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The blend door is part of your climate control system and is automatically positioned by an electric actuator. Most blend doors include feedback sensors that show the door’s position at any given time.
If your blend door actuator is going bad, you may hear odd noises and experience incorrect temperatures from your climate control system. Electrical faults and damaged gears are common reasons for blend door actuator failure.
Your truck’s climate control system is fairly complex and includes a hot and cold air management system. The blend door actuator is part of that system and its main function is to give you the correct air temperature from your vents.
What Is a Blend Door Actuator?
A blend door actuator is a small electric motor in your climate control system that moves the blend door back and forth to control the mix of hot and cold air.
It responds to temperature regulation by mixing airflow from the heater core and evaporator coil.
By controlling the blend door’s position, the actuator is the part that maintains your truck’s temperature settings.
What Does a Blend Door Actuator Do?
Knowing a bit about the climate control system can help you understand the function of the blend door actuator. The air management part of this system controls airflow and temperature in the cabin.
This system’s key parts are the evaporator core, heater core, and blower motor. The heater core warms the air while the evaporator cools and dehumidifies it.
The blend door’s position is adjusted to combine hot and cool air, resulting in what you feel in the cabin. The motor responsible for this position is the blend door actuator.
Where is the Blend Door Actuator Located?
The location and amount of blend door actuators depend on the vehicle’s system. Some vehicles use a mechanical cable instead of an electric motor actuator.
Late-model vehicles may have at least two blend door actuators and as many as four. This is largely due to having front and rear climate control systems.
In general, the blend door actuator is located in the middle of the air control system near the blend door.
Location of blend door actuator on a 2011-2016 Ford F250 / F350 [source video]
This system is usually behind the dashboard. In some vehicles, it’s easy to access the climate control case, but in others, it might require the removal of the entire instrument panel.
On some vehicles, a passenger-side blend door actuator may be behind the glovebox.
What Are the Symptoms Of a Faulty Blend Door Actuator?
There are a few symptoms to look out for if you suspect that your blend door actuator is going bad. Most climate control systems direct all the air through the evaporator core to dehumidify it.
The air is then directed via the blend door to or away from the heater core to obtain the correct temperature. If your blend door actuator is failing, it might click when it activates. The sound will come from behind the dash and is generally the result of damaged plastic gears.
Another issue is temperature control. If your truck’s system has multiple blend doors and actuators, you might notice that some vents emit air of different temperatures than others.
For example, depending on the temperature set, you might get mildly warm air from vents on one side and hot or cold air from vents on the other side.
How To Test a Blend Door Actuator
Various other issues display the same symptoms as a faulty blend door actuator, so you may need to test and troubleshoot to determine if the actuator is really causing the problems.
Testing a blend door actuator involves applying direct power to the actuator to determine if it moves the door. On some higher-end or late-model vehicles, you can simply use a scan tool to monitor the potentiometer in the actuator.
Sometimes, a faulty blend door actuator triggers a diagnostic trouble code that can be used to isolate the issue. The process for testing a blend door actuator varies widely by vehicle, so you should consult a repair manual for your specific vehicle.
How To Clean the Blend Door Actuator
To clean the blend door actuator, you’ll first have to locate and remove it. This varies by vehicle, especially if there’s more than one, so you’ll need to check a repair manual. The electrical contacts on the actuator may be dirty due to grease. If you can clean these off with a Q-tip, your actuator may continue functioning normally after re-installing.
How To Replace a Blend Door Actuator
In most cases, replacing a blend door actuator isn’t terribly difficult. However, it can be time-consuming because you must remove the components to access the actuator and deal with small parts and hard-to-reach locations.
You’ll generally need to remove the dash panel to get to the air control system and the blend door actuator. The actuator itself is usually not too difficult to remove and replace once you get to it.
Two Blend Door Actuators behind the center dash panel of the 2010-2012 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500. [source video]
How Much Does it Cost To Replace a Blend Door Actuator?
The cost of replacing a blend door actuator starts with the price of the part. This can vary widely. For example, the blend door actuator for a 1999-2002 Dodge Cummins 5.9-liter 24V engine costs over $200.
On the other hand, a blend door actuator for a 2001-2007 Chevrolet Duramax 6.6-liter LB7, LLY, or LBZ engine costs under $50. If you choose to have the part replaced professionally, you may also be paying between $200 and $500 in labor costs.
How To Reset the Blend Door Actuator
Depending on your vehicle, you may have to recalibrate the blend door actuator after installing a new one. The exact procedure typically varies by vehicle, so consult your owner’s manual or a repair manual. On some vehicles, you might not need to do anything after installation.
ProSource Diesel offers quality replacement parts for diesel trucks. We stock a selection of blend door actuators for popular diesel engines, such as the Duramax, Cummins, and Powerstroke.
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The post What is a Blend Door Actuator in a Diesel Truck? appeared first on Prosource Diesel.
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