Can’t change from front vent to defrost or feet?

Tiny
CHARLES HENDRON
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 NISSAN SENTRA
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
Can’t change from front vent to defrost or feet?
Monday, January 26th, 2026 AT 8:32 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,717 POSTS
9 times out of 10 it will be the mode actuator, here is the location so you can swap it out. You might want to try rebooting the HVAC system this guide can show you how, it might get it working again.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/step-by-step-guide-to-reset-your-cars-hvac-system-an-essential-for-every

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, January 26th, 2026 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
CHARLES HENDRON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
So the blend door and mode module are two separate parts? Do you have a diagram with legend?
Are they in different part of car or both behind glove box. Thanks
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Monday, January 26th, 2026 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,717 POSTS
The mode actuator fit over the pivot of the HVAC blend door which controls the air vent option. IE, defrost, mid vent and floor vent operation. You can see the location oft he actuator on the image I uploaded in my first post. I would look under the dash with a flashlight to help find it, look above the accelerator pedal.
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Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 AT 8:49 AM

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