2001 Toyota Avalon AC/heater box

BAMA YANKEE

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA AVALON
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

Automatic climate control in "auto" or "manual" has faint but noticeable popping noise as the damper switches modes from dash to floor & dash, from outside air to recirculate, etc. Dealer says servo motor and box assembly need to be replaced. Cost quoted for this was almost what the car is worth. Box assembly is basically a mixing box with dampers & linkage that are positioned by servo-motors. Dealer says the linkage, etc. Cannot be repaired and entire box must be replaced.

Can you offer some comments?

Thanks, Bama

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

What he is telling you is correct. The unit is replaced as a single component and it isn't cheap.

My question to you is this. Does it still work? The reason I ask is because of the mileage on the vehicle. What has he quoted you for the repair? If the cost for this repair is almost equal to the value of the car, I wouldn't recommend having it done unless you plan to keep the car for another 100K, and yes it will make it if maintained. If the only concern is the noise but everything still works, I would live with it (again because of the year and mileage).

Let me know what the quote was he gave you and we'll go from there.

Joe

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Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 AT 10:00 PM

BAMA YANKEE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have run into this issue before with Toyota. They build fine automobiles but sometime leave the customer wondering about their "replace parts but don't repair any broken components"

My paperwork shows $3550.00 for box and one servo. I worked in the HVAC industry and know something about mixing boxes with bypass and face & bypass dampers with linkage and actuators. Really wonder if the unit could be repaired other than replaced.

There is always the "junkyard. Actually recyclers" market should it need another unit.

Bama

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 AT 8:22 AM