The blend door actuator does play a very vital role in the A/C and heating systems. It aids in regulating the temperature and airflow in the main cabin of your car. The actuator receives power when the driver turns the temperature lever or knob on the dash, which causes the device to move the blend door in one direction or the other.
A feedback sensor that is frequently built into blend door actuators alerts the climate control module of the door’s position. Today, you’ll get to know the definition, function, symptoms, location, testing, and replacement cost of the blend door actuator.
Let’s get to it.
Contents
What is the blend door actuator?
Your car’s blend door actuator is essentially a little HVAC motor that controls the climate control system along with your car’s temperature sensors. The signal travels via the blend door actuator each time you turn the dial to send warm or cool air out.
In other words, a blend door actuator is a small electric motor in your vehicle that controls your vehicle’s climate control system. A well-functioning A/C and heating system is essential for a comfortable car ride.
You will dread getting into the car if the climate control system starts to malfunction or isn’t giving you the temperature you want. One issue you might have is a bad blend door actuator. It appears to be a small plastic box on the inside with a few plastic gears.
Signals are sent through the blend door actuator when you turn the dial to change the temperature or airflow. The defrosters and other vents are also under its control.
Read more: Lists of Best Portable Air Compressors
The function of the blend door actuator
This system’s function is to regulate the temperature and airflow in the car’s interior. The system is composed of a variety of components, including a blower motor, heater core, and evaporator core, as well as different vents, ducts, and doors. The majority of a car’s climate control systems are controlled by one of three types of doors.
You have the blend door in addition to the inlet and mode doors. The intake door’s job is to assess whether the air traveling through the cabin is fresh air from the outside or recirculated air. The air discharge location, whether you want it through the vents or on the floor, is controlled by the mode door.
The actuator in the majority of climate control systems is an electric motor. The mix door’s position needs to be controlled, which requires this actuator. Although it doesn’t appear to have the same issues, previous vehicles used a mechanical cable.
The blend door actuator receives power as you control the temperature on the climate control system. This force makes the device control the door and moves it in the desired direction in accordance with the settings. A sensor that continuously monitors the position of the door can also be included in the blend door actuator.
Read more: Understanding the working of a Heater core
Why does a blend door actuator fail?
The blend door actuator is susceptible to failure due to wear and tear, just like any other car part. Additionally, especially if the motor has been used regularly, it may have worn out over time. The actuator could prematurely fail if you live somewhere with high temperatures.
Read more: 4 signs that your car air conditioner needs freon
Location of the blend door actuator
There are several places where the blend door actuator can be found. The majority are, however, located close to the blower fan, behind the dashboard. Remove the controls, or perhaps look underneath the dashboard, in order to locate it.
There should be a single actuator if the air conditioning system can only be managed from one location for the entire vehicle. To control each zone separately, there should be a number of actuators and blend doors if you are utilizing a dual- or tri-zone climate control system.
Read more: Most essential names of car parts and their functions
How to test the blend door actuator
Do you want to determine whether the blend door actuator is responsible for the issues with climate control? Make sure you have the required tools to perform the test. But if you don’t, it’s best that you reach out to a professional.
Here’s how to test it
Try directly powering the blend door actuator. If the door actuator is moved by the power, the issue can actually be a feedback sensor.
Another possibility is that the problems are caused by the output signal. To avoid damaging the actuator or the car’s electrical system, you need a proper wiring diagram for this.
You can look for diagnostic issue codes relating to the blend door actuators if you have a high-end scan tool. Cheap OBDII code scanners cannot interpret these codes.
The blend door actuator can also be tested using a high-end scan tool. Check the door’s reaction by sending power to it.
The heating and cooling system uses a significant number of electrical circuits. The blend door actuator could go bad if one of these circuits fails.
You should, however, examine the electrical circuits as well, as some of the issues may also be brought on by blown fuses.
Read more: Understanding AC pressure switch
Blend door actuator replacement cost
You should probably budget between $220 and $510 for the job if you want to have your car’s blend door actuator professionally replaced.
The precise cost will, of course, vary depending on a number of variables, including the year, make, and model of your car.
If you have the necessary tools and knowledge, you can replace the blend door actuator yourself and save money.
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FAQs
How do I know if my blend door is not working?
When the defrost is turned on but takes some time to start working, that is one of the most typical symptoms of a blend door issue. The windshield regularly refuses to defrost, does so slowly, or continues to be foggy after some time.
How much does it cost to fix a blend door actuator?
The cost to replace a blend door actuator ranges from $309 to $355, depending on whether you hire a mechanic or do it yourself. Taxes, fees, and your particular make and model are not taken into account in this price range, which is based on national averages for all vehicles.
What happens when an actuator goes out?
When the blend door is stuck or the A/C actuator is broken, the most common sign is inconsistent airflow. You are not getting a stable temperature from the air conditioning system since the intended air, whether it be cold or hot, is being diverted incorrectly.
What causes the blend door actuator to click?
The cause of this clicking sound is a broken door actuator, specifically because the plastic gear’s internal teeth have sheared and are now slipping. Using an aftermarket door actuator in the car is the cause of almost all of these issues.
What happens if I don’t fix my blend door actuator?
Technically, driving with a damaged or broken blend door actuator is still safe, but we don’t advise doing so for extended periods of time. As a purely interior comfort function, the blend door actuator has no bearing on how your car drives.
How do I reset my blend actuator?
To reset the system, press and hold the down arrow for 10 to 15 seconds. When finished, the switch ought to say “027.” (Figure 5). Install the switch that came with your system instead of the configurable hand switch once both sets of control boxes have been reset.
How do I know if I need a new blend door actuator?
You could need a new blend door actuator if you notice that the temperature in your car fluctuates or alternately blows hot and cold air without you moving the dial. Unpredictable airflow: The air should circulate through the specified vents and should remain at the same temperature.
What is the difference between a blend door and a blend door actuator?
To control airflow through the heater core and maintain the optimum interior temperature, the blend door can open and close in a variety of positions. In comparison to the mode door, the blend door actuator is often located closer to the heater core and evaporator.
How do you know if your actuator is broken?
Power door locks operate unpredictably.
Strange noises were coming from the door’s interior.
Power door locks are inoperative.
Is the blend door open or closed for heat?
Before installing a new blend door actuator while replacing an existing one, make sure the blend door position is entirely closed. The temperature inside the car won’t match the A/C setting if the vent door is even slightly left open.
Which actuator controls the temperature?
Temperature Blend Air Doors Actuators
These actuators mix hot and cold air from the heater core and evaporator to control the temperature of the air coming from the vents.
How do you test a blend door actuator?
You can look for diagnostic issue codes relating to the blend door actuators if you have a high-end scan tool. Cheap OBDII code scanners cannot interpret these codes. The blend door actuator can also be tested using a high-end scan tool. Check the door’s reaction by sending power to it.
Why is my AC blowing hot on one side and cold on the other?
Low refrigerant is the main reason for the extreme temperature difference between one side of the dashboard and the other due to the design of dual AC systems. Even experienced auto mechanics might be shocked to hear that as little as 4 to 8 ounces of 134A undercharge can make such a significant difference.
That is all for this article, where we discussed the definition, function, symptoms, location, testing, and replacement cost of the blend door actuator. We also looked at the frequently asked questions about the blend door actuator.
I hope you learn a lot from reading this article. If you do, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading; see you around!
