Chrysler Repair: blend door actuator on 1998 chrysler concorde LXI 3.2, chrysler concorde lxi, 1998 chrysler concorde lxi

Question
My sons chrysler concorde has a code 23, blend door actuator failure. How do I get to the part ? Is it really necessary to remove the entire dash.Do you have the actually part number?

Answer
Hi Linda,
No you can get to the actuator without removing the entire dash. I don't have part numbers, but a dealer parts department can tell you the number and the price. I doubt it will be carried in most parts stores so you may have to get it at a dealer or alternatively a do it yourself type wrecking yard which would also give your son a chance to practice on a car before he does his own.
To find the actuator you will want to remove the under panel silencer/ducts located on either side of the center stack of the instrument panel at the very lowest edge of the panel so as to gain good access to the HVAC distribution box's underside just above the floor matt. There is a push-pin type of fastener at the outer ends, which when released by gently prying up the center 'pin', will then allow the duct be manipulated off the duct connection at the midline.
Then look for the actuator at the left hand end of the lower surface of the HVAC. You can remove 2 of the screws that hold it to the underside via the access from the right side of the center stack. A third screw is accessible from the left side of the center stack. Then you can pull the actuator straigbt down and disconnect its electrical plug. Notice the position of the shaft for the door which was connected together with actuator and notice the position of the actuator fitting which meshes with the shaft. When reinstalling be sure the two re-mate properly. Simply substitute the new acuator fot the old one and reverste the process.
Roland