How to replace the Mode Door Actuator on a 2002 Buick Lesabre?
How do I replace the Mode Door Actuator on a 2002 Buick Lesabre?
Does the Dashboard have to be remove to replace the Mode Door Actuator, or
can I reach it through the Glove Box the same as you can the Blend Door
Actuator?
I believe u have to lay on your back, with your head uncomfortably positioned between the brake pedal & gas pedal, move wires, remove the 5mm or 5.5mm bolts and remove the actuator. Loads of fun! NOT!!! Note: A headlamp is needed otherwise words a car shouldn't hear may come out.
Blend Door for 2001 Buick lesabre Limited - (switches airflow between Floor, Mid and Windshield vents via the car's electronic HVAC dash contorller. 5.5mm screws to remove. Part number on the OEM was 52491799 - located on the Driver side, under dash, to the left when facing the dashboard. I ended up sourcing a Dorman from Amazon (~$58) August 2020 pn Dorman 604-146 HVAC Heater Blend Door Actuator; there were cheaper options but as Peter shared his experience, I only want to do this once as you have to be a contortionist to get under the driver side dash (even with lifting the steering wheel) to be able to get to the screws. I used a 1/4" ratchet and 5.5mm socket to get to the screws. I needed to remove the Driver side bottom insulation/trim (2 screws and a plastic trim plug) and also needed to move out of the way a vertically positioned rectangular ECM box of some kind (1 easy to access screw) and a flexible plastic hose (easy to pull off) so I could get my hand into the tight location to unscrew. Hoping this fixes my issue (part not delivered yet).
Hi and as a follow-up to my last post, the part arrived a day earlier so, here are some more pics of the mode door actuator (controlled via Floor, Mid, Windshield, etc.). I had one unexpected yet easily fixed issue which was that since the original mode door actuator was cracked when I removed the 3 screws and took it off, the metal female part of the actuator stayed on the male door spindle, so I needed to gently pry it loose to then slide it off. all works! So this was the Mode door actuator. there are 2 blend door actuators (that controls cool and heat); the left (passenger side is accessed by taking out the glove box) and right (Driver side) one is on the opposite side under the dash. So at least i know now if they ever go :-). Hope this helps the next person out.
