No air at dash vents, stuck on defrost and feet?

2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
170,000 MILES • 6.0L • V8 • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JERMJACK3
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When I switch to have air at the dash vent, nothing comes out. It seems to be stuck on defrost and feet. The fan is working just fine along with the heat/AC. Just seems to be an issue with the Mode Actuator. However, I can see the actuator moving but to no avail.
Sep 13, 2022 at 9:46 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If you are unable to change the airflow direction and you see the mode door actuator respond to a change, then either the mode door actuator cam has failed, or something has broken on the door itself.

What I suggest is this. Remove the actuator and inspect the cam and where everything connects. While it is removed, move the door to see if you can direct air from the vents.

Let me know what you find. Also, I attached two pics below to make sure we have the correct components. The info is for manual climate control. If you have automatic climate control, let me know.

Also, here is a link you may find interesting:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-vents-stay-in-the-defrost-position

Take care and let me know if you have questions.

Joe

See pics below.
Sep 13, 2022 at 9:00 PM
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JERMJACK3
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I haven't taken the actuator out yet but the white gear controlling the door, I believe, was not engaging with the actuator. The actuator was not moving far enough. I was able to assist it back in place, but it is a few teeth off and won't completely switch to defrost now. Vents have air just not defrost now that I moved it in place. I'm leaning more towards the actuator going bad and not fully rotating.
Sep 14, 2022 at 2:43 PM
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MIKE H R
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from what I see is that the actuator is not working properly, you may need a new actuator.
Sep 14, 2022 at 4:34 PM
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JERMJACK3
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I'm planning on replacing it. Thanks for the help.
Sep 14, 2022 at 5:27 PM
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JERMJACK3
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Do you have any tips on making sure I line up the new one correctly?
Sep 14, 2022 at 5:28 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

By any chance, do you hear a clicking sound from the actuator? There are plastic gears in it that fail and then the actuator can't properly operate.

As far as tips for replacement, I attached the directions below specific to this vehicle. I selected a system without RPO D07, which is a center console. If you do have one, let me know.

Let me know if this helps. I highlighted the area that I believe will be of most interest for you.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Sep 14, 2022 at 6:41 PM
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MIKE H R
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It is not hard to replace just take your time lining. you showed me the video of the of the actuator working part way. there are two screws holding it in place. From the video you look like you can get at it easily enough.
Sep 15, 2022 at 7:35 AM
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JERMJACK3
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This is becoming a nightmare. When I get the defrost round pin lined up and then the white gear, which took forever, install the screws no it won't turn at all. I remove it, plug it in and it turns just fine. This is a new actuator. If I move the white gear the defrost round pin falls. You can hear the doors letting go. What I need is to know exactly how to have the white pins and gear oriented along with the actuator.
Sep 16, 2022 at 2:58 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I noticed that it has been a few days since you were contacted. By chance, have you been able to get things aligned? If not, here is what you need to do.


You have to install the mode actuator as an assembly with the actuator cam. First, line up the heater/defroster valve lever with the mode actuator cam slot. Then, line up the A/C valve lever with the mode actuator cam.

At that point, you can install the mode actuator mounting screw to the HVAC module.

Let me know if that helps.

Joe
Sep 19, 2022 at 6:27 PM
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JERMJACK3
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I was able to get it in but it's still not working right. I'm taking it into a shop now. Thanks for the help though.
Sep 19, 2022 at 6:59 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I'm sorry to hear that. What is it doing now? Were you able to get things properly aligned?

If you take it to the shop, is it possible for you to let me know what they find? I'm interested in knowing.

Let me know.

Joe
Sep 19, 2022 at 7:22 PM
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JERMJACK3
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I thought I got it aligned but now I don't get any air to the feet.
Sep 19, 2022 at 8:14 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Are you installing the actuator as a unit with the linkage?

Joe
Sep 20, 2022 at 5:57 PM