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How to test and replace the A/C Blend Door?

Tiny
AMELIA22
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 SATURN VUE
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
Initially, my A/C problems began with a winding-type noise, and it appeared to originate from front fans under hood. If I switched off the A/C, the noise would stop. This noise didn't always come on with ac running. Btw, the cooling fans are new now. Soon thereafter, my cooling/heating/defrost selection lights flickered on and off simultaneously until the light remained in defrost mode. Now, while attempting to select/Set to cold and recirculate, my control module remains in defrost mode. Plenty of air comes through vents. Also, I'm unable to select where air comes through, floor, rear defrost, etc. I'm sure it's not the blend door on the left side under the glove box. I bought a blend door 2233258 with 2 pins but I am not sure that the one high up behind the glove box is the issue but it's hard to get to it. Money is tight so I'm doing this on my own. Thanks.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 12:37 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

If you are unable to control the airflow direction, that is likely a mode door actuator. Interestingly, this vehicle has more than one. There are three. See pic below

I need to better understand which airflow direction isn't working. Also, I need to know if this happened all at once. It's unlikely that two or more actuators would fail at the same time. The issue could be a connection issue or the module itself.

You asked how to check them. The easiest thing to do is remove them and change the air flow direction to see if they respond while still connected to the wiring. If they don't, then we would need to check to confirm there is voltage to them.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 12:47 PM
Tiny
AMELIA22
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Airflow direction is very strong from front and side vents. I can also feel some air from between dashboard and glass. I can't feel any airflow from the floor.

I'm not sure what you mean about timing but at some point, despite the jet-type noise that would stop once ac was off, the ac would still work. So, issues with blinking arose thereafter until I was unable to switch between the modes at all, etc. I how this makes sense.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
AMELIA22
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Could you let me know where does this actuator goes? Is this #10 in shared diagram? If so, how can I replace it?
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
AMELIA22
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I believe blend door actuator #8 on diagram has 5 pins, if I remember correctly. It was certainly more than 2 pins.
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Wednesday, August 10th, 2022 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

The actuator you have appears to be the fresh/recirculate air actuator. I attached a pic below from the wiring schematic and the only two pins I see are the fresh/recirculation one.

See pic below.

Joe
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Thursday, August 11th, 2022 AT 2:53 PM

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