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Defroster got stuck on defrost

Tiny
BHENRY
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Okay, so basically I was driving with my defroster on and it got stuck on defrost. However around a month later I turned the car on and the AC was on. (I had turned the knob over to AC weeks before It actually turned on as mentioned above). Possible actuator issue?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 12:06 AM

42 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

When the defroster was working, was it blowing cold air out the vents? It does sound like an actuator.

Roy

REMOVAL

NOTE: Prior to part replacement, re-calibration the HVAC actuator. Disconnecting negative battery cable for 60 seconds. This will automatically initiate the software calibration procedure.

1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove left silencer panel.
3. Remove wiring connection from actuator.

Fig.25 Actuators
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4. Remove mode actuator mounting screws and pull actuator straight down. Note actuator shaft position for installation reference.

Fig.26 Mode Actuator Spline
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INSTALLATION
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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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 2:52 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
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I will see if that works real quick.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 4:20 AM
Tiny
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Sounds like a plan.

Roy
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 4:38 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
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What size wrench do I need for the battery cable?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
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Yes that did not work.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:21 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
And just curious where can I get the climate control light bulbs they do not have them in auto part stores.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:28 AM
Tiny
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You should call the dealer parts for them. They are special. Use gloves when you change them. The acid from your hands will cause issues.

What did you try? Can you be more specific?

Roy
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:36 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Oh, I just unbolted and unhooked the negative battery cable for sixty seconds.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:58 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
I was told those lights being out can stop it from working. Is that true?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:59 AM
Tiny
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That does not do anything.

Why did you do that? It cannot and will not fix a malfunctioning actuator motor.

I would remove the actuator and move the door by hand to be sure there is nothing blocking the door from moving.

You can also see if the motor is turning.

Roy
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:00 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
That is why I unlocked the battery because you told me to.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:03 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Do not I have to take the whole dash apart to see if it is turning.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:03 AM
Tiny
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Okay, that is part of the replacement instructions for the actuator. Did you replace the actuator?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:04 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
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  • 20 POSTS
No, I have not taken the dash apart yet I was trying to see if it was or could be something else.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:08 AM
Tiny
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No, it is under the dash above the fuel pedal. This is an easy replacement. Just need to be on your back under the dash.

Roy
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:09 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
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Oh okay, thank you so much.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Um right so where do I call to get those bulbs again?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:13 AM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Call the dealer parts department.

Roy
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 6:23 AM
Tiny
BHENRY
  • MEMBER
  • 20 POSTS
Is it above the steering knuckle? Do you have a diagram?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 7:09 AM
Tiny
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I attached a picture back a couple of posts. The procedure was there as well.

Roy
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 7:16 AM

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