2006 Silverado Blend Door Actuator

ljblue · December 2, 2016

So I was about sure this was my problem. Hot air only on the driver side. I took the actuator out and if I use my hand to turn the arm on the door that the actuator connects to, I get cold air. Awesome. I got a new actuator and it still does the same thing. If I plug the wiring harness into the actuator and don't screw it in place...just hold the actuator in my hand , shouldn't the actuator function when I adjust my temp? Nothing happens to the actuator when I do that. I would expect it to turn. Now....I originally thought my hvac control module was going bad and that was my problem. Some of the lights are out on it and the 5 speed on the fan doesn't work. Possible that the control module is bad and its not telling the actuator to turn? What do you all think? -Jason

GhostWriter · December 2, 2016

I would say it depends on "which" actuator you were holding. Maybe someone else can chime in.

Description of vehicle is vague. If it's a dual system, then maybe.....GM HVAC Actuator Recalibration

ljblue · December 2, 2016

OK thanks. it is dual climate control. The actuator is just on the right side of the hump in the floor. I know its the right one since I can manually turn the door with my hand and I get cool air. There were several different actuators though. I noticed last night that one I took out of the truck actually has a couple less pins in the harness connector. Maybe I got the wrong one.

ljblue · December 7, 2016

OK, so I used the RPO code to verify I got the right actuator. I do. I replaced the climate control module (since lights were out anyway) and I still have the issue. The actuator will not react to adjusting the temp. I'm out of ideas. I checked the wiring the best I could and can't see any damage. Any ideas?

GhostWriter · December 7, 2016

Does it also "not move" when changing modes, rather than temperature.......ie: Heat, AC, Defrost?

Have you asked a dealer whether reprogramming or recalibration may be a suitable repair for your vehicle?

ljblue · December 8, 2016

Does it also "not move" when changing modes, rather than temperature.......ie: Heat, AC, Defrost?

Have you asked a dealer whether reprogramming or recalibration may be a suitable repair for your vehicle?

Correct. I can change the temp or the mode and nothing happens. I can hear the other actuator turn, but this one does nothing. I went ahead and replaced the blower motor resistor, since my fan speed 5 was out. It works now, but no difference in the actuator (didn't really expect it to be fixed). I haven't thought about calling the dealership. Guess it wouldn't hurt to ask. I really don't want to take it in there since I know it will be costly.

GhostWriter · December 8, 2016

Well, replacing the module was bold. Sorry, it didn't fix the problem.

Back in the day, applying power to actuators that were not installed would probably cause them to over travel. Today's actuators, I believe, might be more plug & play. Also, you implied the new actuator didn't move, at all.

1st thing I'd do is take the cover off the old actuator. If you see a crack in the large gear, or anything burned in the electronics, then I would suspect you "had" a bad actuator. This would make me feel a little better about the wiring.

2nd: Depending on what you find, I would re-install one of the actuators.

3rd: I would, then, perform what some call a "Global Reset." With ignition OFF, remove negative, then positive cables from battery & hold them together for at least 10 seconds. Reconnect cables. With HVAC controls OFF & without starting vehicle, turn key to ON position for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn ignition to OFF for at least 10 seconds, then start vehicle.

4th: Let idle for 5 minutes, then complete a drive cycle: Take a leisurely spin, & get up to highway speed. Return home, shut off engine. Open, then close door.

As crazy as it sounds, some GM vehicles require this ritual if actuators are to calibrate, without a Tech2.

If it doesn't re-calibrate, then it's dealer time - I guess. At least they won't try to sell you an actuator, or control module.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

SpartanAutoworx · December 9, 2016

OK thanks. it is dual climate control. The actuator is just on the right side of the hump in the floor. I know its the right one since I can manually turn the door with my hand and I get cool air. There were several different actuators though. I noticed last night that one I took out of the truck actually has a couple less pins in the harness connector. Maybe I got the wrong one.

You are replacing the lower one center of the dash near the floor correct?

SpartanAutoworx · December 9, 2016

Should be a 5 pin connector 3 space 2

ljblue · December 9, 2016

Thanks GhostWriter. I'll give the reset routine a shot. I have re moved the cover from the original actuator and the gears look fine. I can't see any issue.

Spartan. Yes it's one center just a bit right of the hump by the floor. I did notice the pins were different. If the reset doesn't work then I'll take it back to the auto parts store and have them look at the original. Thanks guys.

GhostWriter · December 9, 2016

No problem.

Also, GM may have added a feedback loop to some of the newer control heads, which may require an extra wire.

Got this info third hand, so don't go to the bank on it.

Good luck!

SpartanAutoworx · December 9, 2016

If what I posted is not the pin config you have Im going to bed you had the wrong blend door.

ljblue · December 10, 2016

Haha. The parts store gave me the wrong flippin actuator. Took it in got a different one and it works fine. Phew. That was a big ole waste of time and money. Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate it!

GhostWriter · December 10, 2016

Haha. The parts store gave me the wrong flippin actuator. Took it in got a different one and it works fine. Phew. That was a big ole waste of time and money. Thanks for the help guys. Appreciate it!

So, that means your old one was officially bad?

Well done.

This is exactly why, at long last, I'm going to buy the official Helm service manual set for the Avalanche. Would much rather have guidance troubleshooting the electronics, before throwing parts at a problem.

Really liked the sets I had for a C3500 & LeSabre

Believe they've gone down in price, recently. Time to invest.

ljblue · December 11, 2016

Yes. The original one was bad. This was the first thing I replaced. Had they given me the right part in the first place it sure would have saved me some time and money.