Fix noisy AC actuators on 2003 - 2007 Accord

In this video, I describe how to fix noisy AC actuators in the HVAC system of the 2003 - 2007 Accord. Lack of lubrication in these actuators can cause clicking, humming or sounds of water bubbling behind the dashboard or steering wheel.

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

If you disassemble and assemble this 7gen honda it will be a gem for entire europe and north america. You will be like EricTheCarGuy. He has quite a lot of repair content about 6-7gen honda and 4th gen acura tl

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I will aim to cover as much procedures as possible on this car. Cheers.

[@paolopagsanghan9868]

Good day! Nice DIY video. I'm having issues with the air from oustide coming in. Is this the actuator that I need to fix? I still smell fumes outside of other vehicles. Thanks.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Even when you select recirculate? If so, it could be one of 2 things: 1. The actuator I serviced in the video 2. Degrading of the foam that improves the seal when the recirculate door closes...

[@jjonesy9953]

Thanks a bunch 👍

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

You're welcome!

[@braveheartii1534]

Great job, Piyke. I used the defroster at some point today, on my 2003 Honda Accord, but the air flow has refused to change direction, even when I select other air flow modes (and the indicator lights confirm it)... I guess I know what to do now. Will give a feedback as soon as done. I also have the recirculation mode noise you fixed, so maybe I'd just fix the two at a go. Cheers!!

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks! Will be happy to know how it went. All the best!

[@mariolevicy3073]

@@DIYAutoworksNG which one of those actuator make the bubbling sound? Tks

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

The one that makes the bubbling sound looks similar but is on the drivers side, beneath the dash. I have planned for the longest time to do a video on this but just haven't gotten round to it🤦🏻

[@mariolevicy3073]

@@DIYAutoworksNG it sound as if the car overheating, but when I look underneath the hood nothing

[@mariolevicy3073]

@@DIYAutoworksNG so what I need to do take it apart and clean it or just buy a new one

[@raspberrypi2965]

My heater is stuck on, whether it is on red or blue. Only heat. My hvac system used to make the noise you showed here when it when switched from hot to cold. Now it does not. Which part needs to be replaced? Honda accord dx "04

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

It sounds like your problem is with the blend door actuator which is on the driver's side of the vehicle. Appears its stuck on heat. You will access it from the driver kick panel towards the centre console...

[@ArtemLokhovitskiy]

Funny. I commented on your video about engine mount replacement and then found this one and I have the same noise but from the air blend actuator. I found the diagram with location of all actuators related to HVAC unit +blower motor and heater and all this. So for @Raspberry Pi: There are two places where you can have a problem: Actuator itself which is, as the owner of the channel mentioned, located on the driver's side and also you must check the cable that goes from that actuator to the engine bay and there is a kind of rocker that actually engages the air mix "door". Might happen so that there is an issue with some of the springs or rust somewhere there.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Great. I'll look into doing this video as I think it's a common problem on this model.

[@raspberrypi2965]

@@ArtemLokhovitskiy I appreciate the extra information. I'll check back soon when I get down to tackling it.

[@felixalicea9326]

I lost my defrost and it doesn’t blow on my feet and when I hit my circulation button it makes the same noise yours is making so which one should I change? I know it’s one on the driver side as well I’m confused

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

If you are talking of the same exact car, you should service/replace the one I did in the video plus the one next to it. Its the vent actuator.

[@slyspree]

What you described as a bubbling sound, I have experienced exactly that and I figured out that its coming from the blend door actuator. Although its not always persistent and goes away. Should I attempt to fix it? The temperature control does work and the sound usually goes away if i increase the temperature and bring it back down.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

It's sticking. Taking it apart, cleaning and lubing it should eliminate the noise. Over time it will get worse and eventual break from the added strain. You may as well ride it out and replace when it dies out.

[@slyspree]

@@DIYAutoworksNG Hello, my mechanic replaced the actuator motor with another one from a donor car as he was not able to find it for sale in market. It worked fine for 1 momth and now the issue has returned. He says that its not the motor but the gear itself that the motor controls which is the issue. What should I do in this situation? I can order this part online it will arrive in a month but mechanic says that along with the part the smaller gear piece is also needed which isn't available online, only the actuator motor is available.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Is it the same 7th gen Accord?

[@MrShermanyap]

Hi may i know what is actually causing the water bubbling or water gushing sound immediately upon restarting the car?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Stickiness, lack of lubrication in the gears of the air-mix (blend door) actuator. It engages, encounters resistance due to the increased friction, and disengages. This cycle continues to repeat and it's the sound of it that you hear.

[@tomcat3255]

What is the fix for the first issue that you described? That's the issue I'm having. Thanks!

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hi, you mean the bubbling sound behind the steering wheel? It's a similar looking actuator but on the drivers side. I will see if I can get a video on that too.

[@tomcat3255]

Exactly, thanks!

[@maherminer123]

Have you made a video for this yet or no?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Not yet. Kind of dropped beneath the radar. Will prioritise for the next 2 weeks.

[@dazergurl]

I have an 04 Honda Accord Ex 2.4, and this morning I realized the heat comes on, but it doesn't come out of the floor vents. Its warm air and it comes from the top vents. Would it be the same part to fix this issue? If so, is it from the glove box or from the driver side? Thanks

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hi Gray, Your problem seems to be with the mode control motor. It's behind the glove box and it's the other actuator to the left that I refer to at the end of the video. Basically, it's opposite the one I worked on.

[@dazergurl]

@@DIYAutoworksNG Thank you, so you think cleaning it will work? I'm gonna try it :) Oh, n this morning, I was driving, so this one will work for the drivers side floor vents or both the driver and passenger or only the passenger if the clean the mode motor assembly in the glove box?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hi Gray, So sorry just seeing this reply! Have you fixed this already? Cleaning it would be the first step. However, if it doesn't work at all then it's most likely blown, meaning a replacement will be required. Yes. That actuator controls all vent doors for the HVAC system including those on the driver side.

[@fahedmahases723]

Hey my middle vents do not blow but my passenger side and driver side vents work. Should I change this aculator. Thanks.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Not the actuator replaced in this video, but the one next to it. It's most likely sticking... Try cleaning the tracks just as I did in the video.

[@fahedmahases723]

@@DIYAutoworksNG thanks for responding. I cleaned it and it worked. But now I am scared that it is in the wrong rotation. How did you align it on the cold temperature.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Do you happen to remember the position it was in in the rail? The goal is usually to keep it in the same position as well as not press the vent mode button while the actuator is out. Its difficult to describe these positions in writing. Hope this helps.

[@fahedmahases723]

@@DIYAutoworksNG hey again. I found out that my blend door aculator is out of order/cycle. I searched so much on KZbin and google. My aculator would think that it is on max cold or hot but be on the wrong direction it is pointing at. When I try to align it to the flips it does not match/fit. Is there any way to rest the aculator. Thank you for you support.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

I think that even if you wanted to reset the actuator, it needs to be properly aligned. It may need trying a couple different positions in the rail. Do you want to share pictures? If you are on Instagram, my handle is @piykediyutoworksng

[@daviderhahon]

Where in Nigeria can one get silicone lube?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

I don't really have a place to recommend. I have had that tube for years and got it on Amazon. That said, in looking around, I haven't found silicone lube locally, but I suspect some shops should have it. If in Lagos, you could try Car Quest (Radautoworks) in Lekki.

[@daviderhahon]

@@DIYAutoworksNG Yeah, in Lagos. I've searched but no luck. Will try radautoworks. Thanks.

[@patfung6880]

It would be great that you had clarified that this is NOT a dual climate control accord. There is a mode control actuator and a air mix/blend door actuator. For the dual climate control 2003-2007 Accord, there is a left side and a different p/n for the right side air mix /blend door actuator.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Very good feedback! Thanks a lot. Yes, that's something I should have said.

[@patfung6880]

Hope you can help….I cannot seem to get to the defective passenger blend door that is below the mode control actuator for my 2004 Accord EX-L with dual climate control. Would you have a video for how to get to it or can provide some tips? Thanks

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Ouch. Sadly, I haven't worked on any accord with dual climate control. Is your challenge finding the actuator or getting it loose?

[@patfung6880]

@@DIYAutoworksNG yes, it seems much harder to get to than the driver one. I initially thought the mode actuator was the blend door actuator so I changed that out. The clicking noise was still there and I noticed the actuator I changed only moved the gear when I change the mode position. Then I looked harder and saw the vibration of another gear (white) and it sounded and vibrated just like the driver side which I had changed 1 year ago. It would be great to get some tips or vids on the P/n 79170-sdc-a31 = air mix motor /blend door / temperature control for the passenger side for the dual climate type 2003-2007 Accord EX. Thanks in advance.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Just searched KZbin and I'm not seeing any video for the passenger side. If I had this in person, would have been able to advise better. So sorry to not be of much help.

[@angelobrown4293]

can you use vaseline

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Because of low melting point, vaseline won't hold as long as silicone grease. Also, given that it's petroleum based, it may degrade rubber/plastic.

[@dreday7590]

Wheres other 1

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hello, Which other one are you referring to? Can you clarify a bit more?

[@nighthawkj30A4]

I use 3M silicone paste

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 3M is a reputable brand.