A/C Mode Door Actuators

[Just Chillin]

I have a 2005 TJ with 90K miles on it.

Recently, the A/C just started blowing out of the defrost vents instead of the panel vents. I am going to check the vacuum lines to them. If no issue there, do I just replace both actuators associated with the mode doors or am I missing something?

 

[User4574]

99% chance it is the hard line under the hood going through the firewall. Check that vicinity first.

 

[bll.carroll]

New to the Forum- Having similar issue to "Just Chillin" been through the gauntlet of forum posts and have checked the following:
-Tested all check valves
-reservoir and it is good
-Vacuum tested all lines under the dash/hood and they hold vacuum with one end plugged.
-Connected hand vacuum pump to all the mode door controllers (Panel, Floor Defrost, Recirc) and they work.
-Getting 17" Hg at the connector unplugged from the A/C Heater Controller at idle.
-Not getting any vacuum at the mode door actuators when I check the lines while working the switch. Has to be the controller right? Cannot hear any hissing at the back of the controller though.... sigh.

Frustrating part is I spent the money and got a Woory Industries manuf controller, supposed OEM supplier for the part. Via another forum post someone mentions the size of the plugs on the back of the selector are sometimes smaller and I dug out my calipers and measured and they appear correct size. I swear it worked for just a couple of minutes then stopped after a restart...

Already started the return process but just wanted to ping here to see if I am missing something. Lol, does someone make an aftermarket kit that rips all this vacuum stuff out of the car?

 

[Chris]

New to the Forum- Having similar issue to "Just Chillin" been through the gauntlet of forum posts and have checked the following:
-Tested all check valves
-reservoir and it is good
-Vacuum tested all lines under the dash/hood and they hold vacuum with one end plugged.
-Connected hand vacuum pump to all the mode door controllers (Panel, Floor Defrost, Recirc) and they work.
-Getting 17" Hg at the connector unplugged from the A/C Heater Controller at idle.
-Not getting any vacuum at the mode door actuators when I check the lines while working the switch. Has to be the controller right? Cannot hear any hissing at the back of the controller though.... sigh.

Frustrating part is I spent the money and got a Woory Industries manuf controller, supposed OEM supplier for the part. Via another forum post someone mentions the size of the plugs on the back of the selector are sometimes smaller and I dug out my calipers and measured and they appear correct size. I swear it worked for just a couple of minutes then stopped after a restart...

Already started the return process but just wanted to ping here to see if I am missing something. Lol, does someone make an aftermarket kit that rips all this vacuum stuff out of the car?

It does seem like the A/C heater controller could be the culprit, especially since you're not getting vacuum at the actuators when switching modes.

Before you return the controller, you might want to double-check the wiring and connections to it. Sometimes a loose or corroded connection can cause intermittent issues like you've described.

Regarding your question about aftermarket kits that eliminate the vacuum system, unfortunately, there isn't a widespread solution for that in the TJ community. Everyone just deals with repairing or replacing the actuators and controllers. There might be custom solutions or modifications that some specialize in, but it would require some additional research and might not be plug-and-play. It's a good idea with age to just go through and replace all the vacuum lines / connectors.

Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress!

 

[Just Chillin]

I found an issue with the vacuum lines under the hood.

 

[Just Chillin]

 

[Just Chillin]

 

[Just Chillin]

Sorry. Trying to post the detailed image and it is not working. Will keep trying

 

[Just Chillin]

Anyone have a good method for repair at that point above?

 

[Rancho LJ]

Can't you just trim the hose, remove the broken section and reinsert?