So my 98 Olds Regency with its dual-zone climate control has been acting up since I purchased the car. I decided to get under the dash and look around.

I've been getting ONLY completely hot air on the driver'* side and from the rear vents. On the passenger'* side, the temperature varies depending on the climate control setting. The motor or linkage is quite noisy though, it squeaks when it moves from one extreme to the other.

The sticking air mix motor (the one right next to the vacuum plug with 5 vacuum lines, on the passenger'* side of the dash) has a white arm connected to a screw which pulls the door open (COLD) or pushes it shut (HOT). The other end is connected to a black arm which is connected to a motor. The only way I can get the motor to move is if I set the climate control to the opposite position the linkage is in, and push the black arm on the motor in the direction it should go. Then, the motor will catch up and pull the whole way. The same is true when going from COLD to HOT. It'* the initial movement of the motor that'* causing the problem.

What do I need to replace? What is the part called anyway? Can I remove just the motor and replace/repair it?

Nick

Take a look at RockAuto Auto Parts and look up the HVAC area. Sounds like you need a new air mix actuator motor. Sometimes the wear out, stick, and simply stop working.

Is it the "programmer" I'm looking for? At least I'll know what to look for if I head to the salvage yard or eBay.

The program is the main control. You should just need to motor that moves the actuator.

I don't think they sell the motor only, I'm just seeing the entire "box" that the motor is in. I doubt a junkyard would let me tear apart the programmer to get at the motor, and they probably won't sell it individually...

Sounds like you may need to get it all then. You could try checking in the for sale section and look for anyone parting out a car.

Thanks for the tip. Didn't know about the for sale section...

I wonder if the motor for the actuator would be the same as any old Bonneville or Buick... The only difference with mine is that its dual zone, but I would imagine that the main air mix motor would be identical, only in a different programmer casing...

Nick

Wish I could help you more, but that'* really not a area I'm strong in. One of these days I'm going to sit down and start reading my manuals.

Haha. That'* all I do now. When I bring up AllData, the place where I really focus my attention is the "Description and Operation" section for each part/component...

Thanks for your help,
Nick

EDIT:

Aha! I was wrr..wrr... Manual states that motor can be replaced, so there MUST be a GM part number for the motor only, meaning cheaper cost... I guess I'll have to tear it out and look for a part number.

You should be able to see your air mix door by removing the liner from your glove box.