Where is the Mode Actuator located?

2009 KIA SPECTRA
100,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
TORILEY12
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
A/C is blowing from the floor vents only. It blows air at the highest speed but only comes from the floor vents. I've done research and believed it's the mode actuator. However, I am having a hard time locating the correct actuator to change out.
Jul 16, 2022 at 9:48 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The mode door actuator is located on the HVAC box behind the dash. It can be accessed from under the driver side dash.
I have attached diagrams below for your reference.

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-vents-stay-in-the-defrost-position
Jul 16, 2022 at 2:13 PM
Avatar
TORILEY12
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
What needs to be removed to access this spot?
Jul 17, 2022 at 9:26 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
TORILEY12
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Can reach the blend without removing anything. This mode door one is up above the blend.
Jul 17, 2022 at 11:50 AM
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
You will have to remove the lower crush panel. It is somewhat hard to get to.
Jul 17, 2022 at 8:32 PM
Avatar
TORILEY12
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Last time man I'm sorry, the step-by-step procedure says "after removing the air duct".

What steps need to be taken to remove it?
Jul 20, 2022 at 4:30 AM
Avatar
TORILEY12
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
There's a piece at the end of the duct that just pops right off. But it still doesn't give enough space to remove the actuator.
Jul 20, 2022 at 9:30 AM
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
Can you upload a picture of what is on the way?
Jul 20, 2022 at 8:45 PM
Avatar
TORILEY12
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
The one I'm changing is on the back side of the air duct.
Jul 21, 2022 at 3:16 AM
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
I have been looking through the diagrams and unfortunately the manual does not provide any details of the removal procedure for the duct.
Generally speaking, those ducks can be removed by pushing in on those tabs. The tricky part is to get to the back tabs.
Jul 21, 2022 at 8:27 AM
Avatar
TORILEY12
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I took the first piece off, but it doesn't give me hardly any other space to work with. Possibly able to remove from the passenger side after removing the glovebox?
Jul 21, 2022 at 9:36 AM
Avatar
SQM
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 6,383 POSTS
Sorry for the late reply.
Were you able to get to the actuator?
Not sure if the glove box removal will work. As the actuator is on the driver's side.
Jul 23, 2022 at 1:38 PM