AC Mode Actuator

[MiRam]

Our 2019 5th Gen Ram 1500 Laredo with 12in digital control screen - AC is stuck on blowing cold both sides in defrost mode only now, with no rear air flow either.

Trying to figure out why local shops are saying dealer has to replace and calibrate a new mode actuator.
We can't afford dealer shop rates...does it require an expensive OBD2 scanner type unit?
Is this a standard project to be easily be estimated & not require hours of research by service dept?

Any info you can share would be much appreciated!

 

[theblet]

It sounds like your blend door and mode actuators are both not working. Of the actuators themselves are bad, I don’t think you’ll need an odb scanner. Don’t have a CEL?

Weird that everything is locked in cold and defroster. Check for burnt fuses, and possibly disconnect the battery for 30 minutes to reset the computers.

 

[Cbty2050]

We can't afford dealer shop rates...does it require an expensive OBD2 scanner type unit?

Do people ever wonder why some repair shops/dealers cost so much?

Does it require a fancy tool that your local shops don't have? It's their lack of wanting to pay to play/fix certain cars.

I recently was offered a new job by an independant shop. The door rate is even with most dealers in the area, some services are more than the dealer, some less. So many assume the dealers cost more, but in reality some people just don't like going to a dealer. No 2 dealers are the same, some suck some don't suck as much.

 

[MiRam]

It sounds like your blend door and mode actuators are both not working. Of the actuators themselves are bad, I don’t think you’ll need an odb scanner. Don’t have a CEL?

Weird that everything is locked in cold and defroster. Check for burnt fuses, and possibly disconnect the battery for 30 minutes to reset the computers.

Thanks, what is a CEL? Local shop said he could replace but Not calibrate - dealer only, which is why I asked about ODB scanner for the calibration..
I will try a reset first...actually had to bypass the heater core a few months ago, but not an issue here in FL.

 

[MiRam]

I am thinking that yes it does require a specialized digital tool or equipment, so trying to figure out if best option is just to let a dealer do it.

 

[theblet]

Thanks, what is a CEL? Local shop said he could replace but Not calibrate - dealer only, which is why I asked about ODB scanner for the calibration..
I will try a reset first...actually had to bypass the heater core a few months ago, but not an issue here in FL.

CEL = check engine light.

I’m unaware of this calibration that’s required, or if alpha or jscan can do it. Sorry

 

[HSKR R/T]

Thanks, what is a CEL? Local shop said he could replace but Not calibrate - dealer only, which is why I asked about ODB scanner for the calibration..
I will try a reset first...actually had to bypass the heater core a few months ago, but not an issue here in FL.

If you bypassed the heater core, then it's always going to blow cold A/C airing defrost.