a/c help

The actuator itself is mounted to the shaft of a damper. The links are connected to (and rotate) two other dampers.

east302 said:

The actuator itself is mounted to the shaft of a damper. The links are connected to (and rotate) two other dampers.

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OK..hmm I don't think the other two dampters are turning.

I disconnected the other two dampers...the rear turns by hand but doesn't do anything..the front wont move at all. I'm guessing time to tear it apart.

Is there a diagram or a good video how to. Do I have to take the dash apart.

The dash has to come down to get to the dampers. The opposite end of the damper fits into a hole, it could just be dislodged or maybe gunked up somewhere.



View from bottom…

Well turns out the rear is completely broke, so I'll order that piece...i've never pulled the dash before that should be fun.

Here’s how I did mine, maybe it will help.


If you’re ordering the upper case, it includes the two dampers. The third isn’t included but it’s a good idea to replace it as well. The rubber edges on all of these deteriorate over time and will leak air.

Hey guys planning on ordering all this today and getting started soon. I'm gonna pull the dash out myself. Really don't wanna pay someone to do that. Is there anything I should go ahead and replace while the dash is out

The foam seals between the hard plastic HVAC-box shells on my '88 K1500 had turned to jelly. Replace ALL the foam. The difficult one--and the worst troublemaker on my truck--is at the top of the fan area, where the plastic box seals to the underside of the steel cowl.

I used self-adhesive weatherstripping foam in rolls purchased from the local home-improvement store. There's several brands. I think the stuff I bought was "Dennis" brand, probably in 1/4" or 1/2" thickness.

Clean all the debris off the A/C evaporator. At minimum, blow compressed air "backwards" through the heater core and A/C condenser. Consider replacing the HVAC blower motor.

Getting the dash out properly means removing the steering column. (Don't rip the thin 'n' weak auto-trans gear indicator cable, if used.) Good time to replace/upgrade the lower steering shaft/rag joint. If you're having any issues with the column--ignition switch, turn signal/multifunction stalk, turn signal switch, etc. now is the time to deal with it.





I have heard that the HVAC actuators get brittle with age. Then the internal gears and such split and become useless. Might be a good idea to replace all of them while the dash is already apart.

Post a photo of all the pens, coins, and other junk that fell down the defroster ducts over the last few decades.

Look over the heater and evaporator cores carefully. Now's the time to replace them if they're not fresh-looking.