Having trouble with the mode of the A/C?

Tiny
REVVEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I was able to turn the actuator manually to defrost for the winter. When I turn the selector, nothing happens. I can turn it manually as it was originally stuck just blowing through the face vents. Not sure if the fact it will turn or change modes by turning the gear on the actuator means the problem could be something else.
Thursday, April 6th, 2023 AT 5:38 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,193 POSTS
9 times out of 10 the problem will be the mode actuator going out. Here is how to replace it in the images below. Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on. They call it an "air mix servo motor" fyi.
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Friday, April 7th, 2023 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
REVVEN
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  • 6 POSTS
Okay, thank you. That may make it easier to find the correct part. That's the next job on my list after changing transmission fluid, as I found it in a nice shade of black after checking fluids the other day. I will update when I get the time to start on the air mix servo.
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Friday, April 7th, 2023 AT 10:52 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 50,193 POSTS
Sounds good, have a good week.
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Monday, April 10th, 2023 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
REVVEN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Working on it today, any tips as to where it's located? What I have to remove to access it, I followed the wire from the control know but not seeing the part itself, just gears.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
REVVEN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Upon further inspection, I turned the gear that changes the mode, noticed everything working correctly except when I changed the knob itself, I overlooked the part that goes inside the knob to turn it is broken. Wondering if this is the actual issue, and what part I should be looking for.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2023 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 50,193 POSTS
Yep, it looks like you found the issue. I would get a new part and install it; you will need to get it from the dealer.
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Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
REVVEN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Saved a lot of work seeing that haha, ordered from Toyota yesterday.
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Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 AT 12:07 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,193 POSTS
Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Thursday, June 15th, 2023 AT 12:20 PM

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