Climate control not functioning

Tiny
MALDIMER
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 107,000 MILES
My issue started out that I could not control where the air would come from it would only come from the defroster. After a time it would only come out of the vent. Later, and now, the air only comes from the floor. Worse yet, the heater and air conditioning used to work. Select warm air, warm air would come out, select cold air, cold air would come out. Now no matter the temperature of the air I request the air comes out hot. Possibly as hot as the car will allow. Even with the climate controls turned off hot air still comes out of the floor vents. Please help!
Saturday, August 18th, 2018 AT 5:08 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good evening.

It sounds like the actuators are not working.

The one for the mode I will attach the procedure for you.

The cold and hot, are you sure the AC system is working? Does the compressor engage? Did you check the Freon pressures?

The mode door is on the left side of the under dash.

The blend door is on the passenger side under dash.

Roy

Roy
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Saturday, August 18th, 2018 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
MALDIMER
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Thank you for your prompt reply. I had tested both the blend doors before. I unplugged them, changed their position and plugged them back in. They immediately moved back to their previous positions, so they can and do move. No I am not sure the A/C is working. The temperature set point on the display changes, however the system makes no effort to change the temperature of the air. I believe the control module may be bad but I do not know where it is or how to test it.
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Saturday, August 18th, 2018 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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If the blend doors are working, then the control module is working.

As far as the mode door, does it change when you command vent, floor and defrost?

The AC needs to be checked and see what the pressures are doing.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-air-conditioner-not-working-or-is-weak
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Saturday, August 18th, 2018 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
MALDIMER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
No it does not move. The fan will reduce its speed for a moment to allow the door to move with less pressure on it but it never actually moves.
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Saturday, August 18th, 2018 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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If you remove the actuator, does the actuator work in your hand? Want to be sure it is the door that is jammed.

Roy
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Saturday, August 18th, 2018 AT 6:39 PM
Tiny
MALDIMER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I will have to get back with you on that. I vaguely remember the actuator not working but being able to move the door by hand. I will test again and get back with you in a few days.
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Saturday, August 18th, 2018 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Sounds good.

If it does not move, then replace the actuator.

Roy
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Sunday, August 19th, 2018 AT 5:54 AM
Tiny
MALDIMER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you for your assistance. I finally got time to work on my vehicle. The mode door is not jammed it is easy to move by hand but the mode actuator does not move when removed from the door. The blend door is also easy to move, and its actuator clicks and barely moves. I will be replacing them both. Is there anything special I need to do when I replace them? A calibration procedure or something? I have read a few posts that mention something about such a procedure.
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Tuesday, August 21st, 2018 AT 9:06 PM
Tiny
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Yes, replace them both.

Then you need to calibrate them.

Remove the fuse for the AC for four minutes. Then install the fuse and turn the key to the on position. Let it sit for another two minutes. The control module will calibrate the actuators.

Roy
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Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018 AT 2:42 AM
Tiny
MALDIMER
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thank you very much for your help. After replacing both actuators, and calibrating them, the air conditioning is working and the vent/heat/defrost selection is working again. This link also helped get the job done: https://www.terrainforum.net/34-interior-electrical/7475-how-replace-2010-equinox-terrain-hvac-mode-door-actuator.html
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Wednesday, September 12th, 2018 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Glad to help.

Roy
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Thursday, September 13th, 2018 AT 5:21 AM

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