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

1,765

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.

10 people found this helpful.
305

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).

15 people found this helpful.
305

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.

14 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
    4,040
  • #2
    txbarney
    Reputation
    3,170
  • #3
    joes098
    Reputation
    2,700
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Buick Regal
5 Great Deals out of 22 listings starting at $6,395
Used Ford Crown Victoria
2 listings starting at $8,960
Used Toyota Camry
59 Great Deals out of 1,091 listings starting at $2,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
173 Great Deals out of 7,285 listings starting at $6,995
Used Lexus RX
46 Great Deals out of 1,192 listings starting at $4,995
Used Lincoln Town Car
2 listings starting at $9,995
Used Honda Accord
50 Great Deals out of 986 listings starting at $2,995
Used Buick Century
2 listings
Used Toyota Highlander
35 Great Deals out of 863 listings starting at $7,498
Used Chevrolet Impala
11 Great Deals out of 128 listings starting at $3,495
Used Toyota Corolla
147 Great Deals out of 2,260 listings starting at $995

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.