Fix knocking sound from dash. 04 Pontiac Sunfire or Cavalier. Air Door actuator
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- Опубліковано 14 лип 2012
- This is to address the knocking sound from the dash in a 04 Pontiac Sunfire. Will also work for a Chevy Cavalier from my understanding. I replace the air door actuator or blend air actuator.
Dorman
604-109 Air Door Actuator
UPDATE: After a couple weeks. Still no more clicking or knocking. Success! - Авто та транспорт
Excellent video. Just fixed my 2004 Cavalier with this info. Part was $28 on Amazon (AC Delco OEM part). One thing to note: there are only two screws holding it in, the obvious one and the totally hidden one. There is a third point where the part is held in place, but that's just a plastic post, not a screw. That's not immediately obvious, but remove the two screws and the part pulls right off.
Same year I have and same issue. A mechanic just quoted me $740 plus tax to replace the one in my car 😳🙄
I am a 69-year old great grandmother. Using your instructions I was able to replace the blend air actuator on my daughter's car. It took me one hour and sixteen minutes. Most of that time was because my husband had to tutor me in how to use a ratchet. Thank you for an excellent video.
i'm glad this helped!!!!
Mine does it when we have cold temperatures. A mechanic just gave me a quote of $740 to replace the one on my car! You just saved me a lot of money! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Great job! BTW this works for a 2005 Chevy Cavalier also. In fact on the Chevy you can see the air door actuator. With you head on the passenger side floor, facing up it's on the left side of the blower motor. You can see the bottom screw easily, the top one is by feel though. I used a 7/32" socket on a 1/4" drive to remove/install the screws. Mine even had a small cutout to access the upper screw. I don't know if it was from the factory like that or the previous owner cut it out, but it did make getting the top screw in and out easier. I highly recommend using a headlamp to keep both hands free. The whole job took 10 min. The dealer gave me a price of $644!!! Once again thanks.
you're welcome!
Thank you darthdively. Just wanted to let you know that the time and effort you put into making this video is still helping people 10 years later! My 2005 Cavalier heater used to click only in one switch position. But recently the clicking happens in all switch positions, all the time, whether heat is on or not. I already ordered the part and am looking forward to getting this fixed ASAP
Thank You Sir, I've been looking for this things location for a several years. Before this video the best answer I found was passenger floor board, or for some other vehicle. Just saved me time, money, and aggravation. Again, Thank You.
Solid. I'm having the same problem, and this has reassured me I don't need to bring it into the shop nor it's of urgency.
Thanks for the video. You weren't kidding about "working in the blind'. You literally can't see what you are doing. Not only is the part underneath the dash but its tucked away in a corner where you can't see it. I just did all the work with my eyes closed.
Same as marri3d4life. Heard it leaving work and heart sunk thinking I'd have to tear the dash off like you mentioned at the end. Your clip is a huge help with that question! Plus seeing I'll need a stubby socket as you mention. A hundred thanks to you, sir!
This is the only place I have found to help me correct the problem. The certified repair shops told me it would be "expensive" to fix. They would not promise they could fix it. I have not been able to get the car in out of the cold to make the repair, but the great detail makes it a simple fix. THANK YOU FOR THE FIX!!!!
yes! finally someone that knows what it is rather than say "its just leaves".
breck kelly- wow.
THANK YOU, I was going completely INSANE with that sound!
OMG You are a God send. I was so stressed out because I had no idea what it was, and like you, the noise is driving me crazy. But I feel so much better now. Thank you a million times.
THANK YOU ive had this same car for 7 months now and couldnt figure out what the clicking was for ages. Saved me from replacing the compressor and getting ripped off at a shop.
Yo!
I wanted to thank you SO much for this video. I've now had to use it twice to replace the blend door actuator. It helped a ton!
Awesome, Thanks man, worked exactly as you said. Ordered the parts through Amazon and took about 15 min to do. Cheers
Thanks for posting the video. Just replaced this part in my 2004 Cavalier. The clicking had been going on for quite awhile, worse in cold weather. The dealer told me I'd have to remove the entire dashboard. So far no more noise. \o/
My 04 Cavalier just started making this noise. Thank you for this video.
Garand1340 you're welcome
My 04 Cav just developed this exact issue. Thanks for the tips. Peace.
I'm so glad I found this video!!!!!!! I got the same problem and it is pissing me off. I just hope I'll be able to replace it my self like you did
you'll do just fine. its not too hard.
Having the same problem with my 2005 sunfire. just started this winter. Thank you for this vid.
Thanks to this video i fixed my 05 sunfire. The clicking noise was so irritating thanks for this awesome video
thank you so much. My sunfire started with the exact same sound two days ago. I will definitely look into doing this myself.
THANK you brother. It really helped me out. God bless you!
Just did this tonight. THANK YOU! your video was a big time (and money) saver. Thanks also for giving the socket size (5.5mm). It was a tough upside down maneuver for a fat old guy like me, but it was worth it! The part was available through Amazon Prime; local auto parts did not stock it.
awesome! glad the video helped!
darthdively YES! YOU DA MAN!
Thank you for posting this. It worked exactly as you said for my 2003 Cavalier.
Thank you for your video. That clicking was annoying. 2005 Sunfire is fixed and silent. A/C working just fine. Easy job thanks to you
Piero Sanchez glad i could help!
Thank you for posting, very well done! I was able to quickly diagnose my issue and save some money with a simple do-it yourself project.
you're welcome!
Thanks, man! My wife's car has been doing the same thing for years!
Great video, thank you very much, I successfully swapped out the actuator today.
just did this yesterday to my wifes car. took me like 10-15 min, when I went to reinstall the new actuator, I had a 24" telescoping mirror w/LED lights to assist me, worked great.
awesome!
+darthdively and to think the dealer wanted $600 to fix this, I going there today for another issue, but I'm going to tell them what I did and how I fixed it, cant wait to see their faces.
Having the same problem with my 05 sunfire, thank you soooo much for this video! Going to try and fix mine tomorrow :D
thanks to your detailed video, the faulty actuator in our 2004 pontiac sunfire was replaced without difficulty. got the same wrench set from walmart & ordered the part from amazon for $28 ,, thanks again.
Thanks so much!! Couldn't have found it without your video!
Way to go
this video was helpful to solving my actuator problem
Wait..I found it. What I needed to do was change the blend door to outside air during Winter. Its been on recirculated for two years since the clicking sound began. I had to partially roll down a window to keep the windows from fogging. I hooked the actuator back up, changed it to outside air and then unplugged it again. I will be getting a new one now I know what to do. Thank you... :)
this is amazing I've been looking and wondering what that knocking noise was. after searching UA-cam for so long I uploaded a video and on the side this video was recommended and it's exactly what my car sounds like..T H A N K Y O U!
at least I know how to fix my car now. this was freaking me out, I had no idea what, or how expensive. this is a lifesaver, thank you!
sweet. thanks for making this video, this is a huge help. I've been dealing with that clicking for sooooo long now and finally remembered to look it up!
I'm a professional mechanic, and even I like to consult these type of videos as they sometimes save me some time. Thanks!
Do you realize how much this helps?! I owe you huge.
Awesome video, took over a year to find out what this problem was on my cobalt.
Thanks Darth! You are the man! I just had this happen to me and you were the first thing that popped up on google search. You saved me much time and effort and I totally appreciate you using your own time to share this. You just got a subscriber. Cheers!
I'm glad I could help!
Thanks for teaching us how to fix this problem!
I ordered the part from Amazon. Had it installed withing an hour. I found that it worked out well to put a creeper on two ramps next to the passenger door, so I could lay sideways to reach up under the dash.
I ordered an ACDelco 15-73513 (OEM 15842338) for about $30. They also have a Dorman 604-109 (more expensive).
I didn't have a 5.5mm socket so I used about a 7/32 standard. Worked fine, since it didn't have to be torqued down very much.
Thanks again for posting this video.
Thank you very much. I have searched and finally the correct information and great how to replace video. Thank you very much
I have an 05 Sunfire that recently started this problem. I already knew it was the actuator from a quick google search but I was trying to find info on where it is located. Your video helped out a lot. Thanks.
Darthdively, great video. I would just like to add for other having the same problem. The reason its clicking is because there are one or two teeth broke off the plastic gear inside. When you remove the part, look the the position of the flat edges inside the white circle. Turn the motor on and let it rotate **EXACTLY** 180 degrees then quickly turn it off. Replace the part. This fixed it for me and saved $45. What you did was turn the inside gear to use the other unbroken side.
Just fixed my 2005 Sunfire thanks to this Vid !
Will mention a few tips.
1. No need to hunt for an elusive 5.5 mm metric socket. A 1/4" drive size 7/32" socket works perfectly.
2. I struggled a bit with re-orienting the new actuator after the old one was taken out. I found it best to match up (by feel since you can't see anything) the large white plasti female end to the male shaft that operates the door. When you remove the old part, you can swing the door freely by moving it with your finger and you'll hear the door flapping inside the HVAC system. Further to that, the wiring harness that clips into the actuator will be facing closest to the floor. I had to hold the actuator in place over this shaft and wiggle the shaft a bit to line it up before it would pop on. It will pop right on and hold itself in place once aligned. Then you can grab your wrench and re-insert the 2 screws.
3. The part I used was a Dorman 604-109 which I was told works on 2003-2005 Sunfire. Just confirm with your parts provider.
Thank you for this video. Mine has been knocking for about a year now. Said it would take 4 hrs to fix at $600.00. No way. I have a 2003 chevy cavalier. After seeing your video I decided to try and fix it myself. I am very claustrophobic but it wasn't to bad. It only took me about 45 minutes. I am a 48 year old woman if I can do this anyone can. Just saved myself $600.00.
Vikki Shirey I'm glad I could help!
You identified my problem and then showed me how to fix it myself. Thank you sir! Here's a tip for someone without a 5.5 mm socket: 7/32 SAE works, too.
you're welcome! glad it helped!
Oh my gosh, this video is such a huge help! Thanks so much!
Thanks. So much easier than I thought.
Awesome video! Helped a lot when I found this problem with my 04 cavalier. THANK YOU!
Awesome! Just swapped one out in our 2005 Sunfire after watching your video. Took about 30 minutes. Was able to get away with a 7/32 socket instead of a 5.5mm. Thanks!
Now i know what's causing that annoying sound and how to fix it. Thanks a lot!
Awesome bro thank you. Now i just need to buy the part and change it out. Thanks again.
I had no idea what this noise was in my Mom's car, great explanation! Nailed it! I tried to explain it, lol yeah, pointless. Noise ro no noise.
So Awesome. Nobody has been able to tell what the sound was or how to fix it. THANK YOU!!
you're welcome!
you're welcome!
Nate you rock man thank you so very much, you nailed it on this vid. I fixed my part today...thank you, very profesional and thourogh!
Just had to say Thanx!!! You helped me out a lot on my '04 Cav!! I had this occasionally happen over the years & just turning the knob & back again seemed to make it stop, but the last time I drove it, it started Non-Stop. I was in a Rush situation (urgent family matter) but I cranked the radio up until I couldn't here it anymore!! lol. Gotta Love UA-cam!!
PS. It never seemed to affect the performance of hot or cold/ac, just that damn clicking noise!! Thanx again...
Petheadkdx125 i'm glad i could help!
Thanks for the video. My sons car is having the same problem. Sounds easy and looks easy to replace even for a complete novice.
thank you! after a mechanic tried to fix the problem in my friend's car, he tried to remove the blower. wrong! I fix it in 15 minutes thanks to you.
Man my cavalier been making that same sound for two years now and i got quote to get it fix an they was talking about charging me 500 to fix it. Thanks man u just helped me out
Thanks so much my car is making the exact same noise it’s so annoying. I’m going to buy this part and replace it. Thanks!!
Thanks for the post, my wife's car just started doing this, will fix tmr!!!
Great vid. Thanks for posting. This really helped me change the actuator in 2005 Cavalier. I'm a pretty big guy, so taking out the passenger seat and removing the glove compartment door really helped. A mini-ratchet is a must and I'd recommend one with a flexible head.
My 2005 cavalier has the similar problem, and the auto shop told me it will cost around 700 bucks to fix it. I decided to fix it by myself. Would you please tell me what kind of 2005 actuator and tools should I buy, and how long it takes to fix it? thanks a lot!
Also, I did not find the air door actuator in the passenger side, can you tell me where it is? Thanks!
It's way up there-I really had to reach to find it. If you ordered the replacement part (I found mine on Amazon) you'll have a better idea what you're looking for. It's basically under the dash and above the glove compartment, in between the dash and the outside wall of the car.
Damn! I need to get this part! I'm really annoyed by the clicking sound. It's very distracting when I'm driving. Thanks for posting!
Great vid. I just read a claim online saying the problem inside the part you replaced is that the teeth on a gear inside that part broke. That you can disassemble that part and manually remove the gear, give it a quarter-turn rotation, put it back on and solve the problem without spending any money until those cheap-ass gear-teeth break loose.
I just fixed this on my 08 Impala. It was in basically the same position. I found it easier to take the glove box out. That way I could see everything and did not have to lay on my back. If you are trying to determine where the actuator is then when it is ticking feel around and when you get your hand on it there will be no doubt.
Thank you for the easy to follow instructions, I did replaced it but clicks a little unless I leave it between the recycle air button and the fresh air; I believe the flop is set to fresh air entrance. I did inquire replacement of part and rockauto parts was so fast in sending me a replacement for a part That I thought was defective, the replacement new part does the same thing; what do you suggest I am doing wrong? Thanks again E.G. Tucson AZ
Follow up: Picked replacement up from Amazon. Just did the swap and took about ten minutes. Only caution is that the actuator rotation wasn't quite right as I put it on. I foolishly got it onto the post, then just cranked the thing into position. Forced the shaft a bit and it clicked twice. Now when I turn off recirc, it clicks once. Should have just turned on car to rotate actuator a bit instead of forcing. Still, much better than the in-car metronome I had before!
I'm glad my video helped! Thanks!
YESSSS!!! I wasnt even looking for a fix to this problem. I was looking on how to remove the dash. But now i got my fix to this! :D you have noooo idea how happy i amm! I thought i was gonna have to hand my car over to a mechanic for that clicking noise
Huge help! I was told it would be $50.00 just to do a diagnostic! I can get this and replace it for the same (or less) amount! (it helped that I have the same issue with the 04 Pontiac Sunfire). :)
This explains me why the temp selector won't work, I thought the cable broke or bent, until I took actuator off and then I pushed the lever under the dashboard then I finally got the heat and put the actuator back in. Anyone who is taller like me shouldn't work under the dashboard.
Great advice. I would add if you remove the seat that you can access easily and not blindly. It is 4 bolts at 1/2 inch. Easy removal. Put some blankets down to cover bolts and an easy fix.
I'm glad it helped you out!
Thank you. Awesome video
Thanks for posting this! Mine started clicking a few days ago and I was concerned that I might have to rip out thie dash. Turns out that I don't.
2004 CAVALIER - Half the problem is locating the thing. On a 2004 Cavalier... as you lay on your back looking up, it's on the far left, way up there between the blower motor and the side panel. It is not easy getting at those screws. You will need a short socket wrench !!! Do not attempt to remove panels to get at it easier, you will be wasting your time.
+whooops61 there is 1 thing I did remove when I did this fix to my wifes car, the front passenger seat, made it a lot easier to locate it and also, have a mini LED light/flashlight to help you find, you can see the one screw right away, but the other you have to find by touch. Its not that hard, oh 1 more thing get some foam or something to cover the seat bolts on the floorboard so its more comfortable without them sticking in your back.
+Mike Last Thanks for the tip, but I am only 185lbs and even that I am in my mid 50s, it was still easier to just recline the seat and lay on my back. It only took me about 20 minutes from start to end.
this video helped me a lot ,thanks
MY DUDE, THANK YOU
No problem! I'm glad it helped!
Will a regular size ratchet work or do I need to use a mini ratchet because of the tight space?
ur the man! thanks for this.
you're welcome!
just curious what that part number is so i can make sure its the right one
My 2010 Equinox just started making that farging click ! Now it does it even when i turn the car off . Could it be the same thing ?
Problem is when you went to the narrow screen it blocked out what was around the blend door so we can get a frame of reference. I've looked and looked but can not find this thing. I can imagine it would be very visible if I could remove the glove box, but the best I can figure on that is to remove the door. When you were on your back you said you were looking left. So does that mean the actuator is closer to the passengers side door then it is to the center console?
never mind found it lol. thanks for the video
Thanks dude!
can someone post a link where to get the replacement part? also where can i get the ratchet
So helpful! Do I need to entire replace it if I never use that air circulation option anyways? It only does this when the air circulation option (bottom option) is turned to. Can I just unplug it and still use the regular AC, Heat and defrost?
to stop the clicking sound, yes. i hope this helps!
@@nathandively8524 I figured it out. Had to do some CIA brain level stuff but it's all good now! Thanks for helping me though, my mechanic knew exactly what to look for.
thanx my 04 sunfire also has that problem now .your video helped .but you didnt show takeing the bottom panel off to get to it .
I have a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire cant find it where is it located
thanks very helpful!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH
I have a Question for you. I have a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire. The light came on saying check gadged. Plus the arrow for cooling was up by 200. After driving for a bit, I put the car from park back to drive, the light went off and the cooling temp. went back down to 195. At what temp. should it be to be at normal temp? What does it mean? Thank for your reply.
naturelover, thank you for your question. i had that happen to me a couple times. there could be any number of different things going on with your engine. it may be best for you to refer to a mechanic for your question. im sorry i could not be of any extra assistance
No problem, thank you anyways and for your reply !
thanks! Glad i could help!
Any air coming out of your vents