Airflow Mode Door Position

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The airflow mode door actuator uses a cam and lever assembly to position the airflow mode doors on command from the HVAC module. The mode door actuator contains a reversible electric motor and potentiometer. The potentiometer allows the HVAC module to monitor the position of the airflow mode doors. The potentiometer circuit consists of a 5-volt reference signal connected to one end of a variable resistor, and a signal ground connected to the other. A signal return circuit is connected to a contact wiper, which is driven along the variable resistor by the actuator shaft. The signal returned to the HVAC module from the contact wiper indicates the position of the airflow mode doors. The HVAC module drives the actuator motor in whichever direction is necessary to make the actuator contact wiper voltage agree with the expected contact wiper voltage value, as determined by the control algorithm.

The airflow mode door actuator is mounted to the plenum chamber to the right of the accelerator pedal.