Air blows out the windshield vent ?

2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING
AUTOMATIC
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MIKEMASON2526
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air blows out the windshield vent not the panel vents
Jul 28, 2026 at 2:14 AM
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STEVE W.
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Could you tell me the engine size and if this is a convertible, or 4 door sedan as they used different systems because of who made them (The convertible and 4 door were Chrysler while the 2 door coupe was just a badge engineered Mitsubishi Eclipse)
As such the info for the 2 door won't help with the others. However if nothing is happening when you try to switch modes it would be that the mode door isn't moving. On the sedan and convertible the mode actuator is right near the throttle pedal on the HVAC case. On the 2 door they are cable controlled and connect to the HVAC control head. The common failure on them is the plastic that holds the cable breaks and with it loose the door doesn't move.
Jul 28, 2026 at 3:01 AM
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MIKEMASON2526
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it is a convertible with the 2.7 L
Jul 28, 2026 at 3:13 AM
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MIKEMASON2526
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it is a 2001
Jul 28, 2026 at 3:15 AM
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STEVE W.
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OK the drop top is an actual Chrysler, That is also much easier to deal with. To change it out, you remove the isolator panel on the left side up under the dash. The mode actuator is the one to the far left on the bottom of the case. Now go disconnect the negative battery cable, this resets the actuators to their zero position. Now unplug the connector and remove the screws. Then align the replacement with the splines. Install it and plug it in. Reconnect the battery and it should do an actuator reset so it starts in the correct position. Put the panel back in. Enjoy.
Jul 28, 2026 at 3:40 AM
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MIKEMASON2526
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Thanks for the info so you think it is the mode actuator after I sent the problem in I noticed some stuff in the vent that looked like insulation I haven’t pulled the vent apart to see if there is anything blocking it and is there a way to check the actuator ?
Jul 29, 2026 at 12:11 AM
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STEVE W.
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The actuator simply moves an internal door that shifts the air from floor to dash to defrost. Defrost is also the default position if there is a control failure. Because of the design, a blockage that prevents the door from moving would block pretty much all the airflow. I suppose a mouse or rat could have made a nest in there but you would generally smell that. You could check for that by disconnecting the battery and removing the actuator and seeing if you can move it manually. But actuator failure is a known issue on Chryslers. That said, the OE parts are still much better than the available aftermarket stuff.
Jul 29, 2026 at 12:49 AM
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MIKEMASON2526
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I thank you for the help and the quick response ill let you know if its a dirty rat or the actuator again thanks
Jul 29, 2026 at 1:05 AM
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