I have at least one actuator for my HVAC plenum ticking

TONYDM

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

As is the typical fail on these cars. There is no position on the mode selector switch that allows the ticking to stop, so I am suspecting there may be more than one door actuator that is defective. So, my questions are:

1. Can you provide a diagram showing exactly where the actuators in my car are located?

2. Is it possible on this car to reach and replace the actuators without total disassembly of the dashboard, as shown in so many YouTube videos?

3. Is it possible to allow the system to set the doors in any one particular position and then remove power from the actuator doors so that they stop trying to move, while still having power to the blower motor? (Removing the HVAC fuse also removes the power to the blower motor)

4. Is it possible, as a last resort, to reach the connectors to either unplug the actuators or cut the power wires to them, without having to dissemble the dash?

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

You only have one actuator for the recirculation door, all others are cable controlled so that means this is the actuator that is the issue. The clicking on all settings is because the actuator is most likely stripped and it is moving looking for the correct position.

So to answer your questions, I don't see any way to remove and replace it without removing the HVAC which requires the dash to come out. Whether you can actually reach them or not, I am not sure. As for removing the power on a certain setting, that could work but due to it most likely being stripped, it is unlikely it will hold its position.

Unfortunately it looks like it needs to be replaced. At least if it were me, I would just go that direction.

Attached are all the documents. Thanks

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Sunday, November 22nd, 2020 AT 6:53 AM

TONYDM

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I am confused. Most of those pictures show a vacuum operated plenum motor. I am sure the one(s) in my car are electronic.

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Sunday, November 22nd, 2020 AT 7:22 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Yeah. I noticed that as well. I think they are stock photos from the previous years when it was vacuum. GM didn't update it for this year but the position of the actuator is the same. So the process is the same but the actual component is different. Take a look at the last attachment that I provided as it shows the electrical connector that would indicate it is an electrical actuator. Plus I attached a photo of the replacement part.

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