Hey all!
With the cold weather, I had the unfortunate realization that my HVAC mode door isn't working. I attempted both the battery-disconnect relearn, and also used my scan tool to run the relearn procedure but no luck.
It showed that it's stuck, and doing the 'manual override' with the scan tool to try to move it had no impact.


I ordered the genuine GM part (GM GENUINE 1574430 (15-74430)) and I'm looking to take on the installation myself. As many other threads have noted, the cost for a dealer or independent shop seem to range between $2k-$5k since they tend to take the entire dashboard out.

I've seen some videos and a couple mentions of being able to access this from the drivers footwell. None of these have shown or described the process in great detail, so while I'm hoping to go this route, I'm not quite sure what to expect.
Does anyone have experience or insight doing this repair without the dash coming out? Would love to get some info before tearing into everything.

 

Adding B347A-61 code in the thread for future search-ability

 

I was in your position a year ago or so. I am very patient when working on cars, so I tried doing this from the footwell. It didn't work. I have a '14 so maybe there are some differences under the dash, but it was impossible for me to fit my hand. And I don't have big hands. I had to remove the dash. I used a couple videos to help me through the process, but I got the dash out. Other than having parts and pieces everywhere, it wasn't that bad. I'd do it again if needed. Just keeping track of everything was the hard part.

You can do it. Remove the roof and both seats to start. Be careful removing the steering wheel. Mine pulled of the clock spring and it opened up. I figured out how it went back together and I'm fine now, but if you get it wrong your steering is off. Also, you might consider replacing any other actuators while you have the dash out. It's a gamble that the new ones aren't defective, I know. I didn't do it, but oh well. I thought of making a video, but I didn't have the time. I needed my car since it's my daily and making videos takes up a lot of time.

I still need to do a post with pictures though. Feel free to ask me or anybody else here questions, but you can totally do this. Just take your time.