I keep getting these AC actuator problems and there is no single place that details which one causes which problem. This is my attempt to fix that and also get an answer to my problem.
I know there are 3 actuators - one is on the passenger side, and two are on the driver side. Of those latter two, one is close to the noise dampener under the steering wheel and the second is higher up, harder to get to, and deeper in the dash.
A blend door is mounted within the heating and air conditioning system and pivots to divert warm or cool air into different passages within the system to keep the passenger area at the desired temperature. The workshop manual I found online says it "is located on the driver side end of the HVAC air distribution housing, close to the dash panel."
The mode door actuator is located on the driver side end of the HVAC air distribution housing, close to the instrument panel. The mode door actuator is mechanically connected to the floor, defrost/demist and the panel-air doors.
The recirculation door actuator is located on the passenger side, inboard side of the HVAC air inlet housing and is directly connected to the pivot shaft of the recirculation-air door.
There are a number of problems these actuators cause, and the fix is always to swap it out.
You can take it to the dealer and pay well over $1,000 in labor to have them fix this, or you can do in on your own with 2 tools and 30 minutes of your time. Your arm will be very tired but it will be well worth it.
Here is a handy graphic to show you how to change it out.
I have seen various posts saying to swap out fuses, unplugging negative, setting dials in voodoo ways... none of it worked for me. The part is like $23 on Amazon, buy multiples because they will all go bad every couple of years.
I know there are 3 actuators - one is on the passenger side, and two are on the driver side. Of those latter two, one is close to the noise dampener under the steering wheel and the second is higher up, harder to get to, and deeper in the dash.
- Blend door
- Mode door
- Recirculation door
A blend door is mounted within the heating and air conditioning system and pivots to divert warm or cool air into different passages within the system to keep the passenger area at the desired temperature. The workshop manual I found online says it "is located on the driver side end of the HVAC air distribution housing, close to the dash panel."
The mode door actuator is located on the driver side end of the HVAC air distribution housing, close to the instrument panel. The mode door actuator is mechanically connected to the floor, defrost/demist and the panel-air doors.
The recirculation door actuator is located on the passenger side, inboard side of the HVAC air inlet housing and is directly connected to the pivot shaft of the recirculation-air door.
There are a number of problems these actuators cause, and the fix is always to swap it out.
- Loud clicking noises when they break. Super annoying, and also means your AC won't work properly. You gotta swap it out, just findout which one the noise is coming from by using your ears and hands (vibrations on panels).
- Hot air blowing when cool is selected. That's the blend door, I think, you gotta swap it out.
- Flashing lights on defroster knobs. The vents will blow heat for like 15 seconds before finally turning cold. It's re-calibrating the mode door, swap that unit out.
You can take it to the dealer and pay well over $1,000 in labor to have them fix this, or you can do in on your own with 2 tools and 30 minutes of your time. Your arm will be very tired but it will be well worth it.
Here is a handy graphic to show you how to change it out.
Dodge Workshop Service and Repair Manuals > Challenger V8-5.7L (2010) > Heating and Air Conditioning | Air Door, HVAC | Air Door Actuator / Motor, HVAC | Component Information | Service and Repair | Blend Door Actuator - Removal
Challenger V8-5.7L (2010) > Dodge Workshop Service and Repair Manuals > Heating and Air Conditioning | Air Door, HVAC | Air Door Actuator / Motor, HVAC | Component Information | Service and Repair | Blend Door Actuator - Removal
workshop-manuals.com
I have seen various posts saying to swap out fuses, unplugging negative, setting dials in voodoo ways... none of it worked for me. The part is like $23 on Amazon, buy multiples because they will all go bad every couple of years.