Mode Door Actuator: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in an accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury or death.

Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle (Refer to INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - REMOVAL).

Disconnect the vacuum harness connectors from the floor/defrost door actuator or the panel door actuator as required. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Mode Door Actuators

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - VACUUM LINE AND CONNECTORS

2 - PANEL DOOR ACTUATOR

3 - VACUUM LINE AND CONNECTORS

4 - FLOOR/DEFROST DOOR ACTUATOR

5 - HVAC HOUSING

Insert a trim stick C-4755 or equivalent into the latch hole on the HVAC housing actuator mount. Gently pry the actuator latch away from the HVAC housing mount while pulling firmly outward on the actuator to disconnect the actuator from the HVAC housing. See Fig 2.
Rotate and tilt the actuator as required to disengage the hole on the end of the actuator link from the hooked pin on the end of the mode door lever and remove the actuator.

Fig 2: Mode Door Actuator Latch - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ACTUATOR MOUNT LATCH HOLE

2 - TRIM STICK

3 - ACTUATOR LATCH