Drivers blend actuator removal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee FL
Drivers blend actuator removal
Hey guys, drivers door actuator called it quits. Tried the resetting procedure with pulling fuses but no luck. I have a replacement actuator to swap out.
If I pull the driver's side kick panel, will that be enough to expose the area I need? I realize I'll have to pull center console as well (frankly, using it as an excuse for an MGW shifter install).
I can find multiple threads for steps on replacement for passenger side, but the driver's side links are down. Any help, pictures, etc would be fantastic. I really appreciate it.
-Kasey
If I pull the driver's side kick panel, will that be enough to expose the area I need? I realize I'll have to pull center console as well (frankly, using it as an excuse for an MGW shifter install).
I can find multiple threads for steps on replacement for passenger side, but the driver's side links are down. Any help, pictures, etc would be fantastic. I really appreciate it.
-Kasey
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
You need to pull the black panel above the pedals. This will expose the Bose unit. Take that out. The actuator is visible now.
Be aware all the bolts to do this are 7mm except the ones on the actuator. They are some small fraction of an inch, not metric.
Good luck.
Be aware all the bolts to do this are 7mm except the ones on the actuator. They are some small fraction of an inch, not metric.
Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,294
Likes: 482
From: Brea CA
The bolts holding the actuators in place are 7/32.
The 2 sets I have replaced both actuators were done. Codes and the noises they made pointed to both being bad. Pulled the dash out completely to do the replacement. The passenger on is in a real awkward position. A long extension made it doable.
Gary
The 2 sets I have replaced both actuators were done. Codes and the noises they made pointed to both being bad. Pulled the dash out completely to do the replacement. The passenger on is in a real awkward position. A long extension made it doable.
Gary
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee FL
Luckily I'm not having to deal with the passenger side. Ironic though, my girlfriend is always cold and I'm always hot. Driver's side is stuck on full hot. Go figure
I think I may post pictures for the driver's side when I go through it this week. I know I can't be the only one in this boat.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee FL
I'm guessing the black panel you're referencing requires center console removal as well?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If you remove the drivers seat,, you can lay in the floor on your back and feet over the rear hump and get a very good working position.. MUCH easier!
Bill
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 426
Do yourself a flavor and take Bill's advice about the driver's seat. You might even find enough change to pay for the actuator.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee FL
Well I got to the actuator and removed it. Blend door moves relatively freely, drivers AC blows cold if manually moved to the cold position. Plugged in the new actuator. Two issues now:
1. The position of the new actuator "socket" for the blend door is not in any sort of orientation to allow the actuator to be installed and still fit the "keying" of the blend door post.
2. Upon pulling fuse 27, waiting several minutes, then reinstalling, I can hear the passenger side cycle, but not the driver's side. Mind you the driver's side is only plugged in and hanging, not installed onto the unit.
Anyone have suggestions here?
1. The position of the new actuator "socket" for the blend door is not in any sort of orientation to allow the actuator to be installed and still fit the "keying" of the blend door post.
2. Upon pulling fuse 27, waiting several minutes, then reinstalling, I can hear the passenger side cycle, but not the driver's side. Mind you the driver's side is only plugged in and hanging, not installed onto the unit.
Anyone have suggestions here?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee FL
UPDATE: I HAVE AC CONTROL AGAIN
I got frustrated after putting the new actuator in and it not responding whatsoever. I figured I'd see if the old one was cracked. Took the original apart, looked through the gears, everything looked fine. I reassemble and say to hell with it. Plug in the original unit, BOOM IT WORKS.
Reassembled the dash and console (installed the MGW shifter I just got, it's fantastic) and all is good here. Not sure if I knocked something loose or what, but to reiterate I took the original unit out, tried the new one which didn't work, tried the old one, and I'm back to 100% now. Thanks for the help guys!
I got frustrated after putting the new actuator in and it not responding whatsoever. I figured I'd see if the old one was cracked. Took the original apart, looked through the gears, everything looked fine. I reassemble and say to hell with it. Plug in the original unit, BOOM IT WORKS.
Reassembled the dash and console (installed the MGW shifter I just got, it's fantastic) and all is good here. Not sure if I knocked something loose or what, but to reiterate I took the original unit out, tried the new one which didn't work, tried the old one, and I'm back to 100% now. Thanks for the help guys!