Air conditioner blowing through defroster

NEMEYERS

MEMBER
2004 DODGE STRATUS
2WD
AUTOMATIC
213,000 MILES

I just purchased the car listed above used (SXT model). The previous owner never used the air conditioner and didn't know if it worked. It works, not super cold, but working. However, when I have it set to blow out of the vents, the air conditioner randomly switches to blowing out of the defroster instead. It will intermittently go back and forth between the vents and defroster, but mostly blowing out from the defroster. Any suggestions on what is the cause and how to fix this?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The air flow directions is controlled by what is called a mode door actuator. It sounds like it is going bad. Here are the directions for replacement. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

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MODE DOOR ACTUATOR REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove left silencer panel.
3. Remove wiring connection from actuator.

Actuators

Picture 1

4. Remove mode actuator mounting screws and pull actuator straight down. Note actuator shaft position for installation reference.

INSTALLATION

Mode Actuator Spline

Picture 2

1. Install mode door actuator on the housing, make sure spline shaft is positioned properly with the cam.
2. Install and tighten the mounting screws.
3. Connect actuator wiring harness to the actuator.
4. Install console left side panel.
5. Install left silencer panel.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

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When you have the actuator removed, make sure the splines are in good condition.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe

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