Mode Door Actuators

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The 3 airflow mode door actuators move the airflow mode doors on command from the HVAC module.

The panel/floor door and defrost door mode door actuators each contain a reversible electric motor and a potentiometer. The HVAC module applies a 5-volt signal to one end of the potentiometer and ground to the other. The potentiometer wiper is connected to the actuator output shaft and moves with the output shaft. The voltage available at the wiper indicates the position of the airflow mode door. The actuator wiper voltage is sent to the HVAC module which drives the actuator motor in whichever direction is necessary to make the actuator wiper voltage agree with the expected HVAC module wiper voltage value.

The air inlet mode door actuator is a reversible electric motor which moves the air inlet door between the outside and recirculated air inlets on command from the HVAC module. When RECIRC is requested, the air inlet mode door actuator moves to the RECIRC position, allowing only recirculated air inlet. When FRESH air inlet is requested, the air inlet mode door actuator moves to the FRESH air inlet position, allowing only outside air inlet.