Replace the HVAC blend door actuator to restore proper temperature control in the climate control system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• HVAC Blend Door Actuator × 1 — Mopar 68238243AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Allow HVAC system to reach ambient temperature if recently operated
5. Set up work light to illuminate passenger footwell and lower dash area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove glove box assembly
   Open glove box fully. Locate the damper arm on the right side and disconnect it by gently pulling it free from the glove box. Squeeze the sides of the glove box inward to release the stops from the instrument panel opening. Pull the glove box assembly completely out and set aside.
2. 2

   Access HVAC module area
   With glove box removed, identify the HVAC module housing behind the opening. Use flashlight to locate the blend door actuator on the driver's side of the HVAC housing. It is a small plastic motor with a connector and typically 2-3 mounting screws.
3. 3

   Disconnect actuator electrical connector
   Locate the wiring harness connector attached to the blend door actuator. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the actuator. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove actuator mounting screws
   Using the 7mm socket and 1/4 inch ratchet, remove the actuator mounting screws (typically 2 screws). Keep screws in a safe location. Gently wiggle the actuator to break any seal or corrosion, but do not force it.
   ⚠Screws may be difficult to access. Use magnetic bit holder or have magnet pickup tool ready in case screws are dropped into dash cavity.
5. 5

   Remove old actuator
   Carefully pull the actuator straight out from the HVAC housing. The actuator shaft will disengage from the blend door linkage. Inspect the blend door shaft for damage or debris. Manually rotate the blend door shaft through its full range to verify it moves freely without binding.
   ℹ️If the blend door does not move freely, the door itself may be damaged and will require additional HVAC housing disassembly. This is beyond the scope of actuator replacement.
6. 6

   Prepare new actuator for installation
   Remove new actuator from packaging. Before installation, manually rotate the new actuator gear to mid-position. Compare the mounting pattern and connector to the old actuator to verify correct replacement part. Check that the actuator shaft rotates smoothly.
7. 7

   Install new actuator
   Position the blend door shaft to mid-range position. Align the new actuator shaft with the blend door linkage and carefully push the actuator into position on the HVAC housing. Ensure the actuator seats fully against the housing and the mounting holes align properly.
   ⚠Do not force the actuator onto the shaft. If resistance is felt, remove and verify blend door shaft position and actuator gear alignment.
8. 8

   Install actuator mounting screws
   Thread the actuator mounting screws by hand to ensure proper engagement. Once both screws are started, tighten them in an alternating pattern using the torque wrench to specified torque. Verify actuator is firmly mounted with no movement.
   Torque spec

   Actuator Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Align the wiring harness connector with the actuator terminals and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully locked.
10. 10

    Reinstall glove box assembly
    Position the glove box into the instrument panel opening. Squeeze the sides inward and guide it into place until the stops engage with the instrument panel. Reconnect the glove box damper arm. Verify glove box opens and closes smoothly.
11. 11

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine. Wait for HVAC system self-calibration (approximately 30-60 seconds). You may hear the actuator cycling through its range during this process.

Reassembly

1. Glove box stops must fully engage on both sides for proper operation
2. Verify all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
3. Reinitialize power windows if necessary by holding down/up switch until windows fully travel

Verification

• Start engine and turn on HVAC system
• Adjust temperature control from full cold to full hot while monitoring air temperature at vents
• Air temperature should smoothly transition from cold to hot without clicking noises or stuck positions
• Verify no dashboard warning lights are illuminated related to climate control
• Test all HVAC modes (defrost, floor, vent) to ensure actuator replacement did not affect other blend doors
• Listen for unusual clicking or grinding noises from behind dash during temperature adjustments

More procedures for this vehicle