Heater controls stuck in the defrost zone?

Tiny
HKFROMNY.
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 CHEVROLET TRAX
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 118,000 MILES
The knob that controls direction/level of where heat is sent out is stuck in the defrost zone. Is this something I can fix myself? I do have basic mechanical skills and do a lot of work on my own cars over the years, so im confident that I can tackle such a project, providing I need no special tools.
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 5:56 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like the mode door actuator has failed. That is what determines the air flow direction.

I need to know if you have automatic or manual climate control. Also, this procedure will require the removal of the steering column. It isn't a fun job, but I would be happy to provide directions once I know the system type.

Also, take a look through this link. You may find it to be helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-vents-stay-in-the-defrost-position

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
HKFROMNY.
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I beleive this is not automatic since one has to manually control all these functions, blower speed, hot to cold blend, and the position for all different levels. I was hoping to not have to take this into the dealer to get fixed, although I do have a local mechanic nearby, if you want to send me any DIY type info, I'll look it over and determine after that which direction I will need to go, Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

The first few pictures below are the directions for the actuator, once the column is removed. I ran into another roadblock. I need to know which column you have in your vehicle to get the correct directions. See last pic below. If you provide the VIN number, it should narrow that down for me. Otherwise, we will need to determine what the RPO numbers are for your vehicle.

Pic 5 provides the recalibration procedure without a scan tool.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
HKFROMNY.
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Here's my VIN 3GNCJPSB4JL405680. Yeah, I can see this is not going to be fun.
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Thursday, September 19th, 2024 AT 4:30 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,053 POSTS
Hi,

I believe I got the right one. It didn't narrow it down as much as I expected. When you do this, make sure the directions fit what you see. If they don't, let me know what is different. However, these should work.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, September 19th, 2024 AT 6:06 PM
Tiny
HKFROMNY.
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Yeah, after review of previous conversation, and chatting with my local mechanic, he agrees it's better to leave for the pros. At least he won't rip me off like the dealer, they wanted to charge me $195.00 just to bring it in to look at to give me a quote for the total job. Ridiculous, my guy will only charge me about $250---$325, to do the whole job.I've sent previous stuff you sent to him, along with this info, so I'm confident it will be done right. Thanks again for all your advice and help, I'll let you know how things go afterwards.
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Thursday, September 19th, 2024 AT 6:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

That sounds like a plan. Thanks for the update and certainly, I would like to hear the results.

Take care of yourself.

Joe
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Thursday, September 19th, 2024 AT 6:59 PM

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