Defroster got stuck on defrost

Good morning.

When the defroster was working, was it blowing cold air out the vents? It does sound like an actuator.

Roy

REMOVAL

NOTE: Prior to part replacement, re-calibration the HVAC actuator. Disconnecting negative battery cable for 60 seconds. This will automatically initiate the software calibration procedure.

1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove left silencer panel.
3. Remove wiring connection from actuator.

Fig.25 Actuators
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4. Remove mode actuator mounting screws and pull actuator straight down. Note actuator shaft position for installation reference.

Fig.26 Mode Actuator Spline
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INSTALLATION
1. Install mode door actuator on the housing, make sure spline shaft is positioned properly with the cam.
2. Install and tighten the mounting screws.
3. Connect actuator wiring harness to the actuator.
4. Install console left side panel.
5. Install left silencer panel.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

I will see if that works real quick.

Sounds like a plan.

Roy

What size wrench do I need for the battery cable?

Yes that did not work.

And just curious where can I get the climate control light bulbs they do not have them in auto part stores.

You should call the dealer parts for them. They are special. Use gloves when you change them. The acid from your hands will cause issues.

What did you try? Can you be more specific?

Roy

Oh, I just unbolted and unhooked the negative battery cable for sixty seconds.

I was told those lights being out can stop it from working. Is that true?

That does not do anything.

Why did you do that? It cannot and will not fix a malfunctioning actuator motor.

I would remove the actuator and move the door by hand to be sure there is nothing blocking the door from moving.

You can also see if the motor is turning.

Roy

That is why I unlocked the battery because you told me to.

Do not I have to take the whole dash apart to see if it is turning.

Okay, that is part of the replacement instructions for the actuator. Did you replace the actuator?

No, I have not taken the dash apart yet I was trying to see if it was or could be something else.

No, it is under the dash above the fuel pedal. This is an easy replacement. Just need to be on your back under the dash.

Roy

Oh okay, thank you so much.

Um right so where do I call to get those bulbs again?

You are welcome.

Call the dealer parts department.

Roy

Is it above the steering knuckle? Do you have a diagram?

I attached a picture back a couple of posts. The procedure was there as well.

Roy

So I replaced the mode door and have no heat still. Maybe blend door?

Yes. The blend door motor is what controls the heat not the mode door.

Roy

Yes, I am aware. Can you give me very specific instructions on how to change it?

My dad is doing it but he will not even get off of the couch until I can tell him where it is located.

Please!

Sorry, traveling today.

Procedure below.

Roy

REMOVAL

NOTE: Prior to part replacement, re-calibration the HVAC actuator. Disconnecting negative battery cable for 60 seconds. This will automatically initiate the software calibration procedure.

1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Remove the floor console.
3. Remove rear heat ducts.
4. Remove HVAC housing.
5. Disconnect the electrical connection.

Fig.23 Blend Door Actuator
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6. Remove actuator retaining screws and pull actuator straight down. Note actuator shaft position for installation reference.

Fig.24 Blend Actuator Spline
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I have a 2001 dodge stratus. on cold mornings the defroster sometimes does not come on, but works fine when it gets warmer outside. Also, the airbag light will come on and my center console lights wont work? Any help would be appreciated. If the key is turned a little different in the ignition, then things will work fine. Is my blower motor resistor going out?

Thanks.

When the resister goes bad, usually it will only work on high. If it doesn't come on at all, you need to check to see if power is at the motor. IF there is, the motor is going bad.

if i run the defroster, heater or air conditioner my car sometimes dies, kinda shakes whats wrong?

It sounds like the idle system is not compensating for the extra load of the A/C compressor.
You may have a bad IAC ( idle air control) but try cleaning the throttle body first. Remove the intake snorkel, have someone hold the throttle wide open for you and scrub the back side of the throttle plate and surrounding bore with an old tooth brush and some carb cleaner. Be sure to spray some into the small holes next to the throttle plate. That should help stabilize the idle. If it still has a problem, replace the IAC.

When I start my car and turn on my heater and front window defroster it only blows out cold air. The only time the heat will work is when I have been driving for several miles and it will stop working when the car is stopped.

Is the coolant level full? Tell me this, at an idle with the engine running, the heater on high, do both heater core hoses get hot?

Hello. Thanks for responding. I checked the coolant level and it is only a drop of coolant in there. I will add more coolant and hopefully that will resolve the problem. I do not know where the "heater core hoses" are located so if adding the coolant doesn't fix the problem I'll contact you again.

Sounds good. Listen, if you only checked the overflow, make sure the radiator is full too. However, never open it if the engine is hot. Wait till it cools off then check it.

Let me know if you need anything.

Well the heat/defroster definitely kicks out when I'm driving now but it doesn't work when I'm stopped or the car is idling. Does that mean I need to replace my heater core hoses? If so, is that something I can do myself or should a repair shop do this as my knowledge is very limited.

I have a 2004 Dodge stratus that when i turn on the headlights, it causes the environmental controls to quit responding. The blower still works, but the ac kicks on and the directional automaticly goes to defrost, and the rear defrost does not turn on. Once i turn the headlights off...it all works normaly. Also, the climat control panl backlighs do not work.

Have the body control module checked-all those components involved is being control by the BCM

Chances are you have air in the system. Check that and let me know what you find.

heat n ac only blows out defroster vent

The Mode door selection is done by an electric actuator motor. You will have t examine the actuator to determine if it is responding to commands from the control head and whether the door itself is jammed.