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Where are the Blend Door Actuators located and how do I replace them?

Tiny
LEMONCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
My blend door actuators need to be replaced but how and where would the locations be?

Once replaced do I need a calibration done on them.


i think I have three of them. So far only the center and driver side actuators click at me.

They are draining my battery to zero and being "stuck" while the car is off.

The alternator according to my voltmeter is fine and working but my battery won't hold a charge which is how I found my parasitic drain being the actuators.

Mopar part number 68299450AA.
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 AT 6:13 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,882 POSTS
Hi,

Do you have dual climate control? Everything I'm finding indicates there is one blend air door actuator. You indicated hearing two making noise. What is done to cause the noise or stop it?

Keep in mind, there is a mode door actuator and a fresh air door actuator. One of these could be making noise.

I attached the directions for replacing the blend door actuator below and recalibration. Let me know if that helps. Also, let me know if airflow direction or fresh/recirculate operation is normal.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
LEMONCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Well the first rapid clicking incident came from the center of the dashboard further back near the windshield. Days later I heard the clicking coming from the back of my instrument cluster.

The first click happend when I was adjusting the a/c cold air.
The second incident was when the car was off and I opened the driver side door to exit.

One or both of these are draining my battery. Running when the car is off. I have the battery on a 2a - 12a optimal charge which automatically does everything for me but I cant keep it on a charger forever and I dont want it to become sulphated so can I pull the fuses related to the actuator?
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
LEMONCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Yes, I do. The first clicking was when I was adjusting the A/C cold air temperature. The second clicking a few days later, when the car was off and I was exiting the vehicle (as soon I opened my door).

I have my battery hooked up to a charger running an automatic 2a - 12a optimal charge, it adjusts as the battery gets restored but one or both of those actuators is draining my battery and I don't want it to become sulphated. Can I pull the fuses related to the actuators?
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,882 POSTS
Hi,

There isn't one fuse that can be removed for each actuator. Power is sent via the front AC/Heater module. If you remove the fuse powering the module, nothing will work. See pic below

Are you able to feel the actuator vibrating when this happens?

Joe
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
LEMONCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
I had to disconnect the battery from the car in order to get my battery charger to flip it into Reconditioning Mode. The charger wouldn't allow it to be charged up fully due to the load.

Once the battery is 100% I will hook it back up to the car and check if I can feel the vibration. I ordered two actuators just in case. Today I'll be removing the passenger side panels to locate that actuator and then I'll take apart the driver's side and locate that one as well.

I think only the Blend Door and the Mode door actuator are faulty.
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
LEMONCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Heres a picture of the passenger side actuator. I am hoping to only find 1 on the driver side will post pictures.
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Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 AT 10:28 AM
Tiny
LEMONCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
The driver side has two. I'll have to order another actuator.
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Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,882 POSTS
Do you have dual climate control? The manual doesn't show one for this vehicle. The third one you found could be the fresh air actuator.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, September 22nd, 2022 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
LEMONCAR
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Dual no I don't think so, I only have the 3 knobs in the front console 1 controls the air speed. The middle one controls cold or hot air, and the last knob controls the different vents you can have the air come out of.

When I was removing the upper actuator on the driver's side I noticed some part that sits behind a plastic plate which the actuator screws into soaked in oil. Also, to the top left corner above the foot pedal parking brake evidence of oil dripping in. Hopefully nothing serious and I can take that plastic plate off to get a better look.
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Friday, September 23rd, 2022 AT 1:29 AM
Tiny
LEMONCAR
  • MEMBER
  • 36 POSTS
Bad news, that oil leakage is more than likely coming from the A/C compressor. One thing after another with this car. If I let it run dry that compressor is $800.00 (Canadian) and I will be replacing it myself if I can order it to save me some money. How do I fill / top up my a/c compressor oil?
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Friday, September 23rd, 2022 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

When you replace the compressor, it should come with oil in it.

The idea that you see oil leads me to think you would also have freon loss as well. Do you have to recharge the system from time to time?

As far as a new compressor, you will add the PAG to it. Though the system has peg oil throughout its internal workings and is usually included in the new compressor it's a good idea to add a slight amount (1/2 ounce) of compressor oil to ensure proper lubrication before installation, then reinstall dust caps. Some units have oil already installed be sure to read the installation instructions for more information that is supplied with the replacement unit.

Let me know. Also, since we don't know how much was lost (which is likely not much) we need to be careful. If too much is added, it will adversely affect the A/C.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Friday, September 23rd, 2022 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
LEMONCAR
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Okay, it makes sense and I'll see if I can get a temperature reading on the A/C with my temperature gun. Meanwhile I was looking into the compressor issue, its apparently possible that the compressor leaks a little due to not being used which would make sense since the car has been off the road due to the cradle bolts snapping then the actuator draining my battery. I will keep an eye on the leak area after I clean it up. This car now has a new battery and actuators, finally back on the road. Everything so far is running smoothly. Next work order up is replacing the ball joints which I will create another post for. They are in bad shape, lol.
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Sunday, September 25th, 2022 AT 10:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I'm glad you have it going again. If it has been sitting, there is a chance the o-rings will seal once they are lubricated. Keep your fingers crossed.

As far as the ball joints, absolutely we can help. I will watch for your new post.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, September 26th, 2022 AT 6:00 PM

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