When does your car require a Chevy Impala blend door actuator reset?
If the driver or passenger heat blend door actuator motor doesn’t function well, the airflow in the car will become too hot or cold.
After a Chevy blend door actuator replacement, such a situation also happens. In that case, resetting the air recirculation actuator is essential to keep everything running well.
In this post, I’ll explain the actuator and instruct you to reset it for proper operation. Let’s get going!
Briefly On The Chevy Impala Blend Door Actuator
The climate control module has a crucial part – Chevy Impala blend door actuator. This air conditioning control can increase and decrease the temperature in the car.
When adjusting the temperature or airflow, the switch will transfer signals to the air door actuator.
The temperature valve actuator will move the blend door to the proper position to control the interior temperature and ventilation.
The air temperature actuators are on the right and the left. Along with the blend door are also the intake and mode door actuators.
The intake door determines the amount of air entering the engine. It will work when you run the blower.
The mode actuator controls where the airflow comes from. By using the mode switch, the driver can override the automatic setting.
How To Conduct A Chevy Impala Blend Door Actuator Reset
How do I reset my GM blend door actuator? To reset the actuator, you need to:
- Take the actuator out and set the highest heat.
- Turn the shaft of the blend door until the vents produce the maximum heat.
- Place the actuator in position again.
- Switch on the AC system and check if the actuators operate properly.
- Put all the components back together.
For the details, you should first determine if the blend door reset is necessary for your car. Some models allow you to do it easily with an electrical diagnostic tool.
If you need a manual procedure, follow the instruction below:
Step 1: Access The Actuator Assembly Based On Type of Vehicle
You can find the air temperature actuator at numerous locations.
Depending on the type of vehicle, there may be a passenger-side blend actuator and a driver-side temperature blend actuator.
The Chevy Impala has two heater head control units, one on either side of the radio beneath the dashboard. There are two electrical connectors behind the actuators.
- Take the glove box off to access the bad actuator.
- Remove two screws on the top of the glove box.
- Pull the glove box down and remove its hinges. Be careful while doing this task Because of the fastened wire connections back of the radio setup or the glove box.
Step 2: Remove The Defective Actuator From Its Position
- Remove the driver-side temperature blend door actuator near the heater box with a screwdriver, and then disconnect the wiring clips.
- Take the actuator off the shaft.
- Ensure that the shaft and actuator are able to be moved.
- If the shaft doesn’t move, you need to diagnose it once again and grease the blend door.
Step 3: Switch On Your Vehicle & AC On
- Start the car’s engine to warm the interior. Make sure that you engage the emergency brake before starting the engine.
- Switching the knob to turn on the HVAC system.
- Set the highest heat setting.
- Reset the thermal sensor by holding down the AC and Recirc buttons.
Step 4: Impala Blend Door Actuator Calibration
Use the scan tool to clear away every engine diagnostic trouble code and turn the ignition switch off to activate the driver-side heat door actuator.
If you don’t have a scan tool to do the actuator retaliation, follow the blend door calibration procedure below to perform the calibration update:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Turn the engine off while turning the ignition on
- Wait for five minutes.
- Pull the ignition key out to stop it.
- Reconnect the negative terminals for the battery charging.
- Put the ignition key in position, then turn it on.
- Wait five minutes before adjusting the air conditioning controls.
- Start the car and check if the door opens as you move.
Step 5: Reassemble
- Set the maximum heat.
- Turn the shaft of the blend door until the vents produce the maximum heat.
- Reassemble the actuator.
- Experiment with the temperature control settings to guarantee that warm and cold air is arriving.
- Check for security and give the HVAC system another try. You should utilize a repair handbook or ask a professional mechanic if anything seems wrong.
When Would You Need A Chevy Impala Blend Door Actuator Reset
Wrong airflow results, inconsistent airflow, and a strange noise behind the dash panel are typical signs of a faulty blend door unit.
Wrong Airflow Results
When the AC blows cold or the constant high heat on climate control, people usually check to see if the AC stops blowing at high speeds or not.
But, you may not know it also is one of the most typical symptoms of a bad blend door operation.
No matter how high you set the temperature, if the HVAC actuator fails, it will often default to the lowest setting. Sometimes, you try to blow cool air, but it still comes out hot.
Inconsistent Air Flow
Inconsistent temperature and airflow are another sign of a bad blend or heat door actuator.
When the blend door swings back and forth, the airflow is disrupted, deviating from the normal flow and discomforting the driver and passengers.
Annoying Clicking Noise In Dash
If you notice some strange clicking sound coming from under the dash, there may be one of the clutch actuator symptoms.
But, it may also be an issue with one of the components of the heater control unit.
Your air floor ducts may be rattling about and loose, which might cause a dreadful clicking noise.
The sound disappears when you switch off your HVAC, which will help you determine the issue.
If it does, the issue is probably with the blower motor. If the strange noises continue while you are driving, the loose parts in the dash may bounce about.
FAQs
Where Is The Blend Door Actuator On A 2012 Chevy Impala?
The blend or heat door actuator on the passenger side is situated to the right of the blower motor and behind the glove box.
You’ll find the driver temperature actuator over the gas pedal on the right.
How Many Actuators Does A 2011 Chevy Impala Have?
There are two actuators at numerous locations: one is close to the gas pedal on the driver’s side, and another is behind the glovebox on the passenger side.
Are There Any Recalls On The 2011 Chevy Impala?
The 2011 Impala did two recalls. One is for an ignition switch that could shut off if the ignition key ring is too heavily loaded.
The second recall concerned a suspension part that might fracture and cause the vehicle to lose control, increasing the risk of an accident.
How Many Blend Door Actuators Does A 2013 Chevy Impala Have?
The 2013 Chevy Impala has 3 actuators. The first two actuators are on the passenger side. Open the glove box, and you’ll see another one.
Is It OK To Drive With A Faulty Blend Door Actuator?
It’s OK to drive with a faulty blend door motor. The annoying blend or heat door actuator does not affect other parts of the car.
But we wouldn’t advise doing so for extended periods. When the actuator breaks, you can hear annoying noises.
It’s also difficult to control the temperature in the cabin. As a result, it annoys you and passengers during the whole car ride.
Therefore, you’d better address this problem as soon as possible.
How To Replace Heater Door Actuator 2006-2013 Chevrolet Impala?
The symptoms of a faulty actuator include the clicking noise from the dashboard when you start the car. The sound may be the result of the broken plastic gear.
In that case, you may need to replace the actuator by following the steps below:
- Set your temp to cold.
- Use the 5.5mm socket and a nut driver to remove the top and bottom screws from the broken actuator on the passenger and driver sides.
- After that, take it out of the blend door shaft.
- Disconnect the negative battery cables.
- Replace the original actuator with the new one.
- Reverse the procedures to put the new actuator in position.
- If it doesn’t line up properly in the shaft, use the screw to line it up.
Replacing the bad actuator for the blend door won’t work if the wires in the wiring harness come free.
Here is the detailed instruction about HVAC blend door actuator replacement on the 2006-2013 Chevrolet Impala and 2014-2016 Impala Limited:
Ending Note
The blend or heat door actuator is a part you will never notice until it starts having temperature issues. Fortunately, this small component is hard to replace.
However, try the Chevy blend door actuator reset before the replacement blend door actuator. To reset the actuator, it’d better remove the actuator and set the highest heat.
Reinstall the actuator after turning the blend door shaft until the vents produce the maximum heat.
You also remember to test the actuators and then turn on the air conditioner.
I hope I have given you all the information to tell you what to do with the Chevy Impala blend door actuator reset.
In addition, you can check the manufacturer’s manual for personalized part recommendations.
