QuestionSIR,
I attached a posting you answered from 2008 concerning a 2005 pathfinder with the same exact issue. Cold air blows from all vents no matter the temp settings until the car is in drive and in motion. I can hear the vacuum actuating but it cant seem to find the right setting while in park. SEE ATTACHED POSTING>>>
Expert: Von Sudderth - 11/30/2008
QUESTION: At start up, the heater/defrost/front vents will only blow cold/ambient air, while at idle, even after the car is completely warm (thermostat shows mid way). It will begin to blow hot air only after the car starts moving. I can stop and idle and it will continue to blow hot air. I can't find anything that tells how the system is supposed to operate, but believe there should be a vent that will open after the car is warm and may be sticking. Am I on the right track? Can you point me in the right direction?
Answer
Steve,
This is the vacuum leaking off since there is a reservoir that holds vacuum for a time. It is used for backup vacuum like when you accelerate and the engine vacuum drops. Also, when the vehicle is off. But, it will not hold forever. If the vacuum reservoir has a leak or the check valve is defective you could be loosing vacuum and that could cause some problems with the vacuum actuated doors. But, for your heating issue this would not cause it. That is, unless the heater blend door is moving to the cold setting uncommanded.
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Can you suggest a fix?? It is winter and we are getting cold. Any help is appreciated.
Bob
AnswerBob,
It is either the controller or the blend door actuator. Remove the glovebox and see what is going on with the blend door. If you have automatic climate control it is almost always the control unit and not the blend door motor. Now, for a quick fix you could disconnect the blend door motor and move it to heat and leave it there until you replace the control panel.
