Attention: TDR Forum Junkies SSolderitch
TDR MEMBER
Problem:
HVAC with floor exit, weak panel & defrost.
Testing:
Tested the vacuum for the pump and I got 26. Then I pulled vacuum with hand pump directly on floor/defrost actuator the one across the hump with red & brown lines. I got no change in air direction, but that told me the switch in the dash was NOT the problem. At the last try I looked at the actuator arm with a mirror and it was MOVING! Actuator was good and the metal lever came off.
Solution:
The door has a plastic arm, so I ordered a new one for $10. It can be replaced with the HVAC in the truck.
To get to it I removed my floor console, shifter, battery grounds, air bag module and bracket. Now I had to remove the driver side floor outlet duct. It has a tab on the back fastened with a Phillips screw. Once the screw is removed it slides right off. Next was the passenger side outlet duct, it is more like a box with a series of slots at the top. The slots snap into catches, so with a little squeeze and tugging came out. Now you can see and feel door arm. I was ready to install the new arm. The actuator lever would still fall off the new replacement arm! Was the mold wore out or was my hole enlarged? I don't know but my fix was to cut the pin off were the catch ears should be, and then I drilled a hole in the center of the pin for a small sheet metal screw and washer. The actuator diafram and lever are riveted together but they will swivel, that will allow assembly of the screw together method in the truck. After the arm is attached to the lever then it can be rotated vertical. To slip it on the door shaft you must align the flat and wiggle it to enter the heater box. the arm is the bottom bushing for the door. To test pull vacuum on each port and on both ports at the same time to see the door fully open. Each time the vacuum is released the door will completly close off the floor ducts. If checks out OK then start putting everything back together.
Word of caution the plastic catch the holds the arm on the shaft is very weak and can easly be broken. Feel wear the shaft flat is and then try to align the flat in the arm prior to pushing it up.
tip? pull vacuum on both ports with your hand pump to bring back the lever slightly so you are not fighting the spring when installing the arm. the shaft & door witt turn easily.
HVAC with floor exit, weak panel & defrost.
Testing:
Tested the vacuum for the pump and I got 26. Then I pulled vacuum with hand pump directly on floor/defrost actuator the one across the hump with red & brown lines. I got no change in air direction, but that told me the switch in the dash was NOT the problem. At the last try I looked at the actuator arm with a mirror and it was MOVING! Actuator was good and the metal lever came off.
Solution:
The door has a plastic arm, so I ordered a new one for $10. It can be replaced with the HVAC in the truck.
To get to it I removed my floor console, shifter, battery grounds, air bag module and bracket. Now I had to remove the driver side floor outlet duct. It has a tab on the back fastened with a Phillips screw. Once the screw is removed it slides right off. Next was the passenger side outlet duct, it is more like a box with a series of slots at the top. The slots snap into catches, so with a little squeeze and tugging came out. Now you can see and feel door arm. I was ready to install the new arm. The actuator lever would still fall off the new replacement arm! Was the mold wore out or was my hole enlarged? I don't know but my fix was to cut the pin off were the catch ears should be, and then I drilled a hole in the center of the pin for a small sheet metal screw and washer. The actuator diafram and lever are riveted together but they will swivel, that will allow assembly of the screw together method in the truck. After the arm is attached to the lever then it can be rotated vertical. To slip it on the door shaft you must align the flat and wiggle it to enter the heater box. the arm is the bottom bushing for the door. To test pull vacuum on each port and on both ports at the same time to see the door fully open. Each time the vacuum is released the door will completly close off the floor ducts. If checks out OK then start putting everything back together.
Word of caution the plastic catch the holds the arm on the shaft is very weak and can easly be broken. Feel wear the shaft flat is and then try to align the flat in the arm prior to pushing it up.
tip? pull vacuum on both ports with your hand pump to bring back the lever slightly so you are not fighting the spring when installing the arm. the shaft & door witt turn easily.
