Driver Side A/C Problems - Blend Door Actuator?

[Big Steve]

So I've got what seems to be a common problem, but maybe the reverse of the problem: when my A/C is on, the driver side just blows outside temperature air while the passenger side remains cold.

I've come to understand this is probably the blend door actuator. Every post I've seen has referenced the passenger door actuator, though, because usually it is the passenger side acting up, and that one seems to be behind the glovebox. Does anyone know where the blend door actuator governing the driver side airflow is?

Also, is there any way to test for certain if this is the problem with my driver side A/C without paying some diagnostic fee for a dealer to hook up their computer to my car? I'm willing to go there to get it fixed if it's tricky (it's under $200) but I'd rather not pay a diagnostic fee if I don't need to.

 

[marius883]

I’m having the same problem, started off with the passenger side blowing only cold air, then this morning I got cold air on both sides. Really hope I don’t have to replace both blend door actuators.

 

[SHOdded]

Sometimes reprogramming the HVAC module is all that is needed. As to where the D/S actuator is located, per the 2014 FSM
Temperature Blend Door Actuator — LH
Removal and Installation

NOTE: The LH temperature blend door actuator can be accessed from below the LH side of the instrument panel.

1. Disconnect the LH temperature blend door actuator electrical connector, remove the 2 retainers and the LH temperature blend door actuator.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

1. NOTE: The purpose of the module actuator position calibration is to allow the HVAC module to reinitialize and calibrate the actuator stop points. To carry out calibration, carry out the following steps.
   
   Remove Smart Junction Box (SJB) fuse 15 for at least one minute.

1. NOTE: When the ignition switch is switched to the ON position, the HVAC module will initialize and calibrate the actuators. Calibration of the actuators will take approximately 30 seconds.
   
   Reinstall SJB fuse 15. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait 30 seconds before verifying correct LH temperature blend door operation.

 

[marius883]

Going to try this for sure when I get home today!
So the drivers side actuator should be fairly easy to replace?

 

[SHOdded]

Yes, from the looks of it. In your case though, try forcing the recalibration first.

It pays to b flexible when working under the dash. B prepared for aches and pains after

 

[Big Steve]

Thank you for the help, SHOdded. I'm going to try pulling that fuse and see if that fixes it. I'd really rather not have to open up the dash!

 

[Big Steve]

The calibration didn't seem to work but I'm going to try it a few more times. I might even try the nuclear option of disconnecting the battery to make sure. If none of that works, were there any more specific directions in the manual about where the actuator is? Crossing my fingers for somewhere accessible without removing the dash...

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