Annoying Clicking Actuator Behind DASH! Saturn Vue 3.5 Honda Engine

Go back to Part 1! Pull the Dash! I DON'T Think SO! No Brand Loyalty! 2007 GM Saturn Honda 3.5l • Stripped Actuator! Cli...
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Customer Customer States Mechanic Fails Engine Transmission Gas Diesel off road race 4x4 street car daily driver scam dealership dealer technician how to

[@RainmanRaysRepairs]

Go back to Part 1! Pull the Dash! I DON'T Think SO! No Brand Loyalty! 2007 GM Saturn Honda 3.5l kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYCXiYdueZl9fbM

[@bobbg9041]

33:47 darn, i wanted to get out and go for a ride. I feel cheated. Bummer. I can't remember what GM i changed one of them door motors on but i recall it was as bad as the one you just did. And i didn't have a camera to see up there. It was all by feel. It was a buddies daughters car that came home from collage.

[@wernerpd777]

"The struggle is real..."

[@stevecramsey3657]

I kept reaching into the screen to push wire out of the way, so you, and I could see better!

[@kevinbedard27]

Ray - would taking the seat out help at all?

[@MonkeyJedi99]

I can't believe you removed the Saturn 'leaf pile modification'! Now that car will break down for sure.

[@robrain4330]

I feel your pain. Im 70 and hurting just watching. I remember those days working on cars in contorted positions to put that one or more bolts you cant see and praying you dont cross thread. Great camera work. Be safe and have a great day.

[@fotogme11]

Same age and I can't imagine doing it...

[@TXCherokee]

I turn 70 next month and remember being upside down under dash too

[@michaelabbott511]

40 minutes under the dash = 3 days of back pain , 2 days of sholder pain, And 1 day of stiff neck pain 😮 Good job Ray , never give up 😅

[@jdesaavedra0432]

No KZbin mechanic, except for Rain Man, would even attempt to film in a place like this. Hat's off to you. Most videos in which we desperately want to see how these impossible repairs are completed instead see the back of a hand or head.

[@not-a-raccoon]

Crawling around under a dash is always an adventure. It would be handy to be able to swap out your arms for tentacles in cases like this

[@not-a-raccoon]

I'd buy merch, but international shipping isn't an option. So.. membership. 🫡

[@toddb9313]

Crawling around under a dash is why mechanics were invented, we pay so we don't have to do.

[@not-a-raccoon]

True enough​@@toddb9313

[@thesushifiend]

I bet you are a raccoon really!

[@bobbg9041]

With built in eyes and a flashlight. Yes like to see them automate that.

[@gusser2121]

Ray! I commend you on the extraordinary restraint you demonstrated. If it were me, ten minutes in, I'd be cursing a blue streak that would make a sailor blush.

[@bigedslobotomy]

I think that cursing is required in the repair manuals, right?

[@ladonnaghareeb4609]

My husband say's YES!@@bigedslobotomy

[@gusser2121]

@@bigedslobotomy 🤣🤣🤣

[@TXCherokee]

Agreed. I would be saying something bad too

[@ponycar351w]

As the old joke goes, "I would have to go to the store for more swear words to make sure I didn't run out in the middle of the job.".

[@timd1833]

Rainman, you wear me out! Tough watching you struggle under the dash. I've been there! Anyone who has ever worked under the dash can empathize.

[@Jay.Kellett]

Ditto! Got a stiff neck just watching, and just knew gravity would steal that screw. PS: Thanks Ray for blowing off those leaves! That really bothers me.

[@ponycar351w]

Same here! Watching Ray get the screws back in, I could remember exactly how it felt when I had to do similar repairs on a few of my vehicles. In one of my wife's former vehicles, I even seriously considered removing the front passenger seat just so I could fit better in the footwell.

[@chewysnack28]

I love seeing some love for a Saturn, we have so many just sitting where I live. I just recently got ahold of an 05 Vue with the 2.2 and a 5 speed for free because it "needed a fuel pump" all I did was put gas in it lol. I've had to do some obvious wear item repairs to it like fuel injectors, coil pack, module, rear break spring kit (shoes, drum and cylinders were fine, springs just broke) and a belt tensioner, but it runs and drives great for a few hours of work and less than $500 in parts.

[@johnchambers12]

I always loved my Saturns of the 5 i owned over their existence i never purchased a Vue. I worked on a buddies but i had a good time wrenching on them until i sold my last one 8 years ago.

[@norontboyz5949]

Never had the pleasure of owning one, but I wanted an ion redline real bad a few yrs ago!

[@ladonnaghareeb4609]

This is LD's husband. I had a 2000 Saturn two door. It was an absolute hoot to drive! The little sucker was FAST! Blew the head gasket around 125000 miles. Replaced it with a Pontiac Sunfire 4door. That was also a great car. Eventually that ate a head gasket too. Apparently 4cylinder cars and I do not get along. Great job Ray! once again you continue yo astound me with your knowledge, and abilities. Stay safe all of you folks.

[@bobberndt9744]

Ray sets a new record, removing the dash in 35 minutes. Amazing !! Bonus points for Not being an astronaut 🧑‍🚀

[@kennybaumann2117]

When you get the replacement part fill the mounting screw holes with a small amout of silicone. When the silicone dries start each fastener into the silicone so #1 you don't have to try and hold it and place it in a blind hole while trying to also hold the replacement component in place and #2 The screw is held in place and offers resistance to the ratchet on the back click so the screw isn't unscrewing making every movement of the ratchet a positive one.

[@billquillin1952]

I use a lawn chaise lounge. Lay it flat, edge it up to the open door frame and lay on it. Saves my back!

[@InCountry6970]

I too have been under many a dash panel and it is never fun. Sometimes even small hands don't work, but you did a great job, as usual, Ray.

[@Dave.76]

Love the way you always seem to be able to beat the book repair time by doing things just a little outside the box. Close quarters combat and all👍👍

[@skynet1.044]

Sat down with coffee and breakfast,perfect timing for an upload! 😎

[@Tessil666]

FeelsGoodMan

[@steveb6103]

A couple of years ago, I was at Auto Zone. I bought a little 1/4" ratchet with a 2 1/2 " handle. Just to put one of those in a 2010 Impala. I now use it all the time.

[@21Piloteer]

I assembled an "actuator kit" for our 2009 Impala. Thumbwheel ratchet and 2 different length sockets. 😂

[@rodgerpetrick6502]

It makes people (customers) really appreciate the hard and difficult jobs you do every day.

[@garyalford9394]

Little tip ray, I have found over the years with my arthritic fingers that if you can find a small rubber hose that fits tight on the end of the bolt or screw, cut off a short piece and it helps alot in starting problem screws.

[@garyalford9394]

Also Mac Tools used to make a real tiny right angle powered battery powered wrench that had a battery pack you put in your pocket or around your neck, it was for 1/4" sockets.

[@chillausmc]

I have canceled my subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon. THIS IS DRAMA. Best footage I have seen in a tight spot. I habe been held hostage doing the electrical slip ring wiring job in a Pettibone mobile crane. This reminds me of just that. Its so simple! Just contort , use the force, and "feel" eh? Props for documenting your suffering. You the man

[@chrishengeveld6117]

Watching at the end of my day. So glad Dave has a "play mate" (Jose).. and a parts store guy to boot. Very handy for your shop Ray.. cant wait for your next vid... (and if ANYONE thinks Ray forced Lauren to work at the shop, then you dont know that Women (and wives) are in charge.. happy wife, happy life. Proud of you Ray and Lauren. ❤

[@rjb6327]

Always nice to see Lauren, no matter how briefly. Looked like a lockup going forward at about 32:53

[@oldtimer6528]

Who needs to go to an Automotive tech school when we have Rainman Ray?

[@GeneralSulla]

I'm in auto tech school. Trust me when I tell you how little I found out I actually knew. That lack will kill 'ya!

[@imfloridano5448]

Use a probe scope for that tight area so you can see the hole locations better.

[@ryans413]

Ray is not human the way he can bend his body into tight areas.

[@thewausaudude]

Reminds me of doing the blend door actuator in my Marquis. Even with the dash pulled back the rear-most fastener was in a tight spot between the box and the firewall. I bought a small ratcheting wrench specifically for the task and it went a click at a time. Took forever but just like you suggested I wanted all the fasteners back in place on that actuator.

[@danssmokintreasures]

I have never seen a GM that did not need a new blend door actuator. Everyone I have ever owned and family. Good job.

[@jcatfl]

Ray, really appreciate the camera work on that one! Most of us realize what you do for US makes your job harder.

[@kevincurry4735]

Good morning Ray. Rocket Surgery performed today. Level 88.

[@darkerbinding6933]

No more "It couldn't have gone better" talk, Ray, until it's all done... you're tempting fate. 😂

[@TotMannsFete]

You, sir, have the patience of a saint.

[@garrisonjoe5977]

I'd have stuck a short length of double-sided mounting tape on the back of the actuator gear box to hold it while running in the fasteners. Poster mounting putty is also quite handy and repositionable too.

[@paulocarvalho6480]

That is not close quarters combat, that is in your face combat. Sometimes I think Ray must be Reed Richards because of how much he can squeeze his body into tight places.

[@daveheizer2787]

Thanks! You deserve a tip for working that actuator back in.

[@campy9712]

That was not a fun time for you, getting it on camera was a use of your super powers ! Great video, thanks.

[@hoseman1]

nice work, I hate under dash work

[@FamilyMan1520]

My back was literally hurting for you Ray.

[@halfton1979]

Mad props for even attempting to film this. Great job as always.

[@DeeGee-mv6eq]

Thank you for getting the leaves.... 👍🏻

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

Just a thought. If you have the part for a few hours or overnight try putting a little Permatex in the holes in the part and put the bolts in part way and let it set up. Then when you put the part in place all of the bolts are in place and ready to screw in . If you don't have time to let it set, try a layer of tape to wedge the bolt in place. Probably something more like Scotch tape or Teflon tape . Electrical may be too thick to peel away when screwed in.. Ig all you have is electrical tape, put a piece covering the hole then put the bolt through the tape so the tape holds the bolt

[@StevenDaugherty-uo5cs]

Ugh reminds me of some of the small cramped places i had to git myself into working on aircraft. You'd be amazed at how much crap is inside of a wing which is also a fuel tank.

[@clintonturner5545]

We luv going around the block with you.

[@wendellgrange8557]

Yea ! Wife units cameo appearance.

[@coolimpala71]

problem solved with rear brakes, nice job with actuator.

[@pixelmator]

I had a 2005 Saturn Vue for 10 years and it had the 3.5 Honda engine and the only major repair on it was the timing belt was going. I kind of miss that car after seeing this video.

[@PasSpareTime]

I felt the stress load on to my shoulders as you were trying to do this, wow. Wouldnt want to do that every year.

[@johnbircher3513]

As the car goes through the car shredder, this part will fly out and land at the feet of the crusher operator. He'll pick it up and say, " Wow, Ray did get them all back in."

[@BigCarl96]

My neck and shoulders hurt just watching this video

[@davedobson5869]

The car god smiled on you this time for the installation.

[@kennybaumann2117]

I learned a trick years ago. Take a small (1/2 round watch battery size) rare earth magnet and with a single drop glue it to my finger tip pad. I then put on a latex glove, place the tiny screw on to the outside letting the magnet hold it in place. Reach up stick the screw into the hole using the 1 finger. Once its in the hole make a turn with it just enough for a thread to catch. Once you've done that slide your finger off The latex glove creates just enough of barrier to hold the screw and yet also easily release it once it's in position.

[@louis202]

Well I though I had hard time today. Then I saw this... OK my day was easy. Thanks and congratulations for this success.

[@gregorydzieciol2662]

Much respect for your honesty,bad mechanic probably would change position of broken tooth gear since it only moves like a quarter turn

[@kevindowning4714]

That's one of those cramped spots where a micro electric ratchet would come in very handy.

[@jasonhyde6511]

Hay Ray, something that has helped me before, super glue the bolt to the socket. Worked for some jobs.

[@billneu9520]

What I have done is have a small magnet and have the bolts nearby on the magnet makes life a little easier

[@thinblueline165]

I never forget to like your videos and your wife’s videos as well.

[@cjpamp1267]

I would have a small mirror with velco on the back and attache it to the carpet and work seeing thru the mirror

[@payson1]

I used to Cripple myself all the time crawling up under dashboards to repair components last time it was my neighbor's 98 Buick lesabre. No more!

[@davidzajano1983]

Ray, I was a bit surprised when you tightened down that first screw when replacing the actuator. You have taught us that leaving the fasteners a bit loose so we can get all of the fastenerss lined up is a wise practice that can save us time. I've got to think that had you left the first screw loose that second screw would have been much easier to line up. Since the first one was easy to access (easy, relatively speaking) I think you could have saved 5 minutes and 2 ibuprofen had you left a bit of wiggle room on #1 and secured it as the final step in the installation.

[@RainmanRaysRepairs]

There’s always an exception, this was it

[@scottslattery5590]

As always great job ray! And wife unit loves her time being in videos! All part of the rainman ray experience! We enjoy seeing her smile! Shes happy so were happy and ray is a phenomenon!!! Always makes everything look easy!!! Thanks ray!

[@TransAm-Jack]

Just a suggestion next time you have such a situation try using a flexible extension. Attach the socket to one end. Use one hand to position the fastener in the hole and turn the extension with the other hand. Should be able to thread it in most of the way leaving a turn or two to torque it

[@ronbrown1047]

I remember as a young man, my dad asked me to fix something up under his car’s dash because it made him dizzy. Now, I get dizzy trying to work under a dash and my son won’t have anything to do with it. I guess we get smarter as the younger generation comes along.

[@1973chevycar]

That's why you get the BIG BUCKS!! But a well deserved Big Bucks. You sir EARNED that paper.

[@johnt.848]

Actually the rear drum brake adjustment is done by reversing and pulling the handbrake as it is attached directly to the adjustment arm which moves the star wheel.

[@21Piloteer]

Actually either way adjusts the shoes.

[@MrMattDat]

Nicely done (again) Ray! Yes, the leaves bother me too.

[@briangrose5320]

I think I pulled a muscle just watching ...great job

[@Britt-h4s]

Wow Ray, great job on that actuator!!

[@allenhackneyii125]

I feel yea especially doing a little brake switch and hooking up LEDS

[@rkochair]

I have to say Ray that being a viewer of many youtube videos for personal DIY projects and such, I am always wanting to see everything I can with whichever video I am watching to the point of getting frustrated when I can't see what's going on, BUT you my friend have mastered the art of letting me/us see virtually everything you are doing and quite often we see more than you do. So for that sir I Thank You. Side note: Sometimes I even catch myself saying "No Ray a little to the right" or "It's almost in, just a bit more". So great job with the camera positioning - giving us the best seat in the house.

[@mikehunt908]

Well done Ray . I have a fused right wrist so getting into areas like that is no fun at times , in fact I got my forearm stuck in a door whilst replacing a window regulator

[@emmettturner9452]

I had to go through the top of the dash to replace mine on a 2000 Pontiac Montana. There was no way to avoid dropping the screws multiple times and one of those times it disappeared deep inside the dash. Never came out the bottom even though I had it wide open. It’s been living with two of the three ever since.

[@markp9474]

amazing camera work in an impossible tight spot

[@April8989]

Ray, for under dash work, find an old pillow and lay it over the door threshold to cushion your lattissmus dorsi. You're welcome.

[@boblemon2103]

They can make this easier by having them have captured fasteners or perhaps push and twist fasteners, always a PITA, trying to hold the fastener and work a tool in a place you can only get one hand.

[@thomaslemay8817]

One note of caution. I have found hair combs toys, soldiers, and plastic Ariel, among other things that fell down through the defrost vent into the AC heater unit, resulting in damage to the actuator Motors. I started using a borescope to look into the vent to see if there were any foreign objects inside the heater before I changed the actuator. If foreign objects are inside the unit blocking the door, it becomes necessary to remove the dash and take the heater unit completely apart . It's never good to have to do a job twice .

[@alanearnest6040]

You should invest on a back board for working under the dash,they are worth their weight in gold

[@ponycar351w]

Watching this video I had two thoughts. First, I've been under the dash on a few of my vehicles so I understand the pain. Second, it sounds like it was the actuator for the windshield defrost that was failing. If so, as someone from Wisconsin where the recent polar vortex meant lows around -15F, the irony of the DEFROST actuator failing in Florida amuses me. I know that function is just as important when the windshield fogs up in humid weather, but as the saying goes "What's in a name?". Ray, as others have also said, your self control is impressive. I'm sure that doing such a frustrating and uncomfortable job would have inspired a stream of loud foul language from me, as that is exactly what happened the previous times.

[@leop3009]

Those push to relrase plugs are also commonly used in Euro cars like Volvos.... so most likely, GM got it from Opel 🤔 since some Saturnl cars are rebadged Opels (Astra)in the US, although the Vue wasnt.

[@edwinsinclair9853]

Anytime working under the dash is sure hell. When we get older it's very hard to do that anymore.

[@TXCherokee]

Raymond. My back hurts just watching you upside down in that tiny car

[@brkemm25]

I feel Rays pain, I had to do plumbing work on my RV. Absolute nightmare!!!

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

When I was young laying under the dash made me nauseous. Decades later I found out I have an inner ear problem so that explains it I guess. Now cars are made so small I don't fit on the floor anymore. A couple of years ago I had to change the blower motor. It was a struggle

[@matthewholzinger1042]

Some parking brakes (not emergency) are adjusted by using the parking brake handle

[@myshots101]

Ray, a small mirror works. I'm sure you have one but we sometimes forget we have the other tools.

[@lokigames5091]

I love the cheat code videos Ray, that was pretty impressive

[@fa2445]

Ray, Do not let people bother you .I look foward to watching. You do a great job with good infoe.

[@torky8151]

I would like to say kudos to you good sir.... that was my favorite video of yours so far... a lot of respect for the under the dash work... that was not easy and you destroyed it like a BOSS.. my arms are killing me after watching that!!! Appreciate all you do!!! Thank you!

[@towtowstrailtalk6853]

Camera, gravity, screw, gravity, gravity is out of control lol you’re awesome Ray when I grow up I wanna be just like you 😅

[@dalejones3862]

Another new staff member wow and the shop keeps growing

[@WilliamWaters-j4v]

A little blue tack on the top of the bolt will help

[@gryfandjane]

I own a ‘15 Ford Fiesta ST. One of the longest threads on our forum involves failure of the blend door actuator, the usual case of plastic parts failing under normal use. I had mine replaced under warranty, but I think there was a service bulletin on them as well. Sort of makes you wonder how many other models are affected by flimsy actuators like these.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Gotta love working under dashes in all contorted positions and the older you get the more recovery time needed. Nice job Ray!

[@CajunShrek]

Happy thoughts Imagine each ratchet click is a hard slap in the engineers face 4 such designs

[@brianselt291]

Once you get a certain age (about 42 for me) you will pull about three different muscle groups trying to contort underneath a dash.

[@imagseer]

Yes, that. When I was a child I could easily earn extra family pocket money by being able to reach up into places like that 🙂I think there's a special creeper made that lets you get under the dash without the risk of dislocating something.

[@thomasstrong7433]

Hey Ray, little trick I use, bread tie, hold across socket, put fastener nut in socket. The bread tie holds that fastener in place, while turning the socket. Works for me, thought I'd share. Love watching your show! Every morning

[@Joex51x]

@ 11:30 all of a sudden the thought who is gonna tell him came to mind.. then he does the close up of him not even being on the fastener

[@sand0077]

After doing this job, it's time for a Salonpas application!

[@steveschaff8848]

Yes the leaves in the cowl bothers me on my vehicles!

[@petersmart1999]

You need a 1/4" sidewinder ratchet!

[@kevinberry4949]

Ray , I had reasonable success in tight situations like that of putting what you call scotch tape sticky side down on the bolt/screw and forcinginto socket. It gave enough grab to the screw to use the socket to position it with the socket and save trying to do the fingertip shuffle . maybe give it a try and let us know how it works for you next time you're in the obbys of death that is dash actuators

[@timr6290]

Good job Ray, that's a tough one for sure!!

[@davesvoboda2785]

I've had a telescoping mirror thingy for exactly this situation. It mostly sits in my toolbox; I've probably used it twice in 40 years, but when you need it, you need it.