No air through center vents

[southern_runner]

2003 SR5 V8. It has the issue where you hear the buzz from the AC Damper Motor.

When I turn the A/C on and set it to blow out of the dash vents, I get air from the two side vents near each window, but nothing from the two center vents.

I don't think the rear seat is getting air either. Is this an issue with the mixer, or could something be disconnected behind the dash?

 

[AuSeeker]

2003 SR5 V8. It has the issue where you hear the buzz from the AC Damper Motor.

When I turn the A/C on and set it to blow out of the dash vents, I get air from the two side vents near each window, but nothing from the two center vents.

I don't think the rear seat is getting air either. Is this an issue with the mixer, or could something be disconnected behind the dash?

If I'm not mistaken when it's on defrost the air comes out the windshield vents and the 2 outer dash vents to defrost the door glass.

So it sounds like the mode door isn't working and is stuck in defrost mode, check and see if air is coming out the windshield/defrost vents if so then that's the problem, you will need to replace the mode actuator, especially since you're hearing the buzz noise.

You also have a blend door which changes the air from hot to cold, etc., if you can change the temperature without any noise/clicking etc., then that actuator is working as it should, if there's any noise then it could be going bad as well.

 

[southern_runner]

If I'm not mistaken when it's on defrost the air comes out the windshield vents and the 2 outer dash vents to defrost the door glass.

So it sounds like the mode door isn't working and is stuck in defrost mode, check and see if air is coming out the windshield/defrost vents if so then that's the problem, you will need to replace the mode actuator, especially since you're hearing the buzz noise.

You also have a blend door which changes the air from hot to cold, etc., if you can change the temperature without any noise/clicking etc., then that actuator is working as it should, if there's any noise then it could be going bad as well.

If it is the mode actuator, that's the little black box behind the glove box correct? That thing is a PITA to remove. I can get 2 of the 3 screws out of the bracket, but the third is buried behind the entire blower assembly. What stinks is that is a relatively inexpensive part.

 

[AuSeeker]

If it is the mode actuator, that's the little black box behind the glove box correct? That thing is a PITA to remove. I can get 2 of the 3 screws out of the bracket, but the third is buried behind the entire blower assembly. What stinks is that is a relatively inexpensive part.

I haven't had to replace any of my actuator so I'm not sure which one is the mode actuator, I know I have read which is which but just can't remember at the moment..but you can pin-point which it is by changing the settings while looking at the actuator/s and see which one is working or not working, if it is the one you think it is many have gotten to the 3rd screw by drilling a hole from inside the blower box to have a direct shot at the screw and then plugging the hole after the R&R of the actuator.

That all being said there are numerous topics/posts in this forum on changing out the various HVAC actuators, doing a forum search should show result for most of them.

 

[AuSeeker]

If it is the mode actuator, that's the little black box behind the glove box correct? That thing is a PITA to remove. I can get 2 of the 3 screws out of the bracket, but the third is buried behind the entire blower assembly. What stinks is that is a relatively inexpensive part.

I meant to ask did you confirm that there's air coming out of the defrost vents?

 

[southern_runner]

I meant to ask did you confirm that there's air coming out of the defrost vents?

Sorry, been on vacation. Yes, it's just like you said. When I turn on the A/C and set it to the upper vents, then I get air from the vents nearest the windows, none through the center vents, and air from the defrost vent.

Also I can't prove it but I feel like I'm getting heat near my feet...it's hotter in that area than I feel like it should be.

 

[AuSeeker]

Sorry, been on vacation. Yes, it's just like you said. When I turn on the A/C and set it to the upper vents, then I get air from the vents nearest the windows, none through the center vents, and air from the defrost vent.

Also I can't prove it but I feel like I'm getting heat near my feet...it's hotter in that area than I feel like it should be.

You shouldn't be getting any air hot or cold from the floor vents if it's stuck in defrost mode, also if the air coming out the other vents is cold then there no way you would be getting hot air anywhere else since the air comes/originates from the same place in the system and is directed to the various vents by the mode door.

Maybe you're just sensing a bit of heat radiating through the firewall/floor from the engine and or exhaust system.

 

[southern_runner]

You shouldn't be getting any air hot or cold from the floor vents if it's stuck in defrost mode, also if the air coming out the other vents is cold then there no way you would be getting hot air anywhere else since the air comes/originates from the same place in the system and is directed to the various vents by the mode door.

Maybe you're just sensing a bit of heat radiating through the firewall/floor from the engine and or exhaust system.

That's what I was thinking, because the air is cold that comes from vents and defrost. There is definitely more heat coming through than I expected, but I was towing so she was working harder than usual.

 

[TimCan]

Similar issue. Air only coming out of defroster vents

Hoping for some help. My issue started with my heat not coming on. I cleaned out the inside air filter and blew out some debris that was stuck in the vents. I checked the blower motor and it is working fine. The heat wound up coming back on however then another problem started…the air flow would only go through the defrost vents no matter what setting I had it on (front, lower, defrost). There is no clicking noise like I have read on other posts associated with this problem. Thoughts?