Which HVAC actuator do I need for a 97 TJ?

I ran into the same dilemma a year or so ago. I ended up just buying both, and I'll be damned if I can remember which one it was. Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but someone should eventually chime in here and give you the correct one.

I am pretty sure defrost and floor is the default if you have a vacuum issue.

Guirey said:

There are 3 HVAC actuators on the 1997 TJ as shown below. I order the OMIX actuators replacement arms as my center vents do not work, I only get defrost and floor. Now here is the question: OMIX has 2 replacement arms Part # 17910.0 (door lever lower AC Panel) and 17910.02 (upper level defrost door). I cannot find a panel demist arm replacement part #. Can anyone confirm the 02 part number is the correct one? the 01 part number seems to have a longer arm. I only got pieces of the broken one out but pretty sure the 02 part # is the replacement. I have googled it and see all kinds of posts on the very well known issue but I cannot find conformation of the part number for the "panel demist door actuator arm"


Thank you
Terry

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Can someone help me identify where to find this part behind or under the dashboard? I am trying to figure out how to fix the panel door/demist actuator which I believe operates the air floor door for center panels right above radio. I am looking this for later year models 2004-2006.
I tried to search across forums and these all point to hvac head blend door which I think is not my issue. Any pointer would be appreciated.

If you are talking about these actuators, they are up under the dash close to the firewall. Basically centered, but they will be on the drivers side of center. If you're old and stiff like me, I would suggest you remove the drivers seat, and then lay on your back. You will still be able to work the HVAC controls and see if they are all working.

DaYooperTransplant said:

If you are talking about these actuators, they are up under the dash close to the firewall. Basically centered, but they will be on the drivers side of center. If you're old and stiff like me, I would suggest you remove the drivers seat, and then lay on your back. You will still be able to work the HVAC controls and see if they are all working.



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Thanks I am going to try looking at it. Just in case if need to be replaced. Do I need to open center portion where we have radio and ac vents?

pixologics said:

Thanks I am going to try looking at it. Just in case if need to be replaced. Do I need to open center portion where we have radio and ac vents?

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Nope. Just have to get your head in the drivers footwell. Be sure that when you operate the HVAC levers, that the entire arm is moving. Mine would move, but it was snapped of at the box so the portion that matters, in the box, wasn't moving.

DaYooperTransplant said:

Nope. Just have to get your head in the drivers footwell. Be sure that when you operate the HVAC levers, that the entire arm is moving. Mine would move, but it was snapped of at the box so the portion that matters, in the box, wasn't moving.

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Thanks I checked under there driver side of dashboard area and I could see two actuators. There door lever to which it's connected is on there lower right side from passenger are. Access to it is not that easy.

DaYooperTransplant said:

Nope. Just have to get your head in the drivers footwell. Be sure that when you operate the HVAC levers, that the entire arm is moving. Mine would move, but it was snapped of at the box so the portion that matters, in the box, wasn't moving.

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What method did you use to get the broken part of the lever out? I have the upper and middle that need replacing.

alaskamanuscg said:

What method did you use to get the broken part of the lever out? I have the upper and middle that need replacing.

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I am curious to know as well. Looking at part is one thing but how to take it out without completely dismantling the dashboard or what was not clear to me?

Sorry for a late reply but we were of the grid this weekend. I took a wood screw and screwed it into the broken piece. Then I just grabbed the head of the screw with vise grips, and yanked it out. If I remember correctly it didn’t just pop out, it took some wiggling, but you’ll get it out.

DaYooperTransplant said:

If you are talking about these actuators, they are up under the dash close to the firewall. Basically centered, but they will be on the drivers side of center. If you're old and stiff like me, I would suggest you remove the drivers seat, and then lay on your back. You will still be able to work the HVAC controls and see if they are all working.



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Are those three actuators all the same? Do they ever go bad? They're not expensive on Rock Auto (~$14.00)

This thread is very helpful - especially the picture.

I'm having the same issue described above (lots of defrost and floor vents, and sometimes front panel flow). I'll be checking vacuum at the firewall, and I guess I'll be pulling the driver's seat out to check the arms. It only happens sometimes - other times the front panel works just fine.

Mine's a 98 TJ.

They all operate the same but there are two different part numbers. I wasn't sure which one I needed, so I just bought the 2 offered. Once I was able to get the broken piece out, I just matched it up with the correct new one, and threw the other in my tool bag in the Jeep. I'm not certain, but I believe there are 3 like you stated, but one part# works for two of them.

Mine also seemed to work occasionally, and when I would get myself up in there to see, and work the dash lever, all the components were moving just fine and appeared to be working like it should. Once I disconnected the actuator from the "hook" of the lever (circled in picture) it was apparent the piece just spun around freely. Mine was busted where the squiggly line is. Screwed a drywall screw in it, and wiggled/pulled and it finally came out.

Other than getting contorted to where you can see and work on it, the hardest part was getting the old one out. They are pretty solid, so how it broke where it did is strange. No issues since.

Good Luck!





**Edit to add - The picture refers to the actuator as the metal device with the vacuum hoses attached. If you Google "HVAC actuators" they will show you the lever or arm, like in my picture. My "actuators" were fine, it was the lever/arm that was broke. Sorry if that caused confusion. My actuator was doing its job and moving the arm, its just that the arm was broke and wasn't operating the door.

I bought one of each, and they came in the mail the other day. So the next chance I get I'll be pulling the driver's seat, removing the dash parts around/under the steering wheel, and seeing if I can swap them out. Wish me luck!

ArmyRN said:

I bought one of each, and they came in the mail the other day. So the next chance I get I'll be pulling the driver's seat, removing the dash parts around/under the steering wheel, and seeing if I can swap them out. Wish me luck!

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So to reply to myself... (closing the loop):

Before messing with it I checked the vacuum lines under the hood and where it was rubbing on the AC hard-line. I put some super glue on the plastic line to build it up (did not glue it to the AC line!). where it was making contact It didn't look like it was leaking, but you could tell it was rubbing through into the plastic line.

It never seemed like it had a vacuum leak, but I was trying to be thorough (and see if I could find anything obvious).

A few days later I pulled the driver's seat and crawled under there. None seem broke, and sliding the dash panel levers everything seemed to work correctly. I had plenty of vacuum in the system so even with the engine not running I had enough vacuum to do a couple of tests.

While I had the seat out, I had my local upholsterer fix a tear in the seat from me sliding in-and out, and replace the foam in the seat on that side.

Driving it now, it seems to be working fine. I don't know if it just got kinda stuck once, but I'll see if it happens again. I've got the parts to fix it if it does break.

But now I know how it all works under the dash. Thanks everyone for the info and pictures!

Are these the parts for a 2004 also. I can't seem to find anything related for a 2004. Thanks for the help.

chasencrooks said:

Are these the parts for a 2004 also. I can't seem to find anything related for a 2004. Thanks for the help.

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I'm pretty sure that they are for 1997-2006 even though they only list them for up to 2002.