QuestionQUESTION: I have read everything I can find on the Diagnostics/cool down test and the actuator and doors on the HVAC system. I have run the tests and get a 1-4 fail code whcih is a "anctuator did not reach heat stop" error. It looks like I need to change the actuator and check the doors. I have removed the majority of the dash. BUT i can't get access to the doors and I don't know where the actuator is! can you help me please?
ANSWER: Hi Ken,
I don't find any actuator but that for the recirculation door. The mode and temp door are controlled by cables. Is this a Neon? I don't find that the Neon even has a self-diagnostic capability. The allpar.com site describes the Plymouth Expresso as a Neon. But it sounds to me like you are describing a minivan? What is the specific problem you are having: temp control/air distribution control?
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your recent help in locating the Actuators on my 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager that has 177,000 miles.
I STILL have the problem!
I need to explain in detail the steps that occurred up to the point that I first asked the question of you, then I need to ask what I need to do now.
1. The system blew hot air out the lower rear A/C vent when the A/C was on. The front system worked okay in A/C mode
2. For a few days the system wouldn't cool at all on A/C mode and wouldn't blow full strength
3. For another few days after that the system on A/C mode would only blow out the defrost vents
4. Then when the mode was set to lower or "feet" mode it would only blow out upper vents
5. I ran the diagnostic test and it gave 4 flashes code "Blend Pass. Actuator did not reach heat stop"
6. Contacted CarPro Guys for help locating Actuators
7. Replaced Passenger Blend Door Actuator and reinstalled the same old Driver Blend Door Actuator
8. I am now getting 4 flashes followed by 8 flashes "Driver Blend Door Actuator did not reach heat stop"
Q(A)?: is there a procedure to be certain that I have installed the Actuators correctly. The new actuator was not set the same as the old one and took some manual adjustment of the Duct Door shaft to get it back on -- which caused the Driver actuator to have to be re-adjusted
Q(B)?: what should I do now? Should I replace the Drive side Actuator also? Should I remove and reinstall the Actuators after a readjustment?
Q(C)?: Should I replace the entire control Module? Maybe it is bad...
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP
Ken
AnswerHi Ken,
First thing is to be sure that you are recognizing the the lower front actuator is the driver's, and rear is the passenger's.
I believe there is no special procedure for installing the actuators. But you do want to run through the calibration/cooldown test twice so as to clear all the codes except what are current fault codes. Also, you may want to observe what goes on with the actuators as the test is being run, if that is a visible movement.
The calibration should make the required adjustments. If you still get codes and perceived problems I would substitute the removed actuator for which ever one is still problematic, and if that still doesn't fix it, then get a second new actuator. I would not remove the actuators more than necessary as each time you do it will entail a couple of calibration/cooldown runs to recalibrate them. I doubt it is the control panel as the problem.
Roland
