Great video. I did mine by putting a pillow between the seats and laying across them on my right side. It was comfortable enough that I didn't get cramped up and I had decent leverage to remove both screws.
I just changed out my passenger side actuator. Your video was very helpful. I was actually able to go in from underneath and behind the actuator with a 1/4” drive ratchet and 7mm to get the rear screw. Also, my splines would not line up to install the new one, so I opened up the screen door to the blender and lifted the door all the way up and it lined up perfect. Turned the jeep on and tested, all is right in the world now.
Your video was a huge help I was able to complete this yesterday. I was able to get a small right angle multi bit screw driver with 1/4 socket attached and small extension. I was able to reach straight in with both hands , arms fully extended to set the socket but only operator it with my left hand. My face was literally jammed against the dashboard . I found it easiest just to do it by feel since you cannot see anything. My gears were not stripped, at first I thought the actuator was missing teeth, but appears to be designed that way. I noticed that the gear was rather loose, which was the issue compared to the new one. Thanks again ! Forgot to add mine was the passenger side actuator. Just follow this video and be patient with it and keep your cool you’ll get it done.
Thank you. This is exactly what I was looking for, for the passenger side unfortunately. I will use this and attack the problem. Excellent video along with precise explanation.
Just did this job today along with the hvac control module. I just unbolted the whole module in front of the actuator rather than disconnecting it from the frame. I doubt it made it any easier than your way since many choice words were uttered in my process along the way lol. But great filming and precise explanation in your video! Makes me wish I looked for your video before I finished my installation 👍.
Thank you for kind video to replace the actuator. My 2014 Rubicon Unlimited have to do change blend door actuator. It is very helpful taking parts and tools to fix it. Thanks again from South Korea!!
Excellent video. The passenger actuator was making a noise on mine, but I replaced it and it still made the noise. It turned out the gears on the actual door itself were cracked and not able to engage the actuator. Didn't know how to fix it so I just unplugged the harness because the noise was driving me crazy. Now I hear another actuator starting to make noise. These Jeeps aren't the most well made...
Glad to have run across your video. Appreciate the details and lessons learned. I will undertake this task in the coming weeks when the weather goes above 0!
Hello, so I was successful in performing this surgery thanks to you and the great directions. I did this to address my all-hot all-cold no warm issue but it did not make a difference. It still shoots all cold (left rotation) or all hot (right rotation) but trying to get it into the warm setting/area...no go. Any ideas? Thanks again.
Great video! I can report, that my driver side actuator wasn’t working because the plastic ring gears inside the case were not correctly aligned. I had to take them out and realign them and now the door works perfectly. They must have jumped during my last wheeling trip. You need the missing tooth to hit that line when you are on full heat.
Just wait until you have to change out your PCV valve. That small thumb driver might be your ticket as there is no room back there. Thank you for making this video as now I know where all three are. At least they make all the actuators the same! Better than dealing with three different types in three locations.
Ur help is greatly appreciated. I get mine changed, of course the passenger side difficult one. The palm rachet was great advice and very useful. The rear screw was easy, the front screw however, very difficult. There’s a cup under it which attaches to a harness. Kept losing the screw into thsy cup. Got ti done tho
Better if you approach from the drivers side and lay across the center console to unscrew those actuator bolts behind the glove box. Other than that, this video is golden.
I did this job today…1 part from rock auto had too small of a spline. Had to buy one from O’Reilly’s. 2. Actuator is slightly canted which threw me for a loop until I realized that there was an alignment notch next to the upper screw. That made it way easier to get the screws lined up and back in place. 3. I started the Jeep with the TCM still unplugged to test the actuator. Then put it back together and took it for a drive. When I restarted it,it threw a check engine light for lost connection to the TCM. It should clear when the Jeep tests it again but it’s still on after the test drive.
Yes I've seen people mention that and I don't think it would hurt. In my case there was still plenty of grease piled up on the part, so I just smeared it around
Hey Mike, great video. I appreciate everything you do to help us DIYers as I rely on your videos and reference them often. Just a thought. I know a lot of folks might not want to do this, and I don't even know if it would be possible, or even help in the long run. But, could you use a "1/2 inch hole saw (or larger) and cut a hole in the firewall to better access that passenger side blend door actuator screw? Easy enough and could be plugged with commonly available firewall plugs. Would never be seen again by most, and would be available to use down the road should this exercise be required again. Just a thought. I realize that this wasn't your Jeep so cutting holes is probably not "okay" but seems like a reasonable method. I'm about to have to attempt the same thing on a 2015 F-150 Platinum so please wish me luck. Thanks again for all that you do. You have no idea how grateful I am to have you as a resource. Best wishes. -Andy (down the street from you in H.R.)
Great video. I had to do this on my 15 JKUR but unfortunately my duct would NOT come out. Got it done though. Doesn't seem like the force of my a/c goes as hi now though.
Thank you so much for this! I just completed the easier driver side, but having difficulty replacing the plastic floor vent piece back into its place. Getting it out was also difficult as it was hard to get a firm grasp on it due to its location and everything else being in the way. Any tips for getting it to fit up inside and slide over the existing mounting spot since we cannot maneuver it very well?
@@TheBFHGarage Thanks! Been messing w/ it for an hour, and cannot get the 1st piece/back half to align and slide over the existing plastic edges where it mounts. There is no rotational room and Im hitting the dash plastic while still needing it to move up/rearward by nearly 1/4 inch. Does it have more space by pushing it towards the centerline somehow?
@@TheBFHGarage haha, this is humbling. My wife, albiet with smaller hands, less frustration, and a basic understanding of the sandwiched space, basically replaced it within 2 minutes. She did it based on feel w/o much vision not even using a light. Behind every good man is a Great woman! I also removed the metal bar (two 8 mm bolts) supporting the lower dash plastic that was in the way.
Absolutely great video. AC suddenly stopped blowing cold air and has started back again. I hear that same clicking sound but only on drivers side yet passenger and driver side are blowing hot air. Question: if driver side actuator is bad will passenger side still blow cold air?
At about 10:45 on the video accessing the driver's side actuator, that vertical support can be unbolted at top and bottom. Access is easier but still not all that great. That duct is a real pill. The last person to have been in there just kind of laid the duct in there and didn't fasten it to the plenum. No wonder my daughter complained of not getting heat on her feet!
Temp Control-Left Blend Door Control and AC Knob, Recirc-Right- Recirculation Door and Fan Speed Control Knob , Front Mode-Air Flow Direction Middle Blend Door and rear window defroster Knob. My JSCAN tool I use to calibrated the doors after installation.
OMG. The passenger side actuator had me scream swearing. I then tried coming at it from the driver's side, through the glove box opening and i could access the screw closest to the engine much easier. Also bought a disc like you had but mine ratchets. Went much easier with that tool using my right hand. I'm right handed btw. Thanks for the video!
Hi Mike, sorry if this is not the best video for my comment. My jku (2016) has air flow issues - when I change from panel flow to floor or floor/panel mix - limited air comes out or no air at all unless I turn the knob back and forth from panel to def etc. Sometimes this is accompanied by a funny smell. Does this sound like I have an Actuator failure? (I still have both cold and hot air, just a flow problem)
I don’t have the clicking on my 2013 wrangler but I have zero heat. Flushed the heater core 3 times without any luck. I also changed the blend door on the drivers side, any ideas?
Excellent video Mike! Thank you so much. Would a flexible bit driver extension, like the ones that come with the powered screw drivers work for that back bolt? Mine's about 12 inches long. I always enjoy your videos and learn so much!
I was actually considering getting one of those butt couldn't find one long enough. 12" won't even be close. By the time you add the bends needed I bet your looking at 24"-30".
The dealer diagnosed a failed blend door actuator as noted on my report (which I replaced with a Dorman brand 8 months ago for the driver's side). Worked great. Lately, I have weird AC issues; took it to dealer and they said my blend door actuator is bad. After watching this video, I realized there are 3 blend door actuators. How do I know which one is broken?
@@williamlee7782 you can hear it. The one in the middle is easy and most likely not it. The one on passenger side has easy access to see but difficult to replace.
@@TheBFHGarage thank you. I pulled the glove compartment out and the passenger side actuator works fine. I've no clicks anywhere. When the driver's side failed, the motor failed so I replaced the unit. I now hear the driver's side working which leaves the center. Do you know how I can get the center one to actuate? ps: I don't have blower function and dealer thinks it is my TIPM but can't diagnose without me spending more than the $200 they already earned to tell me that the blend door actuator is not working. 😅
@@TheBFHGarage I checked again and the center one works. I'm puzzled as to why the dealership would tell me that a/thr door actuator failed on the diagnostic scan. Thanks for your help.
not tried this but maybe for the passenger side, removing the antenna completely first will get you access to the screws from that hole? Just a thought
Just did this it's a bit of a pain because of the tight space but working fine now, however my jeep now shifts rough from park to reverse or drive. Wasn't doing it before the repair. Fml
I cussed way more than you did, lol. I own a car dealership and mechanic shop. Pneumatic 1/4 air ratchet from Harbor Freight fit right in. Remove the front screw that you can see and knock the blend door out with a pry bar. Easiest way to get to the back one since it'll be visible.
Great video. I did mine by putting a pillow between the seats and laying across them on my right side. It was comfortable enough that I didn't get cramped up and I had decent leverage to remove both screws.
I just changed out my passenger side actuator. Your video was very helpful. I was actually able to go in from underneath and behind the actuator with a 1/4” drive ratchet and 7mm to get the rear screw.
Also, my splines would not line up to install the new one, so I opened up the screen door to the blender and lifted the door all the way up and it lined up perfect. Turned the jeep on and tested, all is right in the world now.
Your video was a huge help I was able to complete this yesterday. I was able to get a small right angle multi bit screw driver with 1/4 socket attached and small extension. I was able to reach straight in with both hands , arms fully extended to set the socket but only operator it with my left hand. My face was literally jammed against the dashboard . I found it easiest just to do it by feel since you cannot see anything. My gears were not stripped, at first I thought the actuator was missing teeth, but appears to be designed that way. I noticed that the gear was rather loose, which was the issue compared to the new one. Thanks again ! Forgot to add mine was the passenger side actuator. Just follow this video and be patient with it and keep your cool you’ll get it done.
Thank you. This is exactly what I was looking for, for the passenger side unfortunately. I will use this and attack the problem. Excellent video along with precise explanation.
Just did this job today along with the hvac control module. I just unbolted the whole module in front of the actuator rather than disconnecting it from the frame. I doubt it made it any easier than your way since many choice words were uttered in my process along the way lol. But great filming and precise explanation in your video! Makes me wish I looked for your video before I finished my installation 👍.
I should add I did the drivers side
Do you need to position the recirculating blend door in any position before installing the actuator?
Thank you for kind video to replace the actuator. My 2014 Rubicon Unlimited have to do change blend door actuator. It is very helpful taking parts and tools to fix it. Thanks again from South Korea!!
Excellent video. The passenger actuator was making a noise on mine, but I replaced it and it still made the noise. It turned out the gears on the actual door itself were cracked and not able to engage the actuator. Didn't know how to fix it so I just unplugged the harness because the noise was driving me crazy. Now I hear another actuator starting to make noise. These Jeeps aren't the most well made...
One of the best videos on this I've seen, thanks.
Your video is very easy to follow. I haven't done it yet, but when the part gets here I can do this with knowing how to do it! Thank you!
Mike ,,
Thank you very much man, very helpful .I replaced mine step by step with your video.
Thanks again !!!!
Thank you! This is literally the best video on UA-cam!
Glad to have run across your video. Appreciate the details and lessons learned. I will undertake this task in the coming weeks when the weather goes above 0!
Hello, so I was successful in performing this surgery thanks to you and the great directions. I did this to address my all-hot all-cold no warm issue but it did not make a difference. It still shoots all cold (left rotation) or all hot (right rotation) but trying to get it into the warm setting/area...no go. Any ideas? Thanks again.
Thank you used your video to fix mine in about 30 minutes. Very much appreciated.
Thanks. You explained enough to make this as easy as possible. Glad I only had to do the driver side (for now).
I have the passenger side clicking on my daughters Jeep dreading this challenge thanks for the tip’s great video
Great video! I can report, that my driver side actuator wasn’t working because the plastic ring gears inside the case were not correctly aligned. I had to take them out and realign them and now the door works perfectly. They must have jumped during my last wheeling trip. You need the missing tooth to hit that line when you are on full heat.
opened my box up to find the "plastic post" that mounts the top white gear was completely sheared off.. gotta love cheap plastic #$%^ (CPS)
Thank you for such a thorough explanation! I wish more videos were like yours! Thanks again!!
Thank you very much for your video. Very clear and good camera position. Thank you!!!
Just wait until you have to change out your PCV valve. That small thumb driver might be your ticket as there is no room back there.
Thank you for making this video as now I know where all three are. At least they make all the actuators the same! Better than dealing with three different types in three locations.
Ur help is greatly appreciated. I get mine changed, of course the passenger side difficult one. The palm rachet was great advice and very useful. The rear screw was easy, the front screw however, very difficult. There’s a cup under it which attaches to a harness. Kept losing the screw into thsy cup. Got ti done tho
@@MapleLeithArt I like hearing success stories like this. Great job!
Very informative and helpful!!! Excellent job.
Omg what a great video! I’m about to tackle this same problem. Thanks for the informative instructions!
Thank you i solved the problem i didnt have hot air and the vents were not up and down❤God bless you
Better if you approach from the drivers side and lay across the center console to unscrew those actuator bolts behind the glove box. Other than that, this video is golden.
Depends on how much you like your ribs! Either way hurts lol
I did this job today…1 part from rock auto had too small of a spline. Had to buy one from O’Reilly’s. 2. Actuator is slightly canted which threw me for a loop until I realized that there was an alignment notch next to the upper screw. That made it way easier to get the screws lined up and back in place. 3. I started the Jeep with the TCM still unplugged to test the actuator. Then put it back together and took it for a drive. When I restarted it,it threw a check engine light for lost connection to the TCM. It should clear when the Jeep tests it again but it’s still on after the test drive.
Would a dab of lithium grease be beneficial to lubricate the slot in the blend door arm to keep things moving easier?
Yes I've seen people mention that and I don't think it would hurt. In my case there was still plenty of grease piled up on the part, so I just smeared it around
Wow simply great instructions .................... My 2014 wrangler blowing cold air on passenger side only .... hope its that blend actuator ...
Was that the problem? My 07 is doing the same thing.
Hey Mike, great video. I appreciate everything you do to help us DIYers as I rely on your videos and reference them often.
Just a thought. I know a lot of folks might not want to do this, and I don't even know if it would be possible, or even help in the long run. But, could you use a "1/2 inch hole saw (or larger) and cut a hole in the firewall to better access that passenger side blend door actuator screw? Easy enough and could be plugged with commonly available firewall plugs. Would never be seen again by most, and would be available to use down the road should this exercise be required again. Just a thought. I realize that this wasn't your Jeep so cutting holes is probably not "okay" but seems like a reasonable method.
I'm about to have to attempt the same thing on a 2015 F-150 Platinum so please wish me luck.
Thanks again for all that you do. You have no idea how grateful I am to have you as a resource.
Best wishes.
-Andy (down the street from you in H.R.)
I wouldn't do that just for rust purposes, but you could I suppose. Glad these videos help you out!
Extremely generous of you. Many thanks.
Easy to follow video. Thank you for making it simple. I did notice that after I change it my engine light came on. Do I have to reset anything?
@@AlSutton-k9c what is the check engine code?
Great video. I had to do this on my 15 JKUR but unfortunately my duct would NOT come out. Got it done though. Doesn't seem like the force of my a/c goes as hi now though.
Thank you so much for this! I just completed the easier driver side, but having difficulty replacing the plastic floor vent piece back into its place. Getting it out was also difficult as it was hard to get a firm grasp on it due to its location and everything else being in the way. Any tips for getting it to fit up inside and slide over the existing mounting spot since we cannot maneuver it very well?
Keep wiggling it until it snaps in place... Take a close look at how it goes together and that will help. Certainly a frustrating thing to do!
@@TheBFHGarage Thanks! Been messing w/ it for an hour, and cannot get the 1st piece/back half to align and slide over the existing plastic edges where it mounts. There is no rotational room and Im hitting the dash plastic while still needing it to move up/rearward by nearly 1/4 inch. Does it have more space by pushing it towards the centerline somehow?
@@TheBFHGarage haha, this is humbling. My wife, albiet with smaller hands, less frustration, and a basic understanding of the sandwiched space, basically replaced it within 2 minutes. She did it based on feel w/o much vision not even using a light. Behind every good man is a Great woman! I also removed the metal bar (two 8 mm bolts) supporting the lower dash plastic that was in the way.
@ninjaryder1st my hands are big and it gave me issues too!
The first module you remove… what is it? Because it’s not in my 2011.
How hard is it to remove the antenna and use the hole to access the back screw on passenger side?
Absolutely great video. AC suddenly stopped blowing cold air and has started back again. I hear that same clicking sound but only on drivers side yet passenger and driver side are blowing hot air. Question: if driver side actuator is bad will passenger side still blow cold air?
@@charlies7658 that I do not know
Thank you! Awesome video
Hello. Great video, very detailed👍
At about 10:45 on the video accessing the driver's side actuator, that vertical support can be unbolted at top and bottom. Access is easier but still not all that great. That duct is a real pill. The last person to have been in there just kind of laid the duct in there and didn't fasten it to the plenum. No wonder my daughter complained of not getting heat on her feet!
Temp Control-Left Blend Door Control and AC Knob, Recirc-Right- Recirculation Door and Fan Speed Control Knob
, Front Mode-Air Flow Direction Middle Blend Door and rear window defroster Knob. My JSCAN tool I use to calibrated the doors after installation.
OMG. The passenger side actuator had me scream swearing. I then tried coming at it from the driver's side, through the glove box opening and i could access the screw closest to the engine much easier. Also bought a disc like you had but mine ratchets. Went much easier with that tool using my right hand. I'm right handed btw. Thanks for the video!
@@ScottM-z1l Glad you got it figured out!
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing 🙏
Got stuck with the rear bolt on the passenger side actuator. Heading to the hardware store to pick up a palm ratchet
Did this last month was a monster.
Awesome feedback thanks buddy
Hi Mike, sorry if this is not the best video for my comment. My jku (2016) has air flow issues - when I change from panel flow to floor or floor/panel mix - limited air comes out or no air at all unless I turn the knob back and forth from panel to def etc. Sometimes this is accompanied by a funny smell. Does this sound like I have an Actuator failure? (I still have both cold and hot air, just a flow problem)
(Also - i am not having any kind of ticking noises, only the air-flow problem)
It could be. Hard to say. Does the smell come from one side vs. the other or can you tell?
I don’t have the clicking on my 2013 wrangler but I have zero heat. Flushed the heater core 3 times without any luck. I also changed the blend door on the drivers side, any ideas?
It could be a number of things. I would get on the JK forums and have people help you troubleshoot.
Thank you so much for this video 🙏🏻 god bless
Of the two actuators on the passenger side, how do you know which one you should replace? Clicking is only coming from passenger side
Get your ear up close and see if it's coming from the middle or the far right
Life saver. Thanks
Excellent video Mike! Thank you so much. Would a flexible bit driver extension, like the ones that come with the powered screw drivers work for that back bolt? Mine's about 12 inches long. I always enjoy your videos and learn so much!
I was actually considering getting one of those butt couldn't find one long enough. 12" won't even be close. By the time you add the bends needed I bet your looking at 24"-30".
The dealer diagnosed a failed blend door actuator as noted on my report (which I replaced with a Dorman brand 8 months ago for the driver's side). Worked great. Lately, I have weird AC issues; took it to dealer and they said my blend door actuator is bad. After watching this video, I realized there are 3 blend door actuators. How do I know which one is broken?
@@williamlee7782 you can hear it. The one in the middle is easy and most likely not it. The one on passenger side has easy access to see but difficult to replace.
@@TheBFHGarage thank you. I pulled the glove compartment out and the passenger side actuator works fine. I've no clicks anywhere. When the driver's side failed, the motor failed so I replaced the unit. I now hear the driver's side working which leaves the center. Do you know how I can get the center one to actuate?
ps: I don't have blower function and dealer thinks it is my TIPM but can't diagnose without me spending more than the $200 they already earned to tell me that the blend door actuator is not working. 😅
@@TheBFHGarage I checked again and the center one works. I'm puzzled as to why the dealership would tell me that a/thr door actuator failed on the diagnostic scan. Thanks for your help.
Sorry for the late reply I was out on a trail run. Hopefully you got it taken care of.
Great educational thank you
not tried this but maybe for the passenger side, removing the antenna completely first will get you access to the screws from that hole? Just a thought
Thaks very helpful
Just did this it's a bit of a pain because of the tight space but working fine now, however my jeep now shifts rough from park to reverse or drive. Wasn't doing it before the repair. Fml
I cussed way more than you did, lol. I own a car dealership and mechanic shop. Pneumatic 1/4 air ratchet from Harbor Freight fit right in. Remove the front screw that you can see and knock the blend door out with a pry bar. Easiest way to get to the back one since it'll be visible.
Thanks
It’s easy enough just to un plug outside air blend door and leave it on cabin recirculation. I just crack the window if I need outside air
Wish mine was ticking but its more of a hiss
Right angle screwdriver might help.
Nowhere near enough room
Got a white Ashy Larry
You need to specify better there is a mode door on passenger side for changing where the air flows. Blend door is cold to hot…
This was a bitch !!! Thxz Mike saved me the $$$
just unplug it