HELP!!! Blend door
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HELP!!! Blend door
I have found the bad blend door actuator. It is the one on top of the heater housing right behind the radio on my 2008 SXL Dakota. Does anyone have any way to replace the actuator WITHOUT removing the entire dash!!!!! What a pain in the posterior!!!!!!!! The part is only $30 and you have to spend 4 hours to replace it if you are fast at removing that dash.
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Joined: Mar 2018
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The only source I could find that for removing it without the dash coming out was this video.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https:/...0gzraudMqOrYhj
He cuts the passenger foot well vent to move it out of the way. In one of the comments there is mention of what tools were used to reach the screws.
https://www.google.com/url?q=https:/...0gzraudMqOrYhj
He cuts the passenger foot well vent to move it out of the way. In one of the comments there is mention of what tools were used to reach the screws.
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Yeah I saw that also but when I looked under the dash area, I don't see how he cut it and then how do you put the vent tube back together when you get the actuator back in. . He never explained any of that!!! I think that was a cobble it in type of job!!
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 146
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My guess would be a reciprocating saw. The comment does mention using epoxy and duct tape to put it back together. If you aren't in a rush to get it done, I could try a few things next time I'm out working on the parts truck. Might be a week or two till I'm out there next.
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It's not really that bad. You can do it by removing all the bolts (DO take the steps about removing battery wire, let the airbag be safe, etc.)
Then you can pull the dash out on the passenger side about 6-8" and can reach that miserable little actuator if you are somewhat left handed. I suppose it is a little less work than completely removing the dash. It took me maybe an hour to get to the actuator.
Do remember to tighten the screws after you install the actuator. I tested the job, got my heat, and closed it all up only to remember I had not finished those three little screws..... sigh. So, I did it twice. Don't do that.
Then you can pull the dash out on the passenger side about 6-8" and can reach that miserable little actuator if you are somewhat left handed. I suppose it is a little less work than completely removing the dash. It took me maybe an hour to get to the actuator.
Do remember to tighten the screws after you install the actuator. I tested the job, got my heat, and closed it all up only to remember I had not finished those three little screws..... sigh. So, I did it twice. Don't do that.
Last edited by Bud_of_KV; Nov 10, 2023 at 10:59 PM. Reason: forgot about the left handed reach
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
It's not really that bad. You can do it by removing all the bolts (DO take the steps about removing battery wire, let the airbag be safe, etc.)
Then you can pull the dash out on the passenger side about 6-8" and can reach that miserable little actuator. I suppose it is a little less work than completely removing the dash. It took me maybe an hour to get to the actuator.
Do remember to tighten the screws after you install the actuator. I tested the job, got my heat, and closed it all up only to remember I had not finished those three little screws..... sigh. So, I did it twice. Don't do that.
Then you can pull the dash out on the passenger side about 6-8" and can reach that miserable little actuator. I suppose it is a little less work than completely removing the dash. It took me maybe an hour to get to the actuator.
Do remember to tighten the screws after you install the actuator. I tested the job, got my heat, and closed it all up only to remember I had not finished those three little screws..... sigh. So, I did it twice. Don't do that.