Where is the Blend Door Located?

Tiny
DCTURBD
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 RAM 2500
  • 6.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 126,000 MILES
My truck listed above single zone is blowing old air on the driver side and hot air on the passenger side. I understand that there are anywhere between three to five actuators for the blend doors which one in particular would you believe would be the culprit causing cold air on my driver side and hot air on passenger side? And do you have any sort of manual or directions on how to replace the specific one you believe it would be?
Sunday, February 26th, 2023 AT 12:38 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,968 POSTS
Okay, if I'm understanding you correctly you adjust the air temperature, and the driver's side stays cold while the passenger side can change? If that is correct it actually shouldn't be possible in a single zone system as there is only one blend door in those that controls the temperature for both sides at the same time. However, if you are getting heat on the passenger side and not the driver's side the driver's side blend actuator is the likely culprit. In both the single and dual zone system it is the same actuator. Changing it isn't difficult. You remove the glove box from the dash (open it, release the return cable from the side, then press in the two stops and tip the box down until the hinge releases) and then you can reach in from that side to get to the actuator in the middle of the HVAC case on the dash side. Remove the electrical connector and the two screws and pull the actuator out and remove it. Notice that it has an odd spline, which is on the new one as well and you need to align it when installing the new one. One catch is that you should run the calibration cycle using a scan tool. You can do that by removing the battery negative, then changing the actuator and then reconnecting the battery but using a scan tool is usually better on an older vehicle.
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Sunday, February 26th, 2023 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
DCTURBD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you. Yeah, basically when I call for heat, I can switch zones like to defrost or driver side. Passenger side. Floor etc, etc, so, my selector works fine, but no matter what I do the air on the driver's side blows cold or much cooler. I wouldn't even say warm, and meanwhile the passenger side blows hot as it should. I believe you are correct on it being the actuator! I was just making sure I had the correct one I've heard that it was probably the one in the glove box but didn't want to get into too big a project like taking the whole dash apart to get to the one in the middle behind the radio area, but I think I can handle the glove box one! Thank you!
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Sunday, February 26th, 2023 AT 9:32 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,968 POSTS
The one in the middle is opposite the one you can get from the glove box, but it's on the back of the HVAC case so you end up stripping out the dash and case to get to it. As much as I don't like it, use a factory actuator if at all possible. I have not found any of the aftermarket ones that last over a year, even with a "lifetime" warranty needing to replace it every year gets old quick. Oh, when you get the actuator, they are all the same part number 68448026AA, I like to visit the you-pull it yards and get a few spares just to have them on hand.
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Sunday, February 26th, 2023 AT 9:52 PM

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