No air coming out of vents

MARK_C

MEMBER
2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION
2.0L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Hi there, I was having some issues with my A/C which turned out to be compressor failure. When I went to pick it up from the dealer they said the air is cold but only coming out on the driver side near window!

They are now trying to tell me TX valve, condenser and other items. I am confused if it is blowing cold air how does under bonnet fixes sort out an air flow issue? I would have thought it would be internal.

Two questions:
Is it possible they are right?
Do you have any idea what it might be? Where would you look first?

Any help appreciated. Cheers, Mark

Thursday, November 28th, 2019 AT 10:26 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

Hi,

Did this problem exist prior to the repairs? Honestly, the compressor has nothing to do with air flow direction. Are you able to change the air flow between defrost and floor?

Not to sound stupid, but what is a TX valve and what does the condenser have to do with air flow direction? There is a mode door actuator under the dash that controls the air flow direction. I attached a pic below for you to see where it's located.

Let me know.
Joe

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Thursday, November 28th, 2019 AT 10:34 PM

MARK_C

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Agree Joe, the air flow issue is new and I believe unrelated to the air conditioning system parts. Not sure what a TX valve is the dealer used that term today.

Can the actuator be accessed without pulling the whole dash out?

Appreciate your help! Mark

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Thursday, November 28th, 2019 AT 10:44 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

Mark,

Yes, you can access the actuator by removing the glove box. It is very tight, but can be done. I attached directions below. Please keep in mind, there were technical service bulletins regarding no vent air flow. However, air flow to defrost and floor worked. If you want that info, let me know.

If you can't change to any direction, I would first confirm the motor isn't working.

Let me know if you have other questions or need help. Don't forget, it really is tight when working on this.

Take care,
Joe

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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 7:11 PM

MARK_C

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Joe thank you so much for your advice. If it is not too difficult could you please send me the technical service bulletin? The car is at the dealer and they are trying to avoid taking the dash out so I want to be fully armed with information when I talk to them. :-) Thanks again. Mark C

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Friday, November 29th, 2019 AT 7:27 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,055 POSTS

Not a problem, Mark. The pictures below are the directions. Also, the TSB number listed below is how the notice is recognized. It may have been updated again after this date, but this is what I have.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer L4-2.0L (4B11)
A/C - Air Flow Won't Change To Dash Vents
Vehicle Heating and Air Conditioning Air Door Actuator / Motor A/C - Air Flow Won't Change To Dash Vents
A/C - AIR FLOW WON'T CHANGE TO DASH VENTS
No: TSB-12-55-001REV

DATE: June, 2012

MODEL: See below

SUBJECT:
HVAC MODE DOOR BINDS-REVISED

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This bulletin supercedes TSB-12-55-001, issued January, 2012, to revise the effective date due to parts changes, and add warranty information for replacement of the upper HVAC case.

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