All vents blow hot air all the time?

IRONROD1960

MEMBER
2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT
6.0L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

All my vents blow very hot air at all times. This problem is occurring at all times with climate control set on any and every combination. This includes the setting of temperature dial set to max cold, A/C button off, blower dial to off, vent selection dial to defrost or dash or floor or defrost/dash or dash/floor combination settings, with air intake setting on recirculation or outside air intake. It was suggested to me that hot air from the engine compartment is entering the vent system at all times. It isn't radiating heat. It is actually blowing.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

What it sounds like is there is an issue with the blend air door (air mix door). If you only get heat, the actuator air mix door is what changes the air temperature entering the vehicle.

When you get in the vehicle, have you ever noticed any clicking from under the dash? When you change the temperature, do you ever hear a door opening or closing under the dash?

Let me know. Also, I attached a pic below showing the air temperature actuator. I need to know if you have automatic climate control or manual so I can get you the right directions.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below

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Saturday, October 28th, 2023 AT 9:01 PM

IRONROD1960

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Sorry for my delay.
When I first get in, I do not hear anything except the chimes etc. Once it is quiet, I tried several combinations of settings between temp, vent position, recir, and outside air. I hear actuation going between face, floor, and defrost vent settings. These noises seem to be coming from the top of the dash. I hear flap type noise switching from cold to hot, but not switching hot to cold. But I hear a flapping when switching back to hot. So I suppose I just don't hear the door switching position from hot to cold. This noise seems to be under the dash on the right side. But it is very quiet. I hear a flap noise when pressing the recirc button. This seems to be coming from deep in the system. I do not hear any noises when switching on or off the outside air button. When the a/c comes on I hear a very audible flap noise and the blower kicks up a bit.
As I mentioned, I tried every combination of settings which occurred to me. If you need more info, let me know.
Thank you.
Wes

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Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 AT 12:47 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

I suspect you have manual climate control and not the dual climate. Since we only get hot air, it is likely related to the blend door as I mentioned above.

I suspect the actuator motor is failing. You can place your hand on the actuator to see if you feel movement or remove it and see if responds when you request cool air.

I attached the directions for replacing it below. It indicates removing the hush panel. The panel is the one under the dash that covers wires and components under the dash and helps quiet noise.

Take a look through the directions and let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Wednesday, November 1st, 2023 AT 7:24 PM

IRONROD1960

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I took the pic of my climate control panel and forgot to attach it. I'm including it. I see where the actuator is. Thank you. I'll check it today. I have a shop manual and am doing a word search for "actuator? It has diagrams for 4 more actuators. I'm hoping none of them ever fail! It appears the dash must be removed to install new ones.
On rock auto there are several actuators available. When I'm ready and can't figure out which one is correct, I'll message you if that's okay?
Thanks for the help! I'll send a donation. I hope it will be adequate.

Wes

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Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 AT 9:17 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

I just checked for the part number, but it isn't listed in my manual. I can tell you that most of these are interchangeable; however, there are some that are different.

If you remove the actuator, there will be a part number on it. When you are on rockauto, go to the information section of any of the parts. They usually indicate an OEM part number that the new part replaces.

Let me know.

Joe