Honda Accord 2010 Mode Control Motor Replacement

The heating / cooling vents on my 2010 Honda Accord LX would not change. They ended up stuck on defrost.
I took a bet that the problem was a failed mode control motor (MCM) (Part No.: 79140-TA0-A01) and replaced it. I failed to install it correctly the first time and had to try again in this video.
1) The MCM was difficult to replace because some of the screws and nuts that had to be removed were in areas that were hard to reach or difficult to see or both.
2) When I put the mode control motor on and closed everything back up, I realized I had not fixed the problem. I believe that the problem was that the pins that are controlled by the MCM were NOT lined up properly in the MCM wheel channels. I went back in, experimented with different wheel positions until I found a position in which the pins would travel in the channels without clicking or grinding and I could then confirm that the dashboard vent controls were moving the vents properly.
The motor seems to work perfectly now, but I never did find any instructions or guidance on how to ensure that the pins correctly go into their channels on the MCM wheel.
I can tell you that the MCM does not simply slide onto the 3 vent pins. I had to trudge through it by trial and error. Maybe someone else somewhere knows a better technique.
My car is a 2010 Honda Accord LX. The part number may be different for 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012, but the configuration of the motor and vent controls seem to be similar.
This was not technically difficult - It didn't take any special knowledge or tools or training or skills. But some of the fasteners are difficult to access, see, or both and that can make putting it back together again very challenging.

[@kraven6484]

Thanks for video helped me out big time 2010 Honda Accord remove just like video, took part to Honda dealership to find out part on national back order and they could not give a date. So I rebuilt mine. Key to getting pins aligned place mode on defrost with motor plugged in just hanging, grease tracks the only pin I moved was pin close to firewall pull it down while pushing motor in position, popped right on.

[@johnnygdeez8864]

Finally got around to doing this repair! I was lucky and landed the pins on the first try! Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@joshpratt8678]

I spent about 5 hours over two days trying to arrange these pins with my new motor. I bought the motor over rock auto, which confirmed it was mode control, looked the same, bracket fit, etc. My tip for all who attempt this project: when you get the new motor, skip to 18:30 in this video BEFORE trying to line up the pins. My motor would spin 360 degrees in one direction and never rotate the other way, even without the track/pins and no resistance. Spent several hours trying to line up the pins only to realize the motor is not functioning properly (regardless of pins). On a side note, I have had to return 4 out of my last 5 rock auto purchases for being incompatible or damaged parts....

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

I replaced this motor as well but the vent settings are all wrong. It will have the defrost blowing when it's on feet mode or still coming out the face vents on defrost, etc. really annoying and I assume it was due to there being no instruction on where to locate the pins in the tracks when installing it. I have the factory service manual and it doesn't say how to align it.

[@JTK509]

Just completed this job yesterday april 11th 2020 on a 2008 honda accord 2.4l EX-L. You have to take out the blower motor to replace the mode door Actuator. Not enough space on 8th gen accord's to take out the mode door motor and align the new one properly. Ordered the motor from rockauto for $40-50 CAD. hardest part is to align the new motor with the 3 tabs. Thanks for the video man everything was spot on

[@KingBaconMonger]

I'm glad it helped you. I really tried to find a way to do the job without taking out the blower motor, but it was difficult to align the vent tabs and find the right slots for the screws even with the blower removed.

[@muzzammildikko567]

Please what is the part number for the 2008 honda accord blower motor?

[@Avalanche_Mudder04]

Damn, might as well redo my stereo while I am at it. Thanks for the in depth video I need to do this before the frost starts

[@jeffmiller9208]

I suppose it would be a good opportunity to shake the blower and see if there are any deceased mice rattling around.

[@aronnathan6767]

i realize I'm kind of off topic but does anybody know of a good place to stream newly released movies online?

[@jackadams8299]

This was very helpful and I thank you so much for saving me a lot of time and money. I also took the time to remove the passenger seat and it made the job a lot more relaxing.

[@KingBaconMonger]

I'm glad it helped! Yes, taking out the passenger seat would make it a lot less awful.

[@ericsamara5097]

Excellent video!! Thank you king

[@stephenajones4438]

Thanks a ton for making this video. I am NOT looking forward to doing this but, it's much appreciated that you have given me a choice.

[@KingBaconMonger]

I watched my own video again recently and thought that if I had known how difficult it was to reach things and even to see them... I wouldn't have tried it. But, I guess if you take it one step at a time, you can get through it.

[@stephenajones4438]

@@KingBaconMonger You have motivated me. I will further my motivation by calling the dealership to see how much they’d charge me. Videos like this are a gem to the do it yourself guys.

[@tomc6671]

Thanks for making a great video. This is exactly what I was looking for!!

[@danwahl5231]

I was able to remove mine without taking the blower assembly out, but it is nearly impossible to get all 3 pins in the right groves without pulling it. I wound up taking it out anyway. Even with everything out of the way I was having trouble getting it in alignment. I discovered that if you press in on the pin of the wheel shaft, you can remove the track disk from the motor. There’s three small holes in the end of each track. You can line up each of the three vent pins with these holes in the tracks and it will be clocked correctly. Hold the disc in place and put the motor back on while holding it up there. There’s a flat spot on the shaft and it will click into place. Then put the screws back in and it should be installed correctly.

[@jeffmiller9208]

Thanks for going to the trouble of writing that down. I noticed the holes at the end of each track but could never figure out what they were there for.

[@tormundazia5982]

this helped a lot! thanks!

[@crisnelson7457]

Thank you so much for showing this video! I was just outside trying to get my fat hand into the tiniest of spots. I have a 2008 and it looks identical to this...paid for an online manual and what it was describing didn't look like what I had so I appreciate the video. I'm gonna see if the wife can get her small hands up in there...if not, this is what I can look forward to!

[@KingBaconMonger]

If your wife is willing to stick her hand in there and work blind, she is QUITE a sport! You can see the motor assembly, but at least one of the 3 screws is hidden pretty badly, high up under the dashboard. I've seen other Honda models and years that have this motor on the driver's side where you can replace it without removing anything.

[@crisnelson7457]

Lol, yeah she is! Thanks again for the video!

[@edmarie.coaching]

You don't have to do all that. Just open the glove box and pull it down. The actuator is right there, 3 7mm screws with a small ratchet and extension. That's all u need

[@jeffmiller9208]

I believe that's true for Honda Civics and some Accords, but not for a 2010-era Accord. In order to take out the blower, you first have to take out the glove compartment and even before you take out the blower, with the entire glove box out, you can't see any of the mode control motor. jcx2bby does a very nice job on a 2007 Civic (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5K5q6yDhNh0qNk), but a 2010 Accord has a lot more guts in the way.

[@edmarie.coaching]

@@jeffmiller9208 I just did another one today (2010 accord) without taking anything out. Maybe cuz my hands are small.

[@tfinavia01]

Edmarie, I think you're right in that the air mix actuator is hard to remove but possible with little maneuver and small ratchet ranch metric 7mm size. I want to ask you and get your help if possible for my issue. For my CRV 2010, the air mix actuator on driver's side (near pedal) was stuck on floor position and I only got cold air coming from the left floor vent only, no matter auto or manual whatever settings I hit. I was able to replace the air mix actuator motor, set it with the existing white arm and got it working where it moves the arm for all temperature settings to mix cold and hot air (or just hot or cold air) but the center dashboard vents have no airflow. This was the case too before the repair and when the actuator motor part was out, I had stuck my hand in there and moved the white arm manually UP to check for the airflow from the middle vents and I was getting it for all speeds. (btw I'm getting all blower motor speeds when I move the mode settings for the fan (auto or manual), just not getting the switch to flip to the straight airflow from center vents. I have low floor and defroster setting working correctly.) Now, as I check, the actuator arm is still moving for all temperature settings (fully clockwise/anticlockwise) but I don't have airflow from center middle vents. Is there another part (with motor) which does the flipping and controls the fan mode settings? Strange as it is that a few hours after the replacement, I was getting airflow from middle vents and that reversed to no airflow afterwards. Thanks!

[@edmarie.coaching]

@@tfinavia01 Sorry to hear your issue with the center vents. I have little experience diagnosing, I'm mostly learning right now. But I can tell you that the linkage (white plastic) might not going all the way when the actuator is installed. Check that white linkage or the door that opens both center vents.

[@tfinavia01]

@@edmarie.coaching thanks, I will take it out and reinspect it. Good idea since I learned that the actuator does both, air mix and blow mode change.

[@roneberlein6973]

I ended up getting the wrong part and refurbishing my old actuator. it took me two hours to get all the stuff removed and ready 5 minutes to refurb the actuator and two hours to get it back in because of those damn 3 pins. now tonight maybe just maybe I can get it back together. . To the guy who said that you can get this done without removing all this stuff I would like to see you post a video of you doing this. I was able to get it out without anything but lowering the glove box and thats what took me 2 hours, but I have huge hands. Never again. Next time I am paying a mechanic!

[@nighthawkj30A4]

On my 04 Accord EX V6 Sedan when i was checking my Driver side Air mix motor. I placed it to “LO” then i moved carefully the levers to cold setting. I bet for the mode select you can set it. To (Plug in) and (press button)Vent then move the levers to Vent mode then install the motor.

[@gsonkusre8898]

Nice video

[@KingBaconMonger]

Thanks, after learning to do it, I hope I never have to do it again. 🥴

[@devaprasadhjacob]

Have the same model, what a POJ/S engineering design, not only this even on some of the other common service components

[@sarkae0405]

How do you determine that that particular motor is the issue? Is there a diagnostic test to do? Or can you see the motor from below not moving? Can you see it if you remove the glove compartment?

[@KingBaconMonger]

If you take out the glove box, shine a light in there, and push the vent buttons, you can see if the white disc of the motor is turning smoothly or not. That's what you see at 1:55 in the video. You DON'T need to take the blower out JUST TO SEE if the mode control motor is working. At 18:30, you can see how the motor wheel turns if it IS working.

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

There is also a self-diagnostic test you can run for the HVAC system. Look it up on KZbin or Google. That should tell you if there's a failure in the system and what to replace. Except, mine is now saying no problems even though after I replaced this motor, my vents aren't where they should be when I cycle through the modes.

[@jski007]

great video! Thanks for showing! I have a 2012 Accord coupe EX-L V6 Auto and it looks like this same part is a different number 79140-TA5-A21, looks like the part is different due to it having auto on/air speed instead of dial on/air. Mine is stuck on vent won't change to defrost or floor. Questions I have are 1) Does anyone reading this know a reasonable cost for a mechanic to do this job? (i found part cost factory new oem is around $60) As I don't have too much time and 2) Is it possible to move the motor buy forcing it with a screwdriver or something to get it to a certain mode until I can have the work done?

[@jeffmiller9208]

I don't know if it helps, but at 20:24, you can see the wheel turn from defrost to face vent. The white plastic bars are the connections to the actual vents. If you can get your hands in there and force the bars into another position, that might switch your air from face vent to defrost/floor. If I was desperate, I would try taking off some of the dashboard trim, around the radio / air controls to see if there's another place to reach the plastic bars controlling the vents.

[@GainingDespair]

So weird, mine is having this issue 2009 (same generation) where as your is solid white mines made from a tin like metal ..

[@Alexkumah1]

I have same problem with my 2010 honda accord but i can't align new part in. Honda technician have try several times but couldn't. What is best way to do it

[@KingBaconMonger]

danwahl5231 in one of comments wrote this: Even with everything out of the way I was having trouble getting it in alignment. I discovered that if you press in on the pin of the wheel shaft, you can remove the track disk from the motor. There’s three small holes in the end of each track. You can line up each of the three vent pins with these holes in the tracks and it will be clocked correctly. Hold the disc in place and put the motor back on while holding it up there. There’s a flat spot on the shaft and it will click into place. Then put the screws back in and it should be installed correctly. Matching up the pins with the wheel slots was infuriating.

[@TheMstwntdLMSV123]

I have been trying to align the 3 tabs for almost 4 hours with no success. Any tips besides the ones in the video? Every time I think I have it it ends up getting stuck half way between switching from defrost to vent.

[@jeffmiller9208]

I looked everywhere on the internet to find some instructions for matching the motor wheel tracks with the 3 tabs and all I ever saw was "carefully align the tabs". THANKS FOR NOTHING!! I think that I centered the wheel over the tabs, GENTLY pushed the wheel against the tabs and GENTLY turned the wheel (rotating the whole thing clockwise and counterclockwise) to see if I could get each tab into its own track. When I thought the tabs were in the tracks, I pushed the defrost or face vent button while listening for any noise from tabs slipping out of a track. I even tried marking the position of each tab on a piece of paper and trying to figure out which track each tab would go into. I can't say that I ever succeeded. There has to be some trick - like a "home location" or a "tab default position", but I couldn't find it anywhere, including in Honda's service manual instructions.

[@TheMstwntdLMSV123]

@@jeffmiller9208 I ended up figuring it out at like 1 am with some help from a friend, lots of light, and sitting in a position I never want to be in again. By laying the passenger seat all the way down and laying upside down with my feet on the backrest, I was able to slide all the way under the dashboard and up against the firewall and actually see all the tabs while I was lining it up. This is what worked for me: Connect the actuator and set the mode to defrost. Leave the uppermost tab in its neutral, downward position. Push the lowermost tab to its upward position, and push the small tab (the one closest to the firewall) all the way down. Once I did this, it slipped right into position, and I used every ounce of energy I had left to keep it in position while my friend ran to get the screws. Having two people for this job is extremely helpful. Make damn sure that all your seals/gaskets are intact and be careful when lining everything back up so you don't rip them and cause a leak.

[@jeffmiller9208]

@@TheMstwntdLMSV123 I hereby declare that your description is the best and most complete set of instructions anywhere on the internet for mating up the mode control motor with the 3 tabs.

[@TheMstwntdLMSV123]

@@jeffmiller9208 Thank you for your kind words! I wish the factory service manual was more helpful here. You’d think would have a service mode of some sort to easily align everything, but I guess that would be too easy.

[@jphay3338]

I put the new part on and set it to vent, then the posts line up with the little windows in the wheel.

[@ItsAlive111]

Is this failure captured by the advanced OBD2 AC module error codes?

[@KingBaconMonger]

I don't think it shows up in the OBD2. Instead there is a test listed - to show a short or open on the Mode Control Motor - the HVAC control unit diagnostic function. You set up the diagnostic function, then 4 blinks on the recirculate button = mode control motor open, 5 blinks = a mode control motor short. But the motor still ran in my car, the internal gears were stripped, or something, and the wheel didn't turn. So, I don't think that would show up in either the ODB2 or the HVAC self diagnostic.

[@eduardoarizala5819]

I have a 2010 Honda Accord and all the ac mode lights turned on and are staying on. Every mode, could replacing the part be the solution to this problem?

[@KingBaconMonger]

I don't know. Is there any reason to think that the AC came on automatically when the defrost was on? I had a car that would turn on the AC to help with the defrost, but it wouldn't turn off when I switched to any other mode. It could be turned off by pushing the AC button though.

[@eduardoarizala5819]

@@KingBaconMonger The issue that i'm running into is that all the lights that are for the ac came on (defrost, vents) all the buttons between the temperature and the fan speed

[@KingBaconMonger]

@@eduardoarizala5819 Unless someone has done some DIY wiring in the box behind the vent buttons, my unprofessional guess is that it's the control unit. "Control Assembly, Heater *NH699L* (Neutral Mat Gun Metallic) 79500-TA0-C13ZC" or "Control Assembly, Heater *NH699L* (Neutral Mat Gun Metallic) 79500-TA0-C02ZC" for a 2010 Accord EX. You can probably get a used one on eBay.

[@anthonyvu749]

Does this only control defrost and top vents? Mine doesn’t go to the floor

[@KingBaconMonger]

At one end of the wheel the mode control motor directs air to the face vents. The next position is the face and feet simultaneously. Then the feet vent only, then the feet and front window defrost, then finally the defrost vents only. If the motor stops working when the wheel is directing the air to the feet/defrost vents, then it will fail to change to the face vents or floor only. The lights might change on the dashboard buttons, but the air venting won't change.

[@Usmanthemecano]

Does the blower really have to come out?

[@KingBaconMonger]

The Honda service manual says that you have to remove the blower, and I could not possibly fit my hands and arms in there to unscrew the old motor without removing the blower. There's a video by jcx2bby (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5K5q6yDhNh0qNk) where he changes the mode control motor without taking out the blower, but it's a Honda Civic, not an Accord. I believe I saw another video that might have been another year Accord (not a 2010) and that person was able to remove and reinstall the motor without taking out the blower. It involved working blind (by feeling around with his fingers) and using only a nut driver bit without the handle/driver. It looked extremely difficult to reach that area and to do the work without removing that blower, but he did it somehow!

[@UziMovie]

Sakeenah Auto Solutions I used a flexible extension bit to take out the mode door... I think it's less time consuming than removing half of your interior. How ever you do it... as long as it gets done. O and make sure to buy the right part.

[@Usmanthemecano]

@@UziMovie did it in 20 mns...I did remove the blower

[@UziMovie]

Sakeenah Auto Solutions yea about 20 min

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Man all that for a Mode control actuator motor. Jeez i feel after 2007 most Acura/Honda models made things difficult.

[@KingBaconMonger]

Yeah, I don't think I've seen any other mode controller that requires the removal of so many other components just to get your hands on the motor. Lots of other Civics and Accords have it right out in the open, under the dashboard.

[@benbrewer5853]

Okay why are you taking the blower motor out

[@KingBaconMonger]

On a 2008-2010 Accord, it is just about impossible to get access to the mounting bolts on the mode control motor without getting the blower out of the way. That's how it's shown in Honda Service Manual. It's a lot easier on other cars - Civics, pre-2008 Accords - but you can't even see all of the mounting screws, let alone get a socket in there, without moving the blower on a 2008-2010 Accord.

[@Direct_Home_Inspections]

My blower is working and so is temp but it wont switch from air to defrost

[@KingBaconMonger]

The problem that I originally had was that I couldn't change the air from defrost to anywhere else. The blower worked, but the mode control motor is what changes the direction of the heat/cooling from defrost to face vent to floor vent. The mode control motor is very easy to swap out, but getting your hands in there to work with it requires taking out the blower and other stuff. Some people claim that they've done it without removing the blower and I salute them, but the Honda Service Manual for 2010 Accords says you have to remove the blower, etc.

[@sokrateslegendsfactorylako7486]

hello gentlemen, please help. my sentences may be illegible because I write in Polish and the translator translates them. Perhaps one of you knows which of the engines is responsible for the problem that occurs with me because I do not want to dismantle the whole car if it does not help. All modes work correctly only when I set the temperature to heat, the air blows but from the driver's side cold air from the passenger from the door side hot from the radio warm. driver's side from the radio cool from the door cold. Is there an engine that directs the hatch so that warm air does not reach the driver? From what I watched, the engine from the driver's side works from the passenger's side, you can see that it works without undressing, I can't see other engines that are there. I will only add that I have the European version of the accord 8 version

[@KingBaconMonger]

Try this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV6xiWVsoNN0bpo

[@solidust573]

I'm not tearing half my car interior apart to get to that thing. That's ridiculous! There's gotta be a better way.

[@KingBaconMonger]

I agree. It's ridiculous. It's how the Honda service manual says to do it. Some people have claimed to have swapped out the motor without taking out the blower, but you'd be working by feel and would need arms that bend in about 5 places. ....also, this was a 2010 Accord. Other Honda's and other year Accords are easier to work on.

[@treverjeffery550]

Take the new Actuator blend door back out plug it in,and then turn key on and go to defrost and the Actuator will move to tje right position then reinstall,you doing way to much work for a 20 mins job...whew

[@jptrustno1]

Ugh uumm ugh umm

[@lifeis1]

Fk my life , its too much i am going to mechanic to fixit 😡😡😡