Front defroster/Recirc button not working

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 16, 2015

Howdy y'all,

Ventilation issues. I bought this 2001 SLS about three years ago. The recirc button was not working then and the front defroster went shortly after that. All else works fine with no cooling or heating issues. The actuator behind the glove compartment works as it should and the rear air works fine(Actuator on the side of the console). How many more actuators are there and where are they located? Does the dash need to be removed to gain access? I believe this would be the applicable code( DTC B1344 HTR/DEF/AC Door Movement Fault).
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. A defroster in winter, what a concept.

There might be more questions later as I have recently replaced the TCC solenoid, oil pressure sensor, front axle, bearings, water pump pulley, you know, all those fun jobs.

Thanks in advance.

basscatt · Dec 16, 2015

===============================
How many more actuators are there and where are they located?
there are a bunch of them -
all up in the dash - on the HVAC stack -
all accessible from under the dash -

left MIX door actuator -
right/rear MIX door actuator - for the air temperature -

RECIRCULATE door actuator - for outside air -

MODE door actuator - controls WHERE the air blows from -

-----------------

DTC B1344 HTR/DEF/AC Door Movement Fault
the MODE DOOR ACTUATOR controls where the air blows from -
ACDELCO 1572631 - $49.62 - with free shipping -
http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-15-72...16IKTUQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1450295992&sr=1-1&keywords=15-72631

----------------------

this is actually for the Deville -
your Seville should be similar -
http://www.sparkys-answers.com/2010/12/2002-cadillac-deville-b0248-b0249-no-ac.html

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 16, 2015

That is a great how-to. Thanks Basscatt.
Would replacing that actuator fix both the defrost and recirc?

MoistCabbage · Dec 16, 2015

Recirc is a different actuator.

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 17, 2015

Any idea where that actuator is located and what the part # is? I guess I need to work on my contortionist skills.

Thanks

Ranger · Dec 17, 2015

4 actuators #6, 15, 44 & 46
I think recirc is #6, the air inlet valve actuator.

Here is the diagram & part no. list

http://www.wholesalegmpartsonline.c...embly=387601&ukey_make=1023&ukey_model=14474&modelYear=2001&ukey_category=19390

MoistCabbage · Dec 17, 2015

Yes it's 6. That crescent shapes thing is the air inlet door.

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 17, 2015

OK, so I'm guessing that #15 and #44 are the right and left side temp actuators. #46 is the actuator that will direct air flow(defrost or floor) that I need to change out and #6 is for recirc. I have already confirmed that the passenger side temp actuator(behind glove box) is working properly. Where is #6 actuator located and how do I gain access? My dash is curling (I need to fix) so removing it is not a problem if I need to.
This is very useful information. Thank you all.

Ranger · Dec 17, 2015

The diagram in post #6 is an exploded view of #29 below. This view gives you a better idea of where it is.
I think the inlet valve is at the top and the actuator should be on the right side, above the #15 actuator, probably behind the glove box.

MoistCabbage · Dec 17, 2015

Removing the dash pad won't help you.

Here it is with the entire dash out:

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 17, 2015

I would imagine this is what the dealership would do to give easy access. With dash components out of the way, #44 and #46 are easily accessible but #6 would still be buried on the other side. Since I am going to remove the dash pad anyway to glue it back together, I may try to replace #46 this way. I am 6'2" 240 pounds. I am not looking forward to crawling under the dash.

Ranger · Dec 17, 2015

OlGreyCaddy said:
I would imagine this is what the dealership would do to give easy access.

Not necessarily. This is what the dealer will charge you for, but most of those mechanics know the short cuts and use them to shorten the repair time and move on to another job, but you pay the "book rate".

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 17, 2015

I'm a little confused Basscatt. I think I can see #44 and #46 right on top in the middle of the picture. That seems simple but I'm sure you more about this than me.

MoistCabbage · Dec 17, 2015

The picture I posted shows the car with the ENTIRE DASHBOARD removed. Removing the DASH PAD will provide no access to any of the actuators.

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 17, 2015

Got it! Do you know if I can gain access to the #6 actuator by removing the glove box?

MoistCabbage · Dec 17, 2015

That I'm not sure of. But before you remove that to check, take a look from underneath. There's a plastic "hush panel" under the dash. 2 screws and it's out.

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 18, 2015

Thank you guys. That is a wealth of information. I probably won't attempt this for a couple of weeks but I'll let you know how the replacement goes for that #6 actuator. I'll get pictures if possible.

OlGreyCaddy · Dec 18, 2015

OK, one last question. On the #46 actuator, is it necessary to replace the whole part including the cog or can you keep that attached and just replace the actuator itself?

basscatt · Dec 18, 2015

----------------------------
NO -
the new design is all welded together during production -
so - no way to get the actuator off without breaking it -

Ranger · Dec 18, 2015

Never had to do it...............yet, but I'm pretty sure you can just replace the actuator. Check the Tech Tips section. I think there may be a tutorial there.

Front defroster/Recirc button not working

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