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Passenger side blend door stuck in A/C position?

Tiny
DAN CYR
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 60,000 MILES
I just replaced the actuator in my vehicle listed above, and it appears that the blend door is stuck. Removed the actuator, and tested it. Works fine, I cannot manually move the blend door position, but have heard you should be able to.
Saturday, September 11th, 2021 AT 3:28 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

It should be movable. When you installed the new actuator, did you recalibrate the HVAC module? It shouldn't cause the door to stick, but anything is possible.

I don't know if this has a manual or automatic climate control system. So, I attached the recalibration directions below for both. Note: There are two ways of doing this. One requires a scanner and the other doesn't. Both are included.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, September 11th, 2021 AT 9:47 PM
Tiny
DAN CYR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for getting back so soon, Joe. I did nothing with the HVAC module. I just made sure the new actuator was in the same position as the old one before I installed it so the screw holes lined up. When it didn't work, I took the actuator back off to test it, and it worked fine. Then I tried to move the door control by hand, and it wouldn't budge. Couldn't even move it prying with a screwdriver.
If you think recalibrating the module might fix it, I could try, but I hate to reinstall the actuator for a long shot, because it is such a pain in the butt. (I was five hours standing on my head to get the old one out, and the new one in and out. Plus I have to replace two screws and two T-20 bits that fell into no man's land. =-) )
Is there a way to try and free the door up?
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Monday, September 13th, 2021 AT 5:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I just went through the manual and there is nothing specific to just replacing or repairing the door itself. However, let's see if we can figure out what is possible.

I can tell you that if we need to remove the HVAC module assembly, a good portion of the dash needs to be removed, the coolant will need to be drained, and the A/C will need to be vacuumed.

I need to know if this has manual or automatic climate control to know which to research for you. Just to give you an idea, I attached a pic below from the Automatic Climate Control unit so you can see what will need to be removed.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, September 13th, 2021 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
DAN CYR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It's automatic.
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Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Dan,

According to my manual, the HVAC unit needs to be removed. It requires the removal of the dash and the things I mentioned above.

Is there any way you can try to move the door manually to see if it's stuck or determine if there is access without removing everything?

Joe
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Tuesday, September 14th, 2021 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
DAN CYR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I really appreciate your time, Joe.

That's what I was wondering. I tried to move the door with the piece the actuator moves, (even tried leverage with a screwdriver, ) but it wouldn't budge. I don't see any other way to get to the door.
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

I wish we could get to it easier, but I suspect the best thing to do is remove the HVAC module to get better access.

There are several preliminary steps that need to be done before you can remove the module. However, if at any point, you find that you can get access to the door, by all means, do it.

You need to remove the instrument panel carrier. I started with those directions below (pics 1 and 2). Pics 3 and 4 explain how the module itself is removed.

I read through the directions before attaching them. They are somewhat vague, so let me know if you have questions.

Take care and let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
DAN CYR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Joe,

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help. I think this is getting a little above my skill set. I may be calling my mechanic. (Bummer)
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Thursday, September 16th, 2021 AT 5:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
First, you are very welcome. Also, I have confidence in you. However, if you feel uncomfortable doing it, I completely understand. It isn't a fun job.

Regardless, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help if you decide to do it. Also, please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome here.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
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Thursday, September 16th, 2021 AT 7:35 PM

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