Chrysler Repair: heater/AC temp not controlled: 02 van, chysler voyager, air hoses

Question
QUESTION: My heater blows cooler air and the air conditioner does not blow very cold at all. Fan works fine. Temp. control knob does not seem to effect the heater at all, it stays the same blowing cool air. Hoses to heater coil seem good, they are very warm. Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Mike,
It is possible that if there is a mechanical connection (usually a stiff wire) between the knob and the "blend" door, which is the device that changes the mix between heated air and cooled air to produce the desired temperature, is no longer patent. It could also be an electrical type of control. You didn't say the year, model, or the type of AC/heater control panel you have (conventional of digital temp readout). So if I am to have a chance of helping you I need to know that information.
If you write back, please do not use the "private" option as then our exchange of information is hidden from view and no other owners can learn from it.
Thanks,

Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, it is a 2002 Chysler Voyager van.

Answer
Hi Mike,
The temp is controlled by an electrical actuator. It may be the actuator is not working or that the blend air door that it moves is stuck. You can examine by removing the lower left side steering column cover (remove screws holding parking brake release handle to instrument panel; remove screws holding bottom of lower steering column cover to instrument panel; remove screw holding right side of steering column cover to instrument panel; disengage park brake release handle from end of cable case from groove on end of release handle; disengage cable end pivot from slot on release handle), if you have ABS remove its module, remove the actuator electrical connector, remove actuator. Note the slot in the actuator connects to the tab on the door. The actuator is the more central of the two, the upper one is for the air distribution door. There may be two blend actuators if you have a separate control for the driver and the passenger sides, otherwise there is only one actuator. Test the door to see if it moves. If not then try to free it, gently. If it moves then the actuator may not be working but test that again before buying a replacement.
Roland