Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Mode Control Actuator Repair Procedures

16steps
~96min
4/5difficulty
Done 0 of 16

Inspection

  1. Ignition switch OFF
  2. Disconnect the mode actuator connector.
  3. Make sure the mode control actuator operates in the defrost mode when 12 V is applied to terminal 3 and terminal 7 is grounded.
  4. Check that the mode actuator operates in the vent mode when the polarity is reversed.
    1. -
    2. -
    3. Defrost mode
    4. Sensor ground
    5. Feedback signal
    6. 5 V (DC)
    7. Vent mode
  5. Check the voltage between terminals 5 and 6. Specification
    Door Position Voltage (4-5) Fault Detection
    Max. Cool 0.3 ± 0.15 V Low voltage: 0.1 V or less
    Max. Heat 4.7 ± 0.15 V High voltage: 4.9 V or more

    It transmits the current position of the actuator to the control unit.
  6. If the measured voltage does not meet the specification, replace the mode actuator with a known good actuator and check for proper operation.
  7. If the problem is resolved, replace the mode actuator.

Replacement

  1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal.
  2. Using a screwdriver, remove the side cover (A).
  3. Loosen the fastening screw and remove the lower cover of the emergency panel (A).
  4. Disconnect the connector (A) and remove the lower air bag cover.
  5. Remove the shower duct (A).
  6. Loosen the mounting bolts and remove the BCM. (Refer to BE group - "BCM")
  7. Disconnect the mode control actuator connector (A).
  8. Loosen the mounting screw and remove the mode control actuator (B).
  9. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Optima Hybrid Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.