2003 Buick Lesabre Custom - Heat only coming from defroster and floor vent

[ilir9b]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum and I can't tell you how amazingly helpful it has been so far. Thank you for posting such useful info.

This Lesabre has 130k miles on it. The heat only comes from the top defroster vent and the floor vent. No air comes from the dash vents. It seems that when I change the settings on the controls the air distribution changes, the noise changes inside the dash, but the air seems to either get lost or trapped somewhere. The air wasn't getting hot either but I just replaced the door mode actuator which fixed that problem and I thought it would fix the distribution of air as well, but that didn't happen. The old actuator had broken gears inside so I'm glad I did that but as I mentioned, it didn't take care of the whole problem. Before I open up and flush the heat core, does anyone have any other advice I can follow? Keep in mind, I live in NYC and I don't exactly have a water hose readily available to drain and flush the fluids so I'd rather avoid that.

Thank you !

 

[ryenie]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum and I can't tell you how amazingly helpful it has been so far. Thank you for posting such useful info.

This Lesabre has 130k miles on it. The heat only comes from the top defroster vent and the floor vent. No air comes from the dash vents. It seems that when I change the settings on the controls the air distribution changes, the noise changes inside the dash, but the air seems to either get lost or trapped somewhere. The air wasn't getting hot either but I just replaced the door mode actuator which fixed that problem and I thought it would fix the distribution of air as well, but that didn't happen. The old actuator had broken gears inside so I'm glad I did that but as I mentioned, it didn't take care of the whole problem. Before I open up and flush the heat core, does anyone have any other advice I can follow? Keep in mind, I live in NYC and I don't exactly have a water hose readily available to drain and flush the fluids so I'd rather avoid that.

Thank you !

You may be having a similar issue with the mode door, actuator gear, or actuator. The actuator is on the drivers side under the dash. There are 3 to 4 actuators depending on if you have dual climate control. There is either 1 or 2 temp control actuators (again depends on dual climate control), 1 mode door actuator (this is the door that directs air to the different vents), and 1 for the recirculate function (blocks the outside air vent off). There is no need to mess with the coolant for the issue you're having, (air not coming out of proper vent). If once you get the air to switch vents you don't have good heat when the engine warms up, or the temp gauge is acting up you may have other issues, but as of right now (unless maintenance schedule dictates otherwise) there is no need to mess with the coolant.

 

[ilir9b]

Thanks ryenie,
I just ordered a driver's side door mode actuator. I didn't even know there was another on this side. I'm optimistic that it might fix the problem.
Thank you again!

 

[ilir9b]

Just an update for posterity:
The advice that I got from ryenie was dead on. The driver's side actuator was faulty and once I replaced it everything started working properly again.
So, since I just went through this I thought I'd post here about how to find and remove the old one.
First you need to remove the under-the-dash cover that is found under the steering wheel. It pops right out. Then you remove the 2 small screws that hold together the plastic cover under it and remove that plastic cover as well. Now you can find the actuator but it's located almost right behind the HVAC control. It's not easy to get to it but with the right tools, patience and some flexibility it doesn't take much. Remove the power first and then use a 7mm socket for the 3 screws that hold it in. place. Take the old one out, put the new one in, connect the power and test it. Mine worked and I hope yours does too.
Thank you buick community.

 

[2000ltd]

Just an update for posterity:
The advice that I got from ryenie was dead on. The driver's side actuator was faulty and once I replaced it everything started working properly again.
So, since I just went through this I thought I'd post here about how to find and remove the old one.
First you need to remove the under-the-dash cover that is found under the steering wheel. It pops right out. Then you remove the 2 small screws that hold together the plastic cover under it and remove that plastic cover as well. Now you can find the actuator but it's located almost right behind the HVAC control. It's not easy to get to it but with the right tools, patience and some flexibility it doesn't take much. Remove the power first and then use a 7mm socket for the 3 screws that hold it in. place. Take the old one out, put the new one in, connect the power and test it. Mine worked and I hope yours does too.
Thank you buick community.

Can you see the mode actuator at all when looking under there? Or do you have to feel for it?

 

[jotzgr]

Can you see the mode actuator at all when looking under there? Or do you have to feel for it?

Please, please stop resurrecting 10yo threads. Doubtful you are going to get an answer or that these members are even active anymore or even still own Lesabres. All you are doing is clogging up the forum with useless messages. Post a new thread with your current question if you can’t find a recent thread or answer.

 

[2000ltd]

Please, please stop resurrecting 10yo threads. Doubtful you are going to get an answer or that these members are even active anymore or even still own Lesabres. All you are doing is clogging up the forum with useless messages. Post a new thread with your current question if you can’t find a recent thread or answer.

I didn't realize that was a problem will do

 

[lilpoindexter]

Just an update for posterity:
The advice that I got from ryenie was dead on. The driver's side actuator was faulty and once I replaced it everything started working properly again.
So, since I just went through this I thought I'd post here about how to find and remove the old one.
First you need to remove the under-the-dash cover that is found under the steering wheel. It pops right out. Then you remove the 2 small screws that hold together the plastic cover under it and remove that plastic cover as well. Now you can find the actuator but it's located almost right behind the HVAC control. It's not easy to get to it but with the right tools, patience and some flexibility it doesn't take much. Remove the power first and then use a 7mm socket for the 3 screws that hold it in. place. Take the old one out, put the new one in, connect the power and test it. Mine worked and I hope yours does too.
Thank you buick community.

Where did you buy the actuator

 

[2000ltd]

I got the part number from rock auto dorman 604-990 rock auto said it was mode so I bought it on Amazon. Turns out to be a blend

 

[2000ltd]

The only mode I can find is genuine gm part #15-72645

 

[jotzgr]

The only mode I can find is genuine gm part #15-72645

The mode and blend doors look identical:

From Rock Auto, Mode Door for Limited with Automatic Temperature Controls:
Dorman 604-990 or 604-146
GPD 1712070
Four Seasons 73064
GM 15-72645

 

[2000ltd]

The mode and blend doors look identical:

From Rock Auto, Mode Door for Limited with Automatic Temperature Controls:
Dorman 604-990 or 604-146
GPD 1712070
Four Seasons 73064
GM 15-72645

Take a look at the GM one and notice it's the only one that looks like that all the others look like blend doors

 

[2000ltd]

Take a look at the GM one and notice it's the only one that looks like that all the others look like blend doors

The one on the right is the dorman 604-990 the one on the right is gm 15-72645

 

[2000ltd]

The only one that looks like this

 

[jotzgr]

I see that now. I did one of mine last year on a Limited and I went back and checked and I did use that exact GM part. It is the only one that looks correct. It is a real PITA to do while lying on your back and trying to hold a light so you can see. The cam actuator levers all have to be in a very specific position when installed or it will never work right. There are some recent threads on that.

 

[2000ltd]

I see that now. I did one of mine last year on a Limited and I went back and checked and I did use that exact GM part. It is the only one that looks correct. It is a real PITA to do while lying on your back and trying to hold a light so you can see. The cam actuator levers all have to be in a very specific position when installed or it will never work right. There are some recent threads on that.

I saw that thread. Well I'm glad I've finally ordered the right part. Apparently only gm make that part. I paid $75 for it

 

[2000ltd]

This is what the fsm says