Today you will find controlled environments, passenger cells that can be environmentally controlled through electronics, which basically means anywhere in a caravan can get different cooling levels all controlled by the individual in the specific environmental cell or location.
The HVAC Air Door Actuator
HVAC actuators are essentially valves that can be controlled locally, and wherever there is an actuator, it means that at that location, you can control the flow of air. The Dodge caravan has actuators in the door, which means that airflow at the door is controllable. Since all electro-mechanical devices are prone to wear and tear and damage, it is natural that over time and use the door actuators will require repair or replacement. In this article, I present to you a basic review of replacing the door actuator in the Dodge caravan.
Replacing the HVAC door actuator – Passenger Side
Let me start off by stating that replacing the blend door actuator is not rocket science, but it does come with its own issues.
Step 1: Safety
Before starting work on any electromechanical system in a vehicle, always disconnect the battery. You do this by isolating the negative cable.
Step 2: Silencer (Optional)
Some caravans have an isolator underneath the instrument panel on the passenger side, you will need to remove this first.
Step 3: Disconnecting
Reach in to unscrew the 2 screws that are located between the HVAC air distribution housing and the HVAC air inlet housing. After unscrewing these 2 screws, you can remove the actuator. The actuator is connected to the electrical system via the wire harness, you need to open the red locking tab to disengage the connection. Now you can remove the actuator from its location.
Step 4: Installation
Insert the new actuator by positioning it to the passenger side of the HVAC housing. Connect the wire harness and secure it by clicking the red locking tab into place. Now attach the actuator to the bracket, you will need to align the splines by rotating the actuator slightly. Screw in the 2 screws and secure the actuator back onto the HVAC housing by tightening the screws with a 10”/lbs torque. Now reinstall the silencer if you had one. Connect the battery negative.
Step 5: Calibration and Operation
Now turn the A/C on and calibrate the temperature control for testing.
Replacing the HVAC door actuator – Driver Side
Step 1: Safety
Before starting work on any electromechanical system in a vehicle, always disconnect the battery. You do this by isolating the negative cable.
Step 2: Disconnecting
First, remove the knee blocker located on the driver’s side. Reach in to unscrew the 2 screws in the drawing. After unscrewing these 2 screws, you can remove the actuator. The actuator is connected to the electrical system via the wire harness, you need to open the red locking tab to disengage the connection. Now you can remove the actuator from its location.
Step 3: Installation
Insert the new actuator by positioning it to the driver side of the HVAC housing. You might need to rotate it slightly to align the splines. Connect the wire harness and secure it by clicking the red locking tab into place. Now attach the actuator to the bracket, you will need to align the splines by rotating the actuator slightly. Screw in the 2 screws and secure the actuator back onto the HVAC housing by tightening the screws with a 10”/lbs torque. Reinstall the knee blocker. Connect the battery negative.
Step 4: Calibration and Operation
Now turn the A/C on and calibrate the temperature control for testing.
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