Replacing blend door actuator

[Heimkehr]

N.B. -- These actuators may be positioned in multiple locations under the dashboard, particularly if your Jeep has dual zone heating & cooling. Mine does not, so this thread will concentrate on the actuator behind the glove box door. This video may assist those of you with said dual zone functionality.

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After shutting off my JLU, I'd notice an occasional and mild rumbling that emanated from behind the glove box door. Removing the glove box allowed me to confirm my suspicions: A malfunctioning blend door actuator was causing a parasitic electrical draw which manifested as spontaneous and uncommanded movement of the blend door adjacent to the cabin air filter housing.

What began as an occasional malfunction quickly developed into a constant condition every time the vehicle was shut down. While the aforementioned movement of the blend door would eventually cease, replacement of the actuator was still indicated.

Part:
Genuine Mopar A/C And Heater Actuator, Part #68301847AA, $40.00
Tool:
T20 Torx bit and small 90° ratcheting driver (working space will be limited)

Here we go:

The original actuator.

The three mounting screws removed.

To unplug the connector, pull down on the red locking lever, press in on the raised nub and gently pull the connector out.

Confirming that the appearance and part #s are identical.

New actuator installed. I've highlighted an alignment pin on which the actuator must be properly seated in order to allow its full engagement on the blend door housing.

The bit and driver that I used. I wouldn't have wanted anything larger. Note my hand for scale.

A post-installation shake-down drive confirmed proper functioning of the new actuator. This included a welcome silence after I returned home and shut off the engine.

@wibornz
I'm tagging you here based on your prior expressed interest in the matter.

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[alphawolff]

Nice write up - but be advised on some JL models this air inlet actuator is on the other side of that cabin filter housing behind the passenger speaker. If you're attempting this repair and don't see it that's why.

 

[wibornz]

N.B. -- These actuators may be positioned in multiple locations under the dashboard, particularly if your Jeep has dual zone heating & cooling. Mine does not, so this thread will concentrate on the actuator behind the glove box door. This video may assist those of you with said dual zone functionality.

--------------------

After shutting off my JLU, I'd notice an occasional and mild rumbling that emanated from behind the glove box door. Removing the glove box allowed me to confirm my suspicions: A malfunctioning blend door actuator was causing a parasitic electrical draw which manifested as spontaneous and uncommanded movement of the blend door adjacent to the cabin air filter housing.

What began as an occasional malfunction quickly developed into a constant condition every time the vehicle was shut down. While the aforementioned movement of the blend door would eventually cease, replacement of the actuator was still indicated.

Part:
Genuine Mopar A/C And Heater Actuator, Part #68301847AA, $40.00
Tool:
T20 Torx bit and small 90° ratcheting driver (working space will be limited)

Here we go:

The original actuator.

The three mounting screws removed.

To unplug the connector, pull down on the red locking lever, press in on the raised nub and gently pull the connector out.

Confirming that the appearance and part #s are identical.

New actuator installed. I've highlighted an alignment pin on which the actuator must be properly seated in order to allow its full engagement on the blend door housing.

The bit and driver that I used. I wouldn't have wanted anything larger. Note my hand for scale.

A post-installation shake-down drive confirmed proper functioning of the new actuator. This included a welcome silence after I returned home and shut off the engine.

@wibornz
I'm tagging you here based on your prior expressed interest in the matter.

I am ordering the part today. My Jeep has been in the shops since June 1st for upgrades and should get it back by Friday this week.

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