blend door actuator location?

2003 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
85,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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MYMARBLES
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The heat output is stuck at mid-level/dash vents only and won't switch to floor, plus we also can't get much of anything from defog/defroster vents. Blower works at all speeds and temp functions properly. The mode selector switch SEEMS to work, at least partly, because the A/C compressor kicks in when moved into the defog positions. I can't find an adequate drawing/pic/diagram of what I need to look for and really can't afford the $500 estimate that our local dealer wants to fix it. First they'd want $126 just to run diagnostics! Please, any clues on where to look? Maybe a dirty connector? If it could be a dead mode actuator, would that be too difficult to replace?

~desperate in Minnesota
Nov 24, 2009 at 12:18 AM
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STRAILER
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99.9% of the time it's the blend door actuator, Hyundai does give this info on their location! Remove the trim panel by prying it off, it just pops into clips, then unbolt the unit. Then you might need to remove the glove box door and some minor bracing. Here is a guide to help you fix the problem step by step. Then see the diagrams and images below with all for the blend mode door actuator locations https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_1_47.jpg

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Dec 29, 2016 at 5:49 PM
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THE SHADOW
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Is the actuator above the gas peddle. I'll check the linkages. any other idea's. Thanks
Nov 11, 2019 at 1:22 PM (Merged)
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CARADIODOC
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If no mode or temperature doors work, they may use vacuum-operated actuators and the vacuum hose may be broken, cracked, or disconnected. It's hard to know if you have computer controls, but if you have simple, reliable, manual push buttons, you more than likely do have vacuum controls. I tried looking up the actuators on another web site but they weren't listed. You might also be able to tell from the vacuum hose routing diagram under the hood. It should show a hose with a check valve going to the firewall.
Nov 11, 2019 at 1:22 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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The air temperature actuator is located behind lower left of dash center
Nov 11, 2019 at 1:22 PM (Merged)
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CHARLES ATCHISON
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Trying to find where the heat defrost actuator is. The heater is stuck on vent.
Nov 11, 2019 at 1:22 PM (Merged)
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STEVE W.
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It is a small lever connected to the mode cam on the left side of the heater box. If it is stuck the motor that drives the cam could have failed or the cam may have, it is pretty much all plastic.
The picture is the motor that runs the cam.
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Nov 11, 2019 at 1:22 PM (Merged)
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PD1210
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2004 Elantra here having the same issue. Heat and A/C work but no directional control defrost, floor, etc.
I see the diagram and photos but having trouble locating this Mode actuator. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Dec 6, 2020 at 9:10 AM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I'm Danny.

The mode actuator is bolted onto the heater unit which is under the dash on the passenger side. Here is a tutorial showing what is involved for its replacement:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

I've attached a few pictures below showing how to replace and is location for your car. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Dec 6, 2020 at 1:43 PM
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PD1210
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Even in the photo posted this Mode actuator is on the driver's side under the dash directly above the temperature control actuator. Am I incorrect?
Dec 6, 2020 at 1:56 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello again.

I found a better picture and attached below of its location. Let us know if you have any further question on this issue and keep us updated. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-
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Dec 6, 2020 at 6:08 PM