The blend door actuator is part of your car that you probably don't think about very often. It can easily get overlooked because most people hear "auto repair" and immediately think about their brakes or tires. However, the blend door actuator has a very important job, it helps control the temperature and airflow inside your vehicle's main cabin. Keep reading to learn more about your blend door actuator and how you can tell if yours isn't working at its best.

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What Is A Blend Door Actuator?

The blend door actuator is a small electric motor in your car that controls your car's climate control system. It looks like a small plastic box with a few plastic gears on the inside. It is so small that you could easily fit it in one hand if you were attempting to remove it. However, if you aren't an experienced mechanic or technician, you might have a hard time identifying it.

It also has a very important job. When you turn the dial to increase or decrease the temperature or flow of air, the signals go through the blend door actuator. It also controls the defrosters and other vents.

There can also be two blend door actuators in your car if you have a newer model. If your backseat has controls to the temperature and airflow intensity, then your car will have two blend door actuators.

Signs You Need A New Blend Door Actuator

  • Knocking
    Knocking sounds can almost always be attributed to a failing blend door actuator. When you start your car or the AC system, the knocking sound will start, and that's when you know that you need to get your blend door actuator replaced.
  • Clicking
    Another sign that you might have issues with your blend door actuator is a clicking sound coming from the dashboard. It could be loud or faint, but it will be constant and repetitive. The sound will be coming from the area where your HVAC controls are on your dashboard. If you notice a clicking sound, book an appointment with a professional right away.
  • Any Other Strange Noises
    There are other noises that you might be noticing that could be indicating there's an issue with your blend door actuator. If you hear a droning or squeaking sound coming from the center of your dashboard, there is most likely something wrong with your blend door actuator. These sounds will usually get louder when you turn on your AC or change the temperature. Got other strange noises? Click here to see why your car might be making a weird noise.
  • Inconsistent Airflow
    If your airflow coming from your vents isn't consistent, there could be a problem with your blend door actuator. This happens because the blend door is moving back and forth, diverting the airflow and causing inconsistent airflow to come out of your vents.
  • Inconsistent Temperature
    If the temperature of air coming out of your car's vents is inconsistent, meaning it changes between hot and cold without touching the controls, that could be a sign that your blend door actuator isn't working properly.
  • Wrong Temperature
    If your blend door actuator has broken completely, you might get the wrong temperature. Try blasting cold or hot air and, under normal circumstances, the air should come out according to your controls. If you are trying to blast cold air, but it is coming out hot, even after giving your car a few minutes to adjust, then that is a pretty good indication that you need a new blend door actuator.

Can I Drive With A Faulty Blend Door Actuator?

Technically, you can continue to drive safely with a broken or faulty blend door actuator, but we wouldn't recommend doing it for long periods of time.

The blend door actuator doesn't affect how your car drives as it is purely a feature of comfort inside the main cabin. When it breaks, you might notice some strange noises or you might have difficulty adjusting the temperature in your car which can be very inconvenient. It can make the car ride uncomfortable and annoying for both you and your passengers. That's why we recommend handling this issue as soon as it arises.

signs of a bad blend door actuator infographic
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How To Book A Blend Door Actuator Replacement Appointment

If you are dealing with a broken blend door actuator and want a more convenient solution, book an appointment with Wrench! All you need to do is go to the homepage of our website or log into our mobile app. You can also click the "Get a free quote" at the top or bottom of your screen to schedule an appointment.

The first thing we will need to know is what kind of vehicle you have. If you have an account with us, we will have your vehicle's information already. If you don't have an account yet, you will need to give us information like the year, make, and model as well as the VIN and license plate number.

Then you will need to request a service. If you know what service your car needs, such as a blend door actuator replacement, you can just request that specific service. If you are having problems with your vehicle and need our mobile mechanics to tell you what service you need, then you should book a diagnostic appointment. Here at Wrench, we offer hundreds of auto repair and maintenance services such as alternator replacements, tire rotations, and oil changes! All you need to do is let us know which service you want.

Once we know what service your vehicle needs, we will calculate an auto repair quote. Our quote will include estimates for both the time it will take our mobile mechanic to complete the service and the cost of the repair. With Wrench, you won't have to pay any hidden fees because we believe that being upfront and honest with our customers is the best way to earn their trust.

When you accept our quote, you will finally be able to choose a date, time, and location for your convenient auto repair appointment. The best part about our auto repair and maintenance appointments is that you can receive our services at any location of your choice. Some of our customers enjoy having our mobile mechanics come to their home, office, or even the local shopping mall. Whatever you prefer, just let us know!

When we receive your request, we will send you a confirmation message with all the details of your appointment. Then you will be able to sit back and relax with the peace of mind that Wrench has your back. Book your blend door actuator replacement appointment with Wrench today!

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