I"ve got a 1998 Eddie Bauer with ETAC and having the problem of not being able to control the direction of the heat. I've read the Blender Door Easy Fix threads and thought the blender door actuator was my problem-but no luck. I have the electronic controlled climate control system. I took out the actuator and got a new one because the old one didn't turn when I changed the direction from automatic, to floor, to panel, to defrost etc. I plugged in the new one and it didn't respond either, so I took it back. I've got heat, but it won't change positions. The vacuum acutated outer air door seems to function because it moves when the system is turned on and off. Thanks for your help.

 

I am by no means an expert on this subject but if the actuator is not responding than perhaps it is not receiving the proper voltage (signal) to it's connector. This would involve testing for whatever the proper voltage is inside the connector with the actuator unplugged.

Not sure where you can find the wiring diagram for your system but you might want to try alldata.com at your local library.

 

Scott

The actuator is controlled by changing the temperature on the EATC panel.

If it's operating properly, you should see it rotate as you increase or decrease the temperature. It's normal mode of operation is to blend incoming air with the heater core to reach the selected temperature.

Check it again by increasing and decreasing the temp rather than changing where the air comes out.

Let us know how things work out.

Vito

 

I changed the temperature settings and also manually changed the direction of the flow but the flow never changed from the dash and the actuator never turned. If I had the actuator out so I could see it respond to the changes, then I wouldn't see any change in the air flow, right? Why wouldn't the panel buttons, ie. floor, defrost, panel, etc., change the direction of the airflow even if you didn't change the temperature? I assumed the actuator would change the direction based either on the automatic temperature mode, or the manual selection of the direction. Thanks for your help.

 

OK...now I understand. Your EATC control head does not appear to be changing where the air flow is directed.

Best bet right now is to try the Self Test Mode

With the system off, push the OFF and FLOOR buttons simultaneously, then the AUTO button within 1 second .

If there are problems with the system, codes should appear in the display (may take up to 1 minute).

To retain codes and exit Self test mode, press the BLUE button. The Self Test mode will cease and codes will be retained.

To exit Self Test mode and clear codes, press DEFROST.

I don't have a listing on the codes, but it appears Homer Winzlow is the person to get in touch with on any codes that show up.

Hope this helps

Vito

 

Thanks for the help-I ran the test and no error codes-Nothing showed up until the end and it went into the 888's screen that you see when you turn it on. I notice there appear to be several vacuum lines going through connector into the plenum area. Do you know what this is? I was wondering if something is vacuum activated that might be the problem. Thanks

 

Vito - I've been following this because I have a similar problem. I actually had the blend door problem and had a new box replaced. After that, I was never really happy with it. I won't go into the whole story but I did run the self-test and I got at '024' error code. Do you (or anyone else) know what this indicates?

 

Here's what I got from the shop manual for code 888:

Inspection and Verification


Vacuum System Diagnosis

To test the EATC vacuum system, start the engine and press the function buttons slowly, one at a time. A momentary hiss should be heard as each button is pressed from one position to another, indicating that vacuum is available at the control assembly. A continuous hiss at the control assembly indicates a major leak somewhere in the system. It does not necessarily indicate that the leak is at the control assembly.

If a momentary hiss cannot be heard as each function button is pressed, check for a kinked, pinched, or disconnected vacuum supply hose. Also, inspect the check valve between the intake manifold and the vacuum reservoir to ensure it is working properly.

From what I see, it's probabaly a major vacuum leak or a pinched line. Like what it said, check around and find the problem. Good luck!!

 

Here's the Pinpoint test from the manual:

A2 CHECK ACTUATOR DRIVE


Key in RUN position.

Disconnect both electrical connectors from rear of A/C control. Using a 12-volt battery, operate the A/C electronic door actuator motor in both directions. The following pins may be jumped to use the vehicle battery.

--Trial 1: Pin 24 (BK, 57) to Pin 22 (DB/LG, 249)

--Trial 2: Pin 24 (BK, 57) to Pin 21 (O, 250)

Does the actuator drive in both directions?

Yes
GO to «A3».

No
GO to «A4».

If yes:
A3 CHECK RESISTANCES


Drive the blend door to the full heat position. Measure resistance between the pins shown below at the control assembly C275 connector.

--Pin 15 (LG/O, 243) to Pin 6 (O/BK, 776) 5000-7000 ohms

--Pin 5 (BR/W, 351) to Pin 6 (O/BK, 776) 3500-6000 ohms

--Pin 5 (BR/W, 351) to Pin 15 (LG/O, 243) 250-1500 ohms

lAre all resistances within values given?

Yes
REPLACE A/C control.

No
GO to «A4».

If no:

A4 CHECK CONTINUITY


lCheck vehicle wiring harness and connector continuity as shown below. Disconnect both electrical connectors from rear of A/C control and A/C electronic door actuator motor.


(Control Assembly Connector)Pin 5 (BR/W, 351) to Pin 3 (Temperature Blend door actuator) Follow the same for the rest
Pin 6 (O/BK, 776) to Pin 2
Pin 15 (LG/O, 243) to Pin 4
Pin 21 (O, 250) to Pin 1
Pin 22 (DB/LG, 249) to Pin 5
Pin 24 (BK, 57) to Pin 6

l Is there continuity on all six wires?

Yes
GO to «A5».

No
SERVICE faulty circuit. RETEST system.

A5 CHECK ACTUATOR POWER


lWith ignition switch in RUN, check for battery voltage at Pin 8 (1003 [GY/Y]) of the A/C electronic door actuator motor.

l Is there battery voltage?

Yes
REPLACE A/C electronic door actuator motor.

No
SERVICE circuit 1003 (GY/Y).


I hope this helps.

 

Is there a relationship between the operation of the vacuum system on the ETAC and the actuator? What does the vacuum system control if the actuator is controlling the blender door movement? Finally, where is the check valve, ie. what does it look like?-Is the vacuum reservoir you're talking about the brake system? Thanks