HVAC air diverter not working?

Tiny
STRETCH73
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 48,000 MILES
This unit has dual zone electronic temperature control. My original problem was the blower wasn't working, so I tried replacing the power module, but to get to it you have to remove the ductwork to the floor on the passenger side. As it turns out, the problem was fixed by replacing the blower relay. But as I tried to reinstall the floor vent duct work, which is high up in the dash and not visible, I had the blower on so I could tell if the piece I was tried to fit in was over the air source. I had a strong air flow thru the piece at times but could not get it to snap in place. In that process, I may have done something (closed the flap) to the air flow diverter. Because now, the air flow is nonexistent to the floor or the other vents and changing the air flow on the controller (defrost, vents or floor) doesn't change the air flow at all. I have since removed the glove box and its internals and have a clear view of the where the vent ductwork attaches and can see two actuators that control air flow. I decided to wait for some instruction before disassembling anything else.
Sunday, March 16th, 2025 AT 2:07 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,192 POSTS
As you can see by the image below the air duct is near the mode actuator, if you don't get the duct installed correctly it can jam the actuator and it will not work. Please check out what I am talking about below.
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Monday, March 17th, 2025 AT 11:25 AM
Tiny
STRETCH73
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Ken, thank you for your interest in my problem. Yes, I see what you’re saying. So, I removed the ductwork, (see photo) but still the same problem.
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Monday, March 17th, 2025 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Could it be the blower motor is blowing backwards? Did you need to fix the wiring and got it backwards? Also, is the fan blade on correctly?
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
STRETCH73
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Ken, I did not change any of the wiring, just unplugged and plugged in connectors. I believe the connectors are polarized and can’t be reinstalled incorrectly. I haven’t touched the blower.
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
STRETCH73
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Normally when the vent position is changed, I can hear the actuators moving in the dash but there’s no sounds now. Is there a fuse or relay for the actuators?
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, sometimes aftermarket parts can just have wiring leads. I would try a hard reboot, let's go over this guide to show you how:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/step-by-step-guide-performing-a-hard-system-reboot-for-your-vehicles-electronics-systems

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 AT 11:00 AM
Tiny
STRETCH73
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Also after the blower was fixed before the ductwork was reinstalled there was a strong air flow coming through that opening.
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Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
STRETCH73
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Before doing the full reset #1 for 20 hours I noticed the battery wasn’t strong enough to start the car. After the reset it didn’t make a difference. I jumped the battery to start it and the vent actuators were fully functioning. I believe the low charge on the battery was the cause of the lost function, but it’s impossible to tell at this point. If I would have jumped the car before doing the reset then I would know. Anyway, it’s working again. Thank you for your help.
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Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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You are welcome, sometimes things just fix themselves, glad you are all set :)
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Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 AT 9:45 AM

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