Replacing air mix actuator motor on 2003-2008 Honda Pilot

Learn how to access and remove the air mix actuator motor on a 2003-2008 Honda Pilot. Replace in less than fifteen minutes, or disassemble and clean existing part.
Factory Honda replacement part (currently $411)- 79160-S0X-A01
www.amazon.com...
Compatible Honda Genuine actuator at cheaper price (currently $74) (different attachment) - 79160-SNE-A01
www.amazon.com...

[@wadetrevathan6335]

Thank you. I just fixed my Pilot. I am VERY grateful that you posted this video!

[@rw3476]

Great video, had the annoying noise from the center console for years and going to do this fix. Thanks!

[@victork3397]

There is also a hidden air filter screen in the center console, that could be part of the noise if it is clogged
ua-cam.com/video/rFzTHxDlKiI/v-deo.html

[@Lubar0220]

Hello i saw in the video that there was a blue cable attaching to the air mix motor. Is that the cable that routes to the check valve inside the engine compartment? It allows coolant to flow to the heater core. I suspect my air mix motor wont move the check valve=no heat. Great video!

[@victork3397]

@@Lubar0220 yes, you’re right. The blue cable does go to the engine compartment

[@pedroquesada4298]

Thanks for the video! I think the only thing needed is to wipe off the gear grease that falls in the electrical contacts with time

[@thenexthobby]

If I suspected that blend motor assembly but did not necessarily want to open it up yet, could I remove it and move the dash levers around to help confirm if the door is moving?
Is it bad to run the A/C without the blend door installed? I’d only leave it at the coldest setting before, during, and after.
I wasn’t sure from your video what under the dash did that: That last lever you showed or the thing that the rod fits into on the other end.
I’m waiting on gauges to help verify A/C operation. Currently at the coldest setting it does get cooler but not by much, and it’s my understanding the blend motor might just be partially working?
Thx.

[@victork3397]

@@thenexthobby if your AC is undercharged, messing with the front air mix motor will not do anything. If you rear air vents blow extremely cold air and your front ones not so much, then look at the front air mix motor. It will not damage the AC to run it with the blend door closed.

[@thenexthobby]

@@victork3397 Understood about the A/C charge of course. Not sure if our rear A/C controls have ever worked. We can enable them upfront but the rear controls don't seem to do anything one way or another.
Our 2006 is a lemon. I can't even begin to talk about all the stupid things that have gone wrong in well under 130,000 miles.

[@heavenshealthykitchen]

Hey Viktor. The driver side is not as cold as the passenger side. Any advice on what the problem is? My ac compressor was just replaced, I was only getting hot air blowing out and it was the factory original. I have Freon in it, it has been vacuumed as well.

[@victork3397]

@@heavenshealthykitchen What year is your Pilot? The drivers side and passenger side are both on the same system, so they should be about the same temperature. Did you check the cabin air filter?

[@bluelightsavings]

Thanks for documenting this. I'm coming from a 2004 odyssey, but did you also have gargling noises that were coming from your air mix motor?

[@bluelightsavings]

Sounds exactly like this: ua-cam.com/video/Iuea88DVrFo/v-deo.html

[@victork3397]

I didn’t have this problem no, but you can disassemble and clean the internal contacts. That may help.

[@victork3397]

I just rewatched the video and it sounds like the air mix motor is unable to find position and is moving back and forth. It needs to be disassembled and the contact points cleaned. It’s a little PCB shaped like a wheel inside

[@martinkwok6100]

@@victork3397 yeah I did just that and it fixed the problem so I didn’t end up having to replace the assembly!

[@joelroque3046]

Hello, what was the issue in this instance? I have hot air blowing in the front and cold in the back, would this fix it?

[@victork3397]

@@joelroque3046 it would yes, is the temperature set for cold?

[@timothycarter6389]

Question my heat is blowing cold air in the front but not the back I look at both sides and both of the air blend are moving do that mean that not the problem?

[@victork3397]

There is another air mix motor for the back vents. It is underneath the center console. Little bit more work to get to.

[@boomboompao411]

So this will fix the typewriter sound in the center console?! 😅

[@victork3397]

@@boomboompao411 if this is what’s causing it, yea

[@jotcoube]

can you describe where this is on a honda pilot 2011?

[@victork3397]

@@jotcoube I have a 2004 pilot, so I’m not sure. Try the Piloteers forum