Mode actuator not working, where is the mode actuator located?

Tiny
BZZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
Need to know where is the mode door actuator located (is there only 1 or 2, is it on the driver side above the gas pedal or on the passenger side above glove compartment?) And what is the correct part number (I have 27731-3SB0A but I'm not sure). Tx
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 AT 8:00 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
If you have the standard HVAC there is one mode actuator for the front. It is on the left side of the HVAC case at the top front of the case. You can access it by removing the forward trim panel on the console and the front footwell duct that is behind it. The actuator is then visible. Remove the electrical connector and the screws. Reverse the process to install the replacement. There is also a second actuator but that is for the back seat blower assembly.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
BZZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I replaced the mode door actuator on the driver's side but no luck. Same thing, air moved to windshield, feet but when I select front vents, hardly nothing comes out. Is there another actuator that is strictly for front vents? Or is there something else I should look for? Tx
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
The actuator moves the mode door and the linkage that moves the other door. That is the plastic part to the rear on the HVAC case you can see in the image above. This is a short vid on what you are looking for. Probably one of the plastic pieces failed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO7QW48gPCQ
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 2:56 PM
Tiny
BZZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
That is the vid I looked at when I changed the actuator. Tx. So other than that, I have to assume one of the linkage is broken? Any easy way to trouble shoot that (probably not!). Tx. Eric
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 4:53 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
About the only way is to watch the actuator and see which parts are moving when you select the various modes. That or take the assembly off and look for broken parts. Stick a camera in there and select each mode while you capture video. Look for the part that doesn't move. See if it moves by hand.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 31st, 2025 AT 8:44 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Blend Door Actuator Location Content

VIEW MORE