This will show you what, where, how, to replace the actuator on a 2009 Chevy traverse that controls switching of air between vents in front air system. Good luck
Thanks for the great information. My 2011 Traverse would not blow air from the dash vent. I ordered an actuator for $35. from Amazon. I used a 1/4in. drive ratchet with extension and universal joint. Removed it in 15minutes and replaced it in 5 minutes. Thanks again.
Very helpful video! On my 2010 Traverse, IF anyone has the problem of having large hands, I was able to remove the black cover piece below the glove box, where the passengers feet are & it allowed a larger opening for my hand & forearm to fit in to get the screws out! Also a better angle, I felt! Hope this helps others with BIG hands! :-)
+Bill Van Loo Can you describe your problem and which actuators you replaced? I also have a 2011 Traverse and the blower is fine, I checked that. It blows air appropriately at the defrost, the floor but not in the front. The rear is fine.
You should use a ratchet with a T20 drive for this job; more "mechanics" ratchet set will have one included. To make it A LOT easier, remove the glove box AND remove the air blower motor cover that is under the glove box (2 pins, I'm sure there is a video online to change the blower motor and this would be the first step). This gives you a lot more room as you can access the area from the side and the bottom, and if you drop a screw, you can just pull the side of the carpet wall to pick it up. If you want even more room, take 5 seconds to remove the blower motor resistor, it's to the left and your ratchet will hit it if you don't (it has two connectors so you can't miss it). To do this, simply pull the two tabs and it will come off, you don't need to disconnect it just move it so that the ratchet can move more freely.
Just finished this on my girlfriends 2011 Traverse. Very helpful and successful. Her problem was the blower was stuck on the face and feet vents. After changing out actuator, the problem was fixed. I did not have a C clamp, I used a Torx 20 drill bit with a drill lock, a vice grips, two different sized socket wrenches and torx 20 socket. Very difficult. Highly suggest the C clamp method. I have larger hands and its an extremely tight fit. My hand is chewed up, pretty well.
Thanks had same prob on my 2010. Of the two on the passenger side the upper one controls where the air moves, dash, floor, defrost. The lower controls the hot/cold blend on the passenger side. The actuator on the drivers side controls hot/cold blend on the drivers side. There is a nice little ratcheting tool set at Lowes that fits perfectly in this space for under $10 and comes with a T20 bit, Kobalt 9-Piece 4-in Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver Item #: 239459 | Model #: 60359.
The C clamp worked great. I took off the black panel underneath the blower to get my hand straight up in. I also changed the cabin filter while it was all apart.
Dear Annick Brassard: Yes I solved the issue, actually it's very easy to find but a little bet tricky Its exactly under the driver seat " left front tire" just look under you'll be able to see a small steel plate with three bolts holding it , remove them then you can see the hose inside of it. Blow it by air compressor then the water will be flushed down. Enjoy
My 2010 had the same problem as described in the video and replacing the same actuator resolved the problem of not getting air out of all the vents, floor/main/defrost. One thing I don't think that was mentioned that makes the access easier is to pull the bottom plastic panel that is directly below the glove compartment. It is held in place by two push type retainer pins, the kind where you pull the middle pin out about an inch and the whole retainer comes out. This panel is the same panel were on the right side is the access door for the fusebox. Anyway, removing this will allow much easier access from the bottom.
Good video. I have my traverse giving me the same problem. It stays on defrost or defrost and feet, it will not change. My question is , the one you replace fix the problem? The reason I asked is because you mentioned that they are other actuators.
I have a 2009 Traverse. The air comes out weak from the vents that hit your face and the passenger floor vent blows hot air. I read in the reviews about the 2 actuators and what they control. I have the impression that i need to change both actuators on the passenger side. Can somebody confirm this?
John Otto Sorry I am not sure andf cannot confirm, I do want to say if its any of the actuators in the middle or drivers side its going to be very expensive as it will require the dash to be pulled out. This is booked by GM as about 10 hours or more, its a nightmare job, i just had my AC condensor replaced and the labor alone (non dealership) was over 1200$.
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.
I can't get my 2010 to change from hot air to cold air instantly, I have to wait sometimes days for the switch to happen, would this be one of the actuators you spoke of. Do you know which one it would be, winters here and I'm getting cold.
same issue for my 2011 traverse. my actuator says t3983001, i go to search for that i dont get the acdelco 15-73596. i get acdelco 15-73989. whats the difference?
other than getting creative with your google searching, try calling a couple of auto auto shops, or you can even put your hand near them up inside the dash, have someone then push the button to activate and you can sometimes hear the one thats trying to move but broken, that sometimes can identify or rule out some of the actuators.
Thanks for the great information. My 2011 Traverse would not blow air from the dash vent. I ordered an actuator for $35. from Amazon. I used a 1/4in. drive ratchet with extension and universal joint. Removed it in 15minutes and replaced it in 5 minutes. Thanks again.
Do you have the part number for the 2011 Traverse? I have the same problem.
Same problem with our 2011 traverse. Wondering if autozone carries these in stock?
Thank you man I really appreciate you guys posting videos to teach us commoners how to do things man really worked out appreciate it
Very helpful video! On my 2010 Traverse, IF anyone has the problem of having large hands, I was able to remove the black cover piece below the glove box, where the passengers feet are & it allowed a larger opening for my hand & forearm to fit in to get the screws out! Also a better angle, I felt! Hope this helps others with BIG hands! :-)
Thank you for your help in making this video - helped me fix my 2011 Traverse! I can confirm that it's a Torx t20 screw.
+Bill Van Loo
Can you describe your problem and which actuators you replaced? I also have a 2011 Traverse and the blower is fine, I checked that. It blows air appropriately at the defrost, the floor but not in the front.
The rear is fine.
which side wasn't working?
You should use a ratchet with a T20 drive for this job; more "mechanics" ratchet set will have one included.
To make it A LOT easier, remove the glove box AND remove the air blower motor cover that is under the glove box (2 pins, I'm sure there is a video online to change the blower motor and this would be the first step). This gives you a lot more room as you can access the area from the side and the bottom, and if you drop a screw, you can just pull the side of the carpet wall to pick it up. If you want even more room, take 5 seconds to remove the blower motor resistor, it's to the left and your ratchet will hit it if you don't (it has two connectors so you can't miss it). To do this, simply pull the two tabs and it will come off, you don't need to disconnect it just move it so that the ratchet can move more freely.
Just finished this on my girlfriends 2011 Traverse. Very helpful and successful. Her problem was the blower was stuck on the face and feet vents. After changing out actuator, the problem was fixed. I did not have a C clamp, I used a Torx 20 drill bit with a drill lock, a vice grips, two different sized socket wrenches and torx 20 socket. Very difficult. Highly suggest the C clamp method. I have larger hands and its an extremely tight fit. My hand is chewed up, pretty well.
Great post and very helpful....I just replaced one on my 2011 traverse and your video saved me a lot of money! Thanks again.
Thanks had same prob on my 2010. Of the two on the passenger side the upper one controls where the air moves, dash, floor, defrost. The lower controls the hot/cold blend on the passenger side. The actuator on the drivers side controls hot/cold blend on the drivers side. There is a nice little ratcheting tool set at Lowes that fits perfectly in this space for under $10 and comes with a T20 bit, Kobalt 9-Piece 4-in Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver Item #: 239459 | Model #: 60359.
I haven't found a similar video for the Chevrolet Spark but I think the process is quite similar. Thanks.
The C clamp worked great. I took off the black panel underneath the blower to get my hand straight up in. I also changed the cabin filter while it was all apart.
Dear Annick Brassard:
Yes I solved the issue, actually it's very easy to find but a little bet tricky
Its exactly under the driver seat " left front tire" just look under you'll be able to see a small steel plate with three bolts holding it , remove them then you can see the hose inside of it. Blow it by air compressor then the water will be flushed down. Enjoy
My 2010 had the same problem as described in the video and replacing the same actuator resolved the problem of not getting air out of all the vents, floor/main/defrost. One thing I don't think that was mentioned that makes the access easier is to pull the bottom plastic panel that is directly below the glove compartment. It is held in place by two push type retainer pins, the kind where you pull the middle pin out about an inch and the whole retainer comes out. This panel is the same panel were on the right side is the access door for the fusebox. Anyway, removing this will allow much easier access from the bottom.
+BeeFortySix did this require any calibration of the new actuator? and if so how did you accomplish that?
+Paul Lopez , No it doesn't require any calibration as the stop positions of the motor are 'hardwired'.
thanks man. ours just broke and we had a ton of thing done at dealer. well no more. thanks again for the info.
np dude, good luck, ,the traverse has been a great car, but maintenance is a real pain. stuff as simple as interior light bulbs are a chore.
I used a T20 1/4 drive socket and a wobble on the end of a long 1/4 drive extension. I was able to get all 3 screws
Good video. I have my traverse giving me the same problem. It stays on defrost or defrost and feet, it will not change. My question is , the one you replace fix the problem? The reason I asked is because you mentioned that they are other actuators.
yes it did
which one do I need to replace for hot air to blow on the passenger side
I have a 2009 Traverse. The air comes out weak from the vents that hit your face and the passenger floor vent blows hot air. I read in the reviews about the 2 actuators and what they control. I have the impression that i need to change both actuators on the passenger side. Can somebody confirm this?
John Otto Sorry I am not sure andf cannot confirm, I do want to say if its any of the actuators in the middle or drivers side its going to be very expensive as it will require the dash to be pulled out. This is booked by GM as about 10 hours or more, its a nightmare job, i just had my AC condensor replaced and the labor alone (non dealership) was over 1200$.
John Otto did you ever figure out if it was just the one actuator or did you have to change both?
Also costs a bit more but Rock Auto also has the part
hes not talking about a blend door actuator hes talking about a mode door actuator....
Hi did you reset the hvac?Or did it just work when you installed...
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.
Does the glove compartment snap off....after taking locks off and glider arm....
I can't get my 2010 to change from hot air to cold air instantly, I have to wait sometimes days for the switch to happen, would this be one of the actuators you spoke of. Do you know which one it would be, winters here and I'm getting cold.
same issue for my 2011 traverse. my actuator says t3983001, i go to search for that i dont get the acdelco 15-73596. i get acdelco 15-73989. whats the difference?
some one can help me . in my car in the back sit is blowing hot air .the front sit it blows cold aire. i need to change something also?
Hi, anyone know where the actuator for the REAR ac is?
other than getting creative with your google searching, try calling a couple of auto auto shops, or you can even put your hand near them up inside the dash, have someone then push the button to activate and you can sometimes hear the one thats trying to move but broken, that sometimes can identify or rule out some of the actuators.
found this thread www.acadiaforum.net/index.php?topic=11969.0
For those of you needing link to part on ebay; www.ebay.com/itm/320869607496
Heater Blend Door Actuator GMC Acadia 07 08 09 10 11 12 AC-Delco 15-73989
I did not have to rest it.
change name of video to mode door actuator not blend door....
pontiac
Good point there. I need to change the cold heat blend door actuator in a 2009 Traverse. The passenger side not blowing heat.