Remove and replace blend door actuator

Tiny
PETER GEIGER
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
The actuator is making a loud ticking noise that will not stop, when the car is started. It will not go away and is loud. I removed the glove and found that the blend door actuator motor is jammed. I disconnected the electrical wires that run to it and left the blend door in closed position. Problem is I cannot get clear access to the four small Philip screws that secure it, there is just no clearance, even for a short stubby or flexible shaft screw driver. I do not want to start taking the dash apart, just want to know if there is a trick to removing/replacing this part, and does it even need to be replaced is I leave the defective unit unplugged?
Monday, April 2nd, 2018 AT 9:44 AM

12 Replies

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

There are a couple of actuators. Is this one for the cold/hot control or the one for mode?

Roy
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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 AT 4:07 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Here is a picture. Can you tell me which one?

Roy
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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 AT 4:11 AM
Tiny
PETER GEIGER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Good image of what I am dealing with. It is the re-circulation damper servo motor. Four small Philips screws coming in from left side, can only get at one after removing glove box door and white plastic air deflector directing air at feet coming out of center console. Right now I have the electrics disconnecting and re-circulation door closed.
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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 AT 5:57 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, the bad news is the case for the blower motor has to be removed to gain access to the screws. It pays three hours in a shop and would likely take you at least double the time if you are going to perform it yourself.

Are you going to replace it?
Roy
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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 AT 6:03 AM
Tiny
PETER GEIGER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I had the blower motor off (three screws and it drops down), but it will not give me access to the screws. I think the entire blower motor housing which contains the filter and the recirculating air vents and with the damper motor attached needs to be unbolted and dropped so you can get at that re-circulation damper servo motor. I do not think I am going to fix given the age of car and the complexity of the fix. If I need outside air I can open the windows. Thanks
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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 AT 6:17 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are welcome.

Roy
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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 AT 6:24 AM
Tiny
KTYED
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hey guys, I have an 04 Highlander Limited and the AC gets cold but not as cold as it should. Especially during 100 degree Texas heat.

I took it to a shop and they said it's charged correctly but the recirc door/motor is bad and needs to be replaced. They quoted me $800, which I can't do right now. It's a reliable and highly rated shop.

How hard is this job to DIY and is there instructions somewhere? I haven't had any luck finding any.

Thanks!
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Saturday, September 14th, 2019 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
We would be glad to assist you but you need to go and start a new question.

Once that is done, one of us will be glad to help you.

Roy
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Saturday, September 14th, 2019 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
JAKEANDWANDA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 58,500 MILES
The heating ond cooling control doesnt work properly the people at firestone where I take my car replaced the blend door motor which they said was broke, but when I went to pick up my auto they said that there was something wrong with the control itself the technician said toyota has a bulletin out about it., He said maybe I should take it to toyota
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 3:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
If there is a buletin about it you should ask toyota. I looked around some dut did not find any reacall or buletins on a 2006 highlander heating and cooling. The only thing I came up with buletin #10018235 and reference to heating and cooling was issued on Nov 16, 2005. It must have come out right after the new cars came out. And the problem was a malfunction indicator light.

You can try toyota and see what they say.
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 3:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JAKEANDWANDA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Actualy its a 2003 I must have hit the wrong key sorry about that
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 3:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
Here is a link to look at recalls and bulletins for the 2003

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals
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Friday, January 3rd, 2020 AT 3:05 PM (Merged)

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