle/passenger actuator can be replaced from the glove box, but the one on the drivers side I was told was not, and that one was loud, and banged for about 1 to 2 minutes, then shut off, but only blew hot air on the drivers side. Chevy wanted a $1000 to fix it and told me it was 6 hours work, but had the car in Brake Masters for a minor repair and they told me they could fix it for $288 including the part. I saw how they did it, turns out with the drivers door open, the end of my dash comes off and you can reach in there and you can replace it. Only thing I heard is the GM parts on this was improved and is better than the off market actuator parts . My 2001 Mercury Marquis is also now doing it!. Since I don't really like or need that car , just might get rid of it.
What year and model of car do you have? On our 2010 Traverse it was just two little knobs, one on each side. Turn 180 degrees and pull out/away. Then carefully open the glove compartment and pull up to detach from the front dash.
Great job, Jake! Very smart move.
Does this work when your a/c blows hot? My a/c in the front and back are not working.
what about if all the forward vents are blowing hot
thank you for your post I have a 2500HD blowing hot on one side and cold on the other took it to the dealer they said all 3 Actuator or bad dont know but ill try what you did also they wanted $1800 to fix it so I took it home
WOW. Do it yourself. The actuators are only about $35 a piece!! Just go slow and work off the diagrams you should find on the internet.
Dear Eugene I would share with you my experience on Chevy Traverse model 2009 I had same problem which you have and I fixed my self after searching lots on internet realy some video are confusing and not providing a correct inforamtion which actuator is faulty ,kinldy Keep in your mind as below 1- Driver side Actuator is functioning only provding heat / Cold air whenever you require by selecting knob.2- The Passenger side actuator (which is installed at left hand side and seem very clear when you removed glove box) is functioning only providing Air flow at top, front and foot when you select by selecting know or pressing a switch.3- The third actuator which is installed also at passenger side near beside second actuator is functioning only provding Heat / cold air at passenger side when you select cold or heat. KIndly go through on above detail and think about which section having a problem in CAR ,driver side or Passenger side Br// Naveed.A.SyedSaudi Arab
+Dan Abbott Dan please help me I have a Chevy cobalt 2008 ls and I have no heat I changed the thermo and flushed the car so o think it's the blend food i tried taking the dashboard apart to see if I can see the blend door but with this Chevy u can't even see the blend door easily, it's real frustrating
I have a 2010 Acadia with the same problem. I found a number of actuators on rock auto and I'm not sure which one to get. can you share the part number you purchased from rock auto?
You're the best.
Could someone please comment on how they got the top screw out on the actuator of a 94 Chevy Silverado!!!
I opened the actuator that was in my car, and it had some weird paste on it. hopefully, I will have hot air, after I replaced it
Thank you 😊
Dan I need that diagram for my vehicle but can't find it anywhere.Could you give me the link or tell me where you found it?
My Traverse 2010 is blowing only COOL air on Drivers side. Wich actuator do I have to replace? Can you give me the number it has on the Diagram you provided?
Is the Blend Door Actuator located behind the glove compartment and or where exactly?
hey dan. are the passenger and driver side actuator the same part#?
Where is the third it looks nothing like the rest I have no heat on either side
My .02 is Chevy sux I have a '11 equinox and I paid $14k and so far I have had to replace the battery in 6mos of ownership the driver's door window motor is almost fried and the blend door actuator is shot all in 6 mo's don't buy from car mart you'll get skrewed automatically.
Oh almost forgot today my cheap wipers broke assuming the linkage is broken!🙄
It's funny. I googled this and told the dealership what the problem was. They changed the name a little bit and asked for $200 to fix the "mode door" lol smh
So if my driver's sode blow heat when the AC is on, its the passenger side lower actuator?
I have a dual zone system
Cool job.
I have the same symptoms with my 2010 Acadia. Which actuator did you determine was bad?
The one behind the glove compartment. I had a feeling it was that one since it CONSTANTLY blew hot and roasted my legs any time we were in the car. I checked the other two and they were working great, so left them alone.
I have a 04 chevy 2500 silverado and when im driving down the road just the driver side will start to blow warm, then have to turn of the truck and restart and then it works again for a short time. Do you think its my driver side actuator and do you think it will fix my problem since its GM problem.
I have the same problem on a 2006 Silverado. Did you find a fix?
Same problem same truck year and model. Now, it's quit blowing cold completely on drivers side. Tried the fuse fix no bueno. You fix it?
My time well spent! :-)
Thanks a ton.....Go Hawks!
What size screws?
Dan, again I commend you for producing a great video. However, I'm curious as to where you came up with the term "blend doors"? My 2009 Saturn Outlook calls the three knobs on the dash (I do not have the dual driver/passenger system) as follows:left knob "fan control, center knob "temperature control" and the right knob "air delivery mode control"The rear has three knobs also and are labeled the same in the owners manual. Thus, would expect to see any actuators labeled the same.
I have a 2008 cobalt ls I don't see the blend door easily
+Guedeline Paris
I found it on the drivers side, behind car radio
Let me know what you think Dan Abbott
Cant figure out how to remove glove box
oh is this the cause of driver side blow cold air and passenger side hot air?
Yes! Exactly.
Hello Dan Thank you very much for this video .The actuator as showned in your video and I removed and checked out it is moving left and right and working fine. I also moved inside plastic flippers by hand up ,middle and downed position when actautor was out but still hot air is coming and roastering me from passenger side. I am sure actuator is OK. Do you have any other idea kindly support me !!Naveed .A.syed ( Saudi Arab)
Dan Abbott I have a question maybe sounds stupid but if I don't ask I would never know,,,can I use ac without door actuators? I mean can I disconnect door actuators?
Yes you can use
Naved Akhtar thanks ,,yesterday I removed the dash and there is a plastic piece that moves temperature doors I set it at cold side it was stuck on heater ,,thanks btw I disconnected door actuators and its working fine
This video would have been much better with a ISU Cyclone head rest cover on the back seat.
IOWA Alumnus...so no choice. LOL
AWESOME idea, Jake!! :-D
my Chevy cobalt 2008 ls blows cold air threw all vents I'm really frustrated that I'm being asked $1000 to fix this
Very informational!! Thank you!
This happens with too many Chevy models, please comment here www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Recalls+&+Defects
I just had to do the same thing to my 98 oldsmobile