3 Signs You Need a New Blend Door Actuator
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Written by Eric Riddles
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Published on April 10, 2024
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Category: Heating/Cooling
Being comfortable in your vehicle is important, and that's the purpose of the blend door actuator. You want to be able to successfully manage how hot or cold you want the temperature in your car, and if you lose that ability, a repair is likely in your future. If you aren't sure if you need a new blend door actuator, keep reading for the common signs that let you know it's failing.
What is a Blend Door Actuator?
Designed to manage the climate control system, this is a tiny electric motor that's found inside your car. It will be a smaller box that has some gears and is the size of your hand. The purpose of this actuator is to manage the temperature and also the airflow that comes into the cabin of the car. Some newer model vehicles will have two, especially if they offer dual temperatures for the driver's side and passenger's side. Like any other piece, this will start to wear down over time, and there will be some indication that it needs to be repaired.
3 Signs of a Failing Blend Door Actuator
If you think that your blend door actuator should be replaced soon, there will be some signs alerting you to this.
1. Knocking and Clicking
When you go to change the airflow in your vehicle, you'll hear a knocking sound, or a clicking coming from the vents and behind the controllers where you manage the temperature in your car. This is a sign that the system is failing and having a hard time keeping up. It may stop after a few minutes, but this is your sign that it will stop working completely soon.
2. Airflow Inconsistencies
When you set your fan to a certain number, you've probably become accustomed to what that feels like. If you've noticed that the air coming out isn't flowing as fast as it should be, but then picking back up later, you're having inconsistencies, and this is a big sign that your blend door actuator is failing quickly.
3. Wrong Temperature
Once your blend door actuator fails, you'll feel it. The wrong temperature will come out of your vents, and you might even think your air compressor is out. However, leaving it on full blast for air conditioning, but only getting hot air is a solid sign it's time for a replacement.
Do You Need Your Blend Door Actuator Replaced?
If you believe that you need a new blend door actuator or any other heating, cooling, or electrical repair, Custom Complete Automotive can help! To learn more about our heating and cooling repair services, or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Missouri, contact us today.
Find an Auto Repair Shop Near You
We have multiple auto repair shops throughout Missouri located in Columbia, Jefferson City, and St. Louis.
Eric Riddles is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician who has been working as an auto mechanic since 1998 and originally joined the team at Custom Complete Automotive in 2005. Eric has numerous certifications in various aspects of car repair and spent 10 years training the next generation of auto technicians at a local high school Auto Shop classroom.