How to replace the Mode Door Actuator on a 2002 Buick Lesabre?

30

Asked by Connie Jul 25, 2020 at 06:32 PM about the 2002 Buick LeSabre Limited Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

How do I replace the Mode Door Actuator on a 2002 Buick Lesabre?
Does the Dashboard have to be remove to replace the Mode Door Actuator, or
can I reach it through the Glove Box the same as you can the Blend Door
Actuator?

3 Answers

1,845

I believe u have to lay on your back, with your head uncomfortably positioned between the brake pedal & gas pedal, move wires, remove the 5mm or 5.5mm bolts and remove the actuator. Loads of fun! NOT!!! Note: A headlamp is needed otherwise words a car shouldn't hear may come out.

14 people found this helpful.
345

Blend Door for 2001 Buick lesabre Limited - (switches airflow between Floor, Mid and Windshield vents via the car's electronic HVAC dash contorller. 5.5mm screws to remove. Part number on the OEM was 52491799 - located on the Driver side, under dash, to the left when facing the dashboard. I ended up sourcing a Dorman from Amazon (~$58) August 2020 pn Dorman 604-146 HVAC Heater Blend Door Actuator; there were cheaper options but as Peter shared his experience, I only want to do this once as you have to be a contortionist to get under the driver side dash (even with lifting the steering wheel) to be able to get to the screws. I used a 1/4" ratchet and 5.5mm socket to get to the screws. I needed to remove the Driver side bottom insulation/trim (2 screws and a plastic trim plug) and also needed to move out of the way a vertically positioned rectangular ECM box of some kind (1 easy to access screw) and a flexible plastic hose (easy to pull off) so I could get my hand into the tight location to unscrew. Hoping this fixes my issue (part not delivered yet).

16 people found this helpful.
345

Hi and as a follow-up to my last post, the part arrived a day earlier so, here are some more pics of the mode door actuator (controlled via Floor, Mid, Windshield, etc.). I had one unexpected yet easily fixed issue which was that since the original mode door actuator was cracked when I removed the 3 screws and took it off, the metal female part of the actuator stayed on the male door spindle, so I needed to gently pry it loose to then slide it off. all works! So this was the Mode door actuator. there are 2 blend door actuators (that controls cool and heat); the left (passenger side is accessed by taking out the glove box) and right (Driver side) one is on the opposite side under the dash. So at least i know now if they ever go :-). Hope this helps the next person out.

17 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

LeSabre

Looking for a Used LeSabre in your area?

CarGurus has 1 nationwide LeSabre listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    4,100
  • #2
    txbarney
    Reputation
    3,230
  • #3
    joes098
    Reputation
    2,720
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Buick Regal
4 Great Deals out of 40 listings starting at $4,991
Used Honda Accord
56 Great Deals out of 991 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota Camry
62 Great Deals out of 1,074 listings starting at $3,500
Used Chevrolet Impala
7 Great Deals out of 93 listings starting at $3,531
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
222 Great Deals out of 5,872 listings starting at $2,975
Used Lexus LS
4 Great Deals out of 30 listings starting at $9,995
Used Chevrolet Malibu
59 Great Deals out of 1,090 listings starting at $1,495
Used Honda Civic
200 Great Deals out of 4,053 listings starting at $440

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.