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Heat on driver side but not on passenger side

Tiny
DCKELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BUICK PARK AVENUE
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Everything seems to be working changes from floor to mid to defrost. I believe it is an actuator, but what is the exact name of that part? Looking to order online but I see different pins and connections. Oh and where the heck is it exactly? I need I believe right side actuator. A part number for that actual part would be great. Thanks, Don
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Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 AT 5:20 PM

19 Replies

Tiny
DCKELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 125 POSTS
I haven't pulled it off yet. Cold here in Minnesota. :)
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Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

It is called a blend door actuator.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

it is under the dash right side of the dash. I attached a picture and the procedure.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/buick,1998,park+avenue,3.8l+v6,1303300,heat+&+air+conditioning,heater+blend+door+actuator,10721

Roy

Air Mix Actuator Replacement - Passenger

1. Remove the right sound insulator. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement See: Dashboard / Instrument Panel > Procedures.

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

2. Remove the instrument panel (I/P) compartment. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Replacement See: Dashboard / Instrument Panel > Procedures.
3. Remove the body control module and the HVAC programmer from the brackets and lay aside.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the passenger air mix actuator.
5. Remove the passenger air mix actuator retaining screws (1).
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
DCKELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 125 POSTS
I thought I could remove and replace by just removing the sound insulator and glove box. Could you elaborate on 2. And 3?
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Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
DCKELLEY
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  • 125 POSTS
Never mind I see Dash Panel=Glove Box. Thanks for your help!
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Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 AT 8:24 PM
Tiny
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However, I don't see this in the see this in the step by step. Remove the body control module and the HVAC programmer from the brackets.
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Wednesday, January 9th, 2019 AT 8:26 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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You should be able to see it from removing the insulator. It pays half an hour from start to finish. Nothing else should have to be removed.

Roy
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Thursday, January 10th, 2019 AT 5:02 AM
Tiny
DCKELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 125 POSTS
Got it off. I got one bolt from the bottom and one through the glove box. I had to unclip a grey box that was in the way.
Thanks for your guidance. Don
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Friday, January 11th, 2019 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
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You're welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Friday, January 11th, 2019 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
DCKELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 125 POSTS
Hey Roy, I do have another question with this. After I got the actuator off and tried to turn the door it seemed really stiff. Should this turn easily? I can turn it but I did use a pliers because of it being sticky. I don't want to break anything and I also want it to work before I put the new part on. Can I lube? Or take that bottom piece off any clean out what may be in there? I think part of the reason I was having trouble is it's so cramped in that spot. Any advice would be appreciated. Don
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Friday, January 11th, 2019 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
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Don,

When you move it, do you get heat?

It should move easily. Try lubing it up. There may be rust build up from moisture. See if you can loosen it up.

Roy
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Friday, January 11th, 2019 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
DCKELLEY
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Yes I do get heat.I'll try lube tomorrow. The car did sit for a year before I got it so a few things are sticky. Thanks again Don
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Friday, January 11th, 2019 AT 9:56 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Friday, January 11th, 2019 AT 10:00 PM
Tiny
DCKELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 125 POSTS
I lubed the door and it is moving easier thanks. I need to bend your ear on something else. I've started to get a vibration sound out of the defrost area. Ether that or somethings in the fan. It started just around the time I removed that actuator. When I turn up the fan the sound goes faster until it goes away completely. That main fan is the only one right? Weird it sounds like it's coming from the defrost. I don't feel anything on the fan or hear it down there. What do you think? Don
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 7:09 PM
Tiny
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That sounds like the blower motor cage.

I would replace blower motor.

Roy
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
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Thanks Roy! That should be an easy fix.
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
DCKELLEY
  • MEMBER
  • 125 POSTS
Is the 1998 Buick blower motor under the dash or on the firewall?
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
DCKELLEY
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  • 125 POSTS
I am getting conflicting information.
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
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Apparently, the 1998 P.A. Was a transition car, my heater fan was under the dash. Thanks for all your help. Seriously you rock!
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Saturday, January 12th, 2019 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
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Thank you.

We are always glad to help.

Roy
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Sunday, January 13th, 2019 AT 4:42 AM

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