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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: How to Replace Blend Door Actuator

Failing blend door actuators is a common problem on many different kinds of vehicles, leading to an inability to control the temperature inside your truck. Here's how to fix it.

By Brett Foote - July 10, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (2009-present).

Failing blend door actuators are a common problem on many different kinds of vehicles, and the Dodge Ram is no exception to that rule. When they fail, you may lose the ability to effectively control the temperature inside your truck. When a blend door is broken, simply turning a corner or changing the speed of the fan can actually make it change from hot to cold, or vice versa. Another symptom can come in the form of a clicking noise coming from the actuator motor, which occurs when the motor gears are out of alignment. Since they are made out of plastic, these components can break fairly easily. If you've got a broken blend door actuator, keep reading and we'll show you how to fix it.

Materials Needed

  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Phillips head screwdriver

Step 1 – Remove trim pieces

  • Begin by removing the two screws located in the tray directly above your truck's radio. Pull the coin/utility tray at the front of the console out. Remove the two Phillips screws in the tray.
  • Lift up the cover over the AC power outlet beneath the air vent and insert a flat head screwdriver into the slot below the outlet. Pry down and out to pop the plastic trim piece out. Remove the screw behind the trim piece.
  • Carefully remove the chrome trim piece around your center console by working your way around and lifting up. Lift up and remove the plastic trim on top of the center console.
  • Remove the trim around the factory head unit by pulling it out with your hands and remove the plugs in the back of it.

Figure 1. Insert a flat head screwdriver as shown to pry off the trim panel.

Step 2 – Replace blend door actuator

  • At this point you will be able to access both blend door actuators. Remove the wiring harness that plugs into the actuator, then the three screws that hold it into place.
  • Set the new actuator(s) in place and install the three screws and the wiring harness.
Figure 2. Replacing the blend door actuator.

Step 3 – Re-install trim pieces

  • Plug the wiring harnesses back into the front fascia trim and push it back into place.
  • Push the plastic trim and chrome ring back into place on the center console.
  • Replace the screw above the power outlet and push the trim piece back into place.
  • Re-install the two screws in the utility tray, then slide the tray back in place.
  • Re-install the two screws above the head unit.

Featured Video: How to Replace Blend Door Actuator on a '09 Dodge Ram

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