How to reset a Blend Door Actuator
Sometimes, when parts of a car are replaced, it’s necessary to perform a reset operation to keep things moving properly. This happens after replacing the blend door actuator. You don't know how to do a reset of the blend door actuator.
This article will explain what the actuator for your blend door is, and how you can reset it. Also, we discuss why the actuator should be recalibrated. The final part of the article examines the cost to replace the blend-door actuator.
What does the Blend Door Actuator do?
The blend door actuator is a major component of the car’s heating and air conditioning system. The actuator is responsible for running the blend doors. These combine cold and warm air to achieve the desired temperature. The actuator will open or close the doors controlling airflow to the vehicle’s cabin. It’s just a small motor that’s connected to the blend doors through linkages.
These actuators manage several modes including floor vent, vent, and defrost. As you change the system’s setting, the actuator moves the blend door to correct its position. If you select the vent setting, then the actuator will move the blend door to adjust airflow so that the dashboard vents are open.
How to Reset a Blend Door Actuator
You must first remove the actuator and then turn the temperature control to maximum. The actuator can be reinstalled by turning the shaft of the blend doors until the heat reaches the vents. Turn on the air conditioner, then test all the actuators.
Modern car models allow for the reset of the door blend actuator electronically using a diagnostic tool. You should check first if it's possible.
This is an in-depth list of steps that can be used to reset the actuator for a blended door.
1. Locate Blend Door Actuator
There may be one to two combination doors, depending on which vehicle you are driving. These doors can be found both on the passenger and driver sides. For more details, you can refer to the service manual. You will find it in many cases near the bottom of your stereo set, or at the centre of your dashboard.
To remove the console, you may have to unscrew some bolts from either side. It’s also possible that you need to disconnect electrical components in addition to the shifter. The actuator assembly must be inspected once the stereo is removed.
2. Take out the actuator
Now, you need to take the actuator out of the shaft. The actuator should be free to move. You may have to perform additional diagnostics or lubricate your blend door if the shaft of the mixer does not move freely.
3. You can turn on the vehicle
Now it is time to start the engine and get heat into the car. Turn on the engine, and ensure that the parking brake is activated. This can be done outdoors or indoors.
5. Switch on AC
Turn the air conditioning on with the accessories turned on. To turn the air conditioner on, use the knobs or controls.
Change the temperature setting from cold to warm. You should select maximum heat.
6. Calibrate Blend Door Actuator
Let the engine warm up. Then, move the mixture door actuator in each direction to determine which direction heat is blowing and which direction cold air is flowing. Each function should run for about 1-2 minutes, then switch it back on again.
7. Get it back together
Move the blend shaft in the direction of heat coming out the vents. Make sure that you select the highest heat option on your climate control unit.
Install the actuator for the blend door and adjust the temperature control settings to make sure that both warm and cold air are coming. If it doesn’t work as it should, you can do the procedure again.
Check that everything is in order before you turn on the air conditioner. If something doesn’t seem right, you might want to enlist the help of a professional for an additional diagnosis or use a repair manual for your specific car model.
Reported: Car Heater blows cold air? (7 Causes & How To Fix it)
Why you should reset the Blend Door Actuator
Installation of a New Actuator
Because the actuator is such a tiny component, it can easily be broken. It’s not made of high-quality materials, so it could easily wear down after many uses. For this reason, it’s possible that you need to install a new actuator to keep the air conditioning system working.
If you’ve replaced the actuator, it’s important to reset and reconfigure it. While everything might work normally on its own, it’s important to ensure proper regulation. Without proper regulation, air conditioning systems might not work as you had hoped.
Needs to be Recalibrated (Electronically)
If you’ve disconnected the system module fuse for any reason, the module may need to be recalibrated. You want the actuator to remain at its best position, so it’s wise to take these steps.
The module in most cases will cause recalibration during ignition. It’s part of the startup process. If you experience unusual clicking, or other noises in the startup process, it may be necessary to manually calibrate it.
Stuck actuator
These noises may be caused by the actuator becoming stuck. It’s also possible that there’s been some kind of mechanical or electrical failure that must be dealt with. In either case, you don’t want to manually shift the doors to get them working. It’s best to work through a proper diagnosis and run the recalibration steps.
If there’s been a glitch in the amount of power received, the motor can also go into a failsafe mode. Resetting the actuator may be sufficient to correct it. You should also consider that it could be due to contamination of the tracing pins. They are located near the rear of the output shaft. If there’s debris on the pins, the connection could be lost. To get the actuator running again, simply wipe off any debris.
Price of a Blend Door Actuator Replacement
You can expect to spend between $300 and $400 on average to replace your blend door actuator. This price would include the parts and labor, which means you don’t have to perform the reset either. The parts could cost you between $100-150, so it is possible to save some money.
Many factors will affect the final price. The type of vehicle you drive, where you take it for repair and how difficult the installation is can all change the total price that’s paid in the end.
Blend Door Actuator FAQs
How can I tell if my blender door is locked?
To determine if the blend door is stuck, remove the actuator from the door and turn the shaft by hand. If you can’t move it at all, your blend door is probably stuck.
What calibration do I have to make for the actuator of my blend door?
The blend door actuator must be calibrated and reset if it has been removed, replaced, or re-installed. You can reset some models electronically. However, it is sometimes necessary to manually reset the actuator.
How can a combination door actuator fail?
Age is the most frequent reason a actuator for a blended door fails. If the door becomes stuck, or is turning slowly, it can cause the actuator to fail.
Are the doors of the mixture open?
The car's model will determine whether the door opens or closes for heat. Warm up your car to determine which direction is hot or cold. You can remove the actuator from the car and turn the mixture door shaft manually in either direction.
Related: Car AC not blowing cold air? Common Causes (& How to Fix)
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