This 2003 GMC Envoy came in with the complaint that the a/c will only blow out the defrost and floor. Not through the dash vents. I checked codes and found a code B0263 for a fault with the mode actuator. I first ran into this problem after changing a battery in one of these vehicles last year. Whenever the battery is disconnected the HVAC unit will perform a recalibration of all doors. This causes the door motors to be moved full cycle and the mode door will stick some times. I now hook a jump box to the system before changing the battery in Trailblazers or Envoys to prevent a recalibration from occurring. This way I will not be blamed for a stuck actuator motor.
Anyways to change the actuator motor, first drop the hush panel under the driver’s side of the dash. There are some parts that have to be disconnected from the panel including the turn signal flasher assembly shown in the next picture.
Next, I removed the lower dash knee panel to have a little more room to work.
I had to pull a push pin retainer out at the left side of the duct work in order to remove the driver’s floor vent.
Now, I could finally see the actuator on the side of the heater a/c box.
I removed the actuator and installed the new one. Performed a recalibration with my Tech 2 and put all the panels back in place. A recalibration can be done by disconnecting the battery for at least one minute, reconnect the battery, start the engine and leave the a/c controls alone. I would recommend letting the engine run for at least two minutes, turn the ignition off for at least ten seconds but no more than thirty seconds and then restart the engine so that confirmation of the repair can be done.
I do not recommend connecting the wiring to the actuator until it is installed. They come prepositioned for easier installation.
The notch at the lower edge of the gear is an alignment point. There is a corresponding tab on the door linkage that needs to be lined up with this notch.
To purchase the mode valve actuator, please click here. To see updated information about actuator positions and alignment, please click here.
Hello Sparky. I recently installed a new battery in my 2004 Silverado SS and now I only get air blowing out of the defrost vents and nowhere else. Tried disconnecting the battery to try to get the actuator to recalibrate but have had no success. Do you happen to have a link for the part number for the mode door actuator for my Silverado SS? Thanks!
Thanks, I hope that either Sears (Craftsman) or Lowes (Kobolt) have that 5.5mm. I will find out tomorrow.
There is a link in the last line of the article to another post that shows more ID information. It will be the only one with the white gear attached. The screws have 5.5 mm heads.
Hello Sparky, I have an ’03 Trailblazer with ths same problem of no air flow through the dash vents. I ordered the actuator and it came in today. I have the the TB apart and access to the actuator, I see two. I turned the key on and adjusted the control knob one actuator moved, the other did not. I am assuming I replace the one that did not move? Also, what size are the mounting screws? I can’t find a socket to fit them in my box.
Very lucky!