One of the most frustrating issues you might face with your car is when the HVAC vent is not in switching modes meaning the air vent selector not working. This can be a real pain when the environment outside is too hot or too cold.
Car vents allow warm or cool airflow through car vents to create a comfortable atmosphere. Vent selector/controllers consist of 3 to 4 actuator motors that can be electronically adjusted by the climate control module and deliver the airflow through the car vent according to your need. Unfortunately, when the actuator motor stops or fails, the HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) vent controller is not working properly. Also, poor or wrong vacuum lines, clogged air vents, and other technical issues can be why your vent selector is not working.
When the vents selector fails or malfunctions, it becomes difficult to determine the temperature you want. This can lead to frustration and even create a hazardous environment inside your car. However, it is not so difficult to fix a car air ventilator controller/selector if you can detect the cause and try some steps.
As car owners, you should know how to fix car vent controllers. In this article, we shall talk about the reasons that might trigger your car vent controller and how to fix the issue.
Symptoms of car vent controller not working?
If you feel that your car temperature is not changing after pressing the vent controller switch or when you turn up or down the vent in the manual control system, this can be a sign that the vent controller is not working. This can happen from any of the vents for example you may notice the windshield vent is working while the front vent is not working or vice versa. Also, a weird smell from the vent is also a sign of a leak. It is okay to face this situation, and it happens to almost every car user. You must, however, know how to fix the vent in the car.
Components Of A Car That You Need To Check For The Vent Controller Not Working Issue
To figure out the main issue of why car vent control is not working properly, you need to check the parts and components carefully. Some of the components are where things go wrong, and you face ventilation issues. Make sure to check the following areas to detect the problems:
Airflow Window or vent:
The vent is usually on the dashboard. Air passes through the vent windows inside and outside the car. The vents are on the floors and top of a car and the windscreen.
Engine Vacuum:
The air that flows into a car comes from the engine. The vacuum is one of the important parts of a car’s overall performance.
Vacuum Connector:
You will find a vacuum control module under the dashboard. This Vacuum control receives the main engine vacuum through different vacuum lines.
Mode actuator:
The mode actuators help balance and adjust the car temperature. However, there are four basic mode actuators (mechanical/ electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and piezoelectric) depending on the car type.
Fan selector:
Using the fan selector on the dash, you can increase or decrease the temperature. Modern cars have unique electrical fan selectors.
Engine fuse:
The fuse inside the box can sometimes blow out, and the air ventilation stops. Blown-out fuses won’t be able to use electricity from the engine.
Why is My Car Vent Selector Not Working?
There might be several reasons why your car vent would stop working. However, there are some common causes of this issue. Most of the causes are technical, and it is essential to figure out the cause before you try to fix it. You have to check every feature and component of the air vent to figure out the actual cause, especially the ones that we mentioned earlier. The common reasons that can harm your car vent selector are:
Dust, Debris, Hair, Even your Pet’s Feather Are The Main Culprit
One of the reasons your temperature stops changing inside a car is when the airflow jams. Particles of dust, dirt, and hair can block the airways and prevent air pass through the vent. These blocking particles cause airflow to slow down or even stop completely. Once this happens, it’s difficult for the climate control unit to recalibrate and keep your car at a comfortable temperature.
No Connection Between Vacuum Line and Selector Valve
There could be a problem with the vacuum line or selector valve if they are not connecting properly due to broken or wrong cables. A leak in the vacuum line may occur while sucking air for ventilation or any other way.
If you look under the dashboard of the passenger side seat, you will find a vacuum control module, which receives the main engine vacuum and sends it to the module through different colors of line/pipe.
For example, in our car, the engine vacuum comes through the black vacuum line, and the purple vacuum line sends the engine vacuum to the module. This could be different for your car. Check your car’s vacuum diagram. Try to figure out whether these sending and receiving vacuum lines are connected properly or not. Sometimes, the connections between these lines can become broken.
This leakage is very harmful to the car and may cause the air vent selector to stop passing air. In that situation, the temperature control doors and air vent system remain stuck together, restricting the airflow and increasing the car’s temperature. If you see the vent is not blowing in any of the three areas: Front vent, feet vent, and windshield vent, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the vacuum line. Broken or wrong cables can also cause this problem.
Also, If you smell gas or hear squeaky sounds, it is a sign of leakage.
Mode Actuator Motors Stops Working
The mode actuators inside the car may fail to control the airflow. This issue is common when the actuator is old or when there are clogged particles that create a barrier. Excess airflow can also trigger the mode actuator. When you see the air blowing in one way or stuck in a position or not in changing mode, this could be because of a failed mode actuator which leads to the problem of the vent controller not working.
Fan Selector Malfunction
When the fan selector works but you don’t see any changes in the air, the selector controller might be a reason. This problem happens when the air selector is not functioning, and the temperature does not follow when you increase or decrease the flow. You might also notice that the fan is wheezing or making a strange noise, but the airflow is poor.
Fuse Blow Out Issue
Sometimes the engine fuse may blow up because of heat and stop the car engine. This blowout will immediately stop all the electrical functions like air passing.
How to fix a Car Vent Controller that’s not working?
Now that you know the actual causes and issues of an air vent controller let us go straight to the solutions according to each issue.
Clean The Clogged Air Vent
Dust and particles can clog the car air vents and hold air back from flowing. Use a brush to clean the vent, and clear the passage. You can use vent filters to protect it from dust.
Connect The Vacuum Lines Or Replace
The leakage in the vacuum may happen if the vacuum is loose or broken. If the vacuum line lost its connection, try to reconnect and tighten it up. The black and purple vacuum lines are the ones that receive vacuum from the engine and send to the module. So check if there are any connections or leakages near the vacuum line connection. If the vacuum has any holes, you must replace it with a new one.
Fix Or Replace Mode Actuator Motor
Check manually if the mode actuator is working. If it does not work on the first try, the mode actuator must be faulty, and you have to change it. If the mode actuator works but the air doesn’t change, the problem is jammed air. In that case, clean the insides of the mode actuator. You can also use a servomotor to check whether the actuator is working properly or not.
Fix for Fan Selector Issue
The fan selector issue is technical, and you have to fix it manually. To fix the problem, you have to detach the fan selector from the dashboard. Removing the part can be a little challenging so take your time when pulling out the screws which are holding the fan blower. Next, check inside; there is a blend door that basically turns right or left or stays in the middle, allowing you to enjoy either cool, warm or normal airflow according to your need. Check whether the door is broken or its peg has broken and fallen on top of the fan blower. If this happens, this is the main reason for poor airflow. Place the door back once the issue is fixed using glue or silicon. Then attach the selector back on the dashboard and try operating it.
Fix for Engine Fuse Blow Out Issue
Open the fuse box and check if the fuse is damaged. If the fuse has blown out, you have no choice but to get a new fuse.
How To Avoid Vent Selector Malfunction Issue?
One of the most common problems that car owners experience is a malfunctioning vent selector. When this happens, the evaporative system in your vehicle cannot properly remove moisture and heat from the air, leading to condensation on the window. This, in turn, causes a myriad of problems such as visibility impairment, poor driving experience, and even heating complications inside your vehicle.
When it comes to HVAC systems, there are a few things that you can do to avoid vent selector malfunction issues.
- Make sure your vents are clear by removing obstructions such as dust cloths, maps, newspapers, or other materials.
- Check the screws and fasteners around the vents for tightness and alignment.
- Adjust fan speeds according to prevailing weather conditions (high speed during hot days/low speed during cold days). Adjust fan speeds 3-4 times per day depending on outside temperature as a general rule of thumb.
- Inspect all wires connections for frays – sharp edges can damage insulation over time and increase the risk of electrocution or fire accident. Replace damaged wiring immediately with a proper fitting connector.
- Make sure that the filters are replaced regularly.
Maintaining a car is very easy if you have proper knowledge about the car components and how they work. Just driving the car is certainly not enough as we know that air vent controllers may stop working now and then. We must know how to fix it other than relying on support. Imagine if you have this issue while you’re in the middle of a highway alone and help is way too far. It’s better if we handle the situation immediately by ourselves, isn’t it? This article includes everything about a car ventilator in detail so you can grasp the procedure. We hope now you know how to fix a car vent controller by yourself in any situation!
Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Rifen
