Where Is The Blend Door Actuator Located?

Where Is The Blend Door Actuator Located? This is a question you might be asking if you want to replace a faulty blend door actuator.

This article contains information to help you locate the blend door actuator in your vehicle. You’ll also learn about some blend door actuators, How to replace the blend door actuator and its costs, and answers to questions about the blend door actuator.

Let’s get started!

Your car manual contains information on the specific location of the blend door actuators found in your car.

The blend door consists of several plastic components like plastic lodging, plastic materials, and an electrical motor. The function of the blend door actuator is vital.

The signal that comes from dialing to increase or decrease the temperature in your car goes through the blend door actuator.

In addition, the blend door actuator can be automatically optimized by receiving readings from algorithms programmed within the computer.

The blend door actuator regulates the temperature settings, hot and cold, in the passenger compartments of vehicles.

The vehicle’s computer sends an instruction to the blend door actuator, and it will begin to pilot the engine of the actuator and then shift the direction of the wind’s stream.

The direction of the heads depends on which temperature is selected from either driver or passengers via the climate control system.

The blend door actuator is similar to a car engine but with one key difference. The actuator has an alternative sensor to connect with the control system for the car’s temperature.

An actuator is a breakthrough that is contained inside a small box, and it is packed with gadgets, including cogwheels made of plastic and an enclosure.

Also Read: What is a Blend Door Actuator (Everything To Know)

Signs of a Bad Blend Door Actuator

1. Knocking Sounds

Whenever you hear a strange knocking sound coming from inside your vehicle when you turn on the AC, it’s probably safe to assume that the door actuator is starting to fail.

So when you turn on the AC system and hear a knocking sound, know your blend door actuator needs a replacement.

2. Clicking Noise

Another symptom of your blend door actuator being faulty is a noise coming from your dashboard when you turn on the AC. It might be high-pitched or soft but most likely be continuous and repeated.

You may hear the sound emanating from the panel on your dashboard where the HVAC controls are located. If the noise becomes unbearable, it may indicate more severe damage to your vehicle’s internal workings.

So we would advise you not to delay scheduling a visit to the mechanic when this occurs.

3. Other Strange Noises

Some other sounds you may hear while driving could suggest something is wrong with the blend door actuator.

If you hear any squeaking or droning sound coming from in or around the dashboard, it mostly implies that there might be a problem with your vehicle’s blend door actuator.

You usually hear the sounds become louder when adjusting AC or turning up your heater/ air conditioner.

4. Inconsistent Airflow

If the AC vents’ temperatures are not steady, this could mean the blend door actuator is malfunctioning.

This occurs because the blend door keeps moving back and forth, derailing the airflow, resulting in an unstable airflow emanating from the vents.

5. Inconsistent Temperature From the Vents

When the temperatures of the air flowing out of the vehicle’s vents fluctuate, such as when it goes from hot to cold without control, this may indicate that the blend door actuator is malfunctioning.

6. Wrong Temperature

If the air coming out through your car’s vents has the wrong temperature, your car’s blend door actuator might be damaged.

For instance. If you set your temperature to cold, but your vents are blasting hot air even when you’ve given it a few moments to adjust, your blend door actuator needs to be replaced.

Also Read: Blend Door Actuator Replacement (Cost & Steps)

How to Test a Blend Door Actuator?

Since various other issues could cause problems for the blend door actuator, you (or the mechanic) are likely required to conduct some troubleshooting to find out if the actuator is defective.

Typically, testing the performance of a blend door actuator is applying power directly to the actuator to determine whether it can move the door. It is also important to consider if the feedback sensor (if fitted) affects the output signal.

Professional mechanics typically employ scan tools compatible with cars with built-in internal computer systems.

If any of these systems malfunction, the experienced mechanics usually find a fault code stored in the onboard diagnostics system (OBD); code readers and standard scanners won’t perform.

The procedure to test the blend door actuator will depend on the vehicle you’re using and the model; it is recommended to refer to the repair manual before troubleshooting.

How to Replace a Blend Door Actuator

Following this guide can help you cut down on replacing your car’s blend door actuator. You’ll need to get a 5.5-millimeter socket wrench, depending on the type of vehicle being repaired, standard mechanic’s tools such as screwdrivers, and the part itself will cost you.

Step 1: Remove the Lower Dashboard Cover or the Glove Box

Take out the glove box from inside the dashboard on the vehicle’s passenger side. It should have a set of bolts holding it in place, so use a screwdriver or small socket set with an attached ratchet handle to remove these.

The dashboard’s material may hide the bolts, so look closely before removing them. Take off the glove box and underneath the dash panel when all fastening screws are dislodged.

Step 2: Take Out the Blend Door Actuator

The blend door actuator can be found beside or on the heater box. Unclip the wiring clips from underneath the heating box.

Use a screwdriver to carefully pop them off and do so gently as they can break easily. Then, push down the wiring connector tab and pull outwards to remove it.

Ensure the connector is free of rust and corrosion, creating intermittent contact or resistance. With an electrical cleaner, scrape away excess rust or residue with a knife if necessary.

Next, the screws in place should be taken out using a socket wrench (typically 3-4).

When you’ve disconnected the wiring for your blend door actuator, simply place it in the recessed hole that it fits into and push down over the outside clips so that it is snug to ensure no rattling or other damages will occur.

Step 3: Turn the Air Door Pivot

When you install a new blend door actuator, you must first turn the door manually to ensure that the door moving mechanism isn’t stuck and that there are no blockages that could affect the functionality of your new blend door actuator.

Next, take the new blend door actuator and rotate it both ways. It should move freely to each side. If it is difficult to rotate in the full direction, there may be a blockage in your vehicle’s system that could cause the new blend door actuator to fail.

If the blend door isn’t sliding as smoothly as it should, you’ll need to remove the heater plenum and replace it before installing a new blend door actuator.

Then, to properly ensure that you’ve replaced the correct actuator and verify whether the door is functioning properly, start the fan and operate the door back and forth. This step should let you feel the temperature change as air is coming from your vents on the dashboard.

Step 4: Compare and Install the New Blend Door Actuator

Set the oil and new blend actuator close to each another. Check their wiring harnesses. They must be identical, particularly in the case of aftermarket parts. If both actuators are the same, proceed with reinstallation.

On reinstallation, install the actuator and then mount it down with mounting screws by hand. Thread them as far as you can into the plastic threads of each respective component but don’t tighten them too much – later on, you’ll want to insert the screws further into their designated places for a firm fit.

After you have tightened all the screws needed, reconnect the wire connectors.

Step 5: Reinstall the Glovebox

There will always be a twinge of doubt when replacing your door actuator. Also, double-checking your work can feel downright scary. But don’t worry! Have the glove box or cover ready.

Start slowly with one screw after test-fitting all screws. By attaching the screws by hand first, you will be preventing them from becoming tight too early in the process, as this could make other screws harder to install.

Then, when every screw is placed by hand, you can begin to tighten them. Now start up the car, turn on the AC control knobs to different zones and see whether your half-hourly DIY efforts have resulted in an improved outcome!

Check out this video for more tips on how to replace the blend door actautor

How Much Does Blend Door Actuator Replacement Cost?

Suppose you’ve decided to hire a professional to perform the blend door actuator replacement. In that case, the cost will vary between $200 and $500, depending on several aspects, including the car’s year, year of manufacture, and model.

Of course, it could be less if you were to do it yourself if you possess the necessary knowledge. Various online auto part stores offer a wide variety of replacement door actuators that can be delivered right to your doorstep, so you don’t go on without your vehicle longer than necessary if it needs immediate attention.

Frequently Asked Questions – Where Is The Blend Door Actuator Located?

Conclusion – Where Is The Blend Door Actuator Located?

Most vehicles have two blend door actuators usually located behind the dashboard on the climate control case, one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger side.

A common problem with blend door actuators is when they become stalled, or you find that your air conditioner or heater seems to be disabled on your dashboard display.

So from this article, you now have the answer to the question: Where is the Blend Door Actuator Located, why does it stall out or get bad, and how to replace the blend door actuator.