97 SE: Can't find Airmix Actuator (heater control)

[phils97bonn]

I read the below post about fixing the Airmix Actuator which I think is broken on my 97 Bonneville.
Mine has the ECC (electronic climate control).
I can't find the Airmix Actuator on my vehicle.
I pulled the panel below the glove compartment down and I don't see it there.
Can anyone give me hint as to where to find it?


This instruction is for a Le Sabre. (A Guide for replacing Airmix Actuator)
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... c3537.html

thanks


After more searching I found this post. I don't know if I'm up to this little task.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... or#p322835

[Sirius]

Changing the airmix actuator is not quite as difficult as it may seem, it's more of a pain-in-the-arse than anything.

[harofreak00]

http://trialsnuts.com/ecc.pdf

[phils97bonn]

Well, a local shop wanted $800 to replace the Airmix Actuator (which I diagnosed from posts here). So, that motivated me to fix the thing myself. Thanks harofreak for the trialsnuts instructions, that helped big time. I will add a few comments to the trialsnuts info for others who may need to do this job.

For my 97 SE, there was no need to remove the ECC unit from the center console. That did not get in my way at all for my Airmix Actuator (aka Air Blend Door Actuator) on the pax side (viewable from the glove box opening, liner removed, through a little hole in there using a small penlight to light the way). Also, some of the small screws holding covers, the actuator, etc. were not 7mm as I believe the instructions stated, but 5.5mm or 7/32". The 7/32" was a better fit. I did run into a problem when attempting to remove the HVAC programmer/controller box. When I attempted to split apart the vacuum line connector (the one with 5 colored lines) my nipples got ripped off! Ouch! So there I was, looking at it after cursing long and loud. Then I got depressed thinking about how hard its going to be to find a replacement. So, just as I was about to hang myself out there in the garage, it occurred to me. To heck with the da#*m connector! Just join up those lines individually somehow. As I was pondering that, It occurred to me I should check the forum here at pontiacbonnevilleclub to become enlightened. Sure nuff, there is a thread here with the instructions on how to cut out that vac connector and simply join 'em up. Worked great. I used a little soapy water to help slide the new vac line pieces (I used 2.5" lengths) over the lines to be joined. I read on another thread someone used some oil type lube which I believe is not a good idea for the rubber vac lines. Anyway, I have a perfectly operating heater/AC once again!

Thread for nipple repair: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2884&hilit=clam+and+nipples

Thanks to everyone for the tips.

Merry Holidays and Happy Nipples !

[Sirius]

For my 97 SE, there was no need to remove the ECC unit from the center console. That did not get in my way at all for my Airmix Actuator (aka Air Blend Door Actuator) on the pax side (viewable from the glove box opening, liner removed, through a little hole in there using a small penlight to light the way). Also, some of the small screws holding covers, the actuator, etc. were not 7mm as I believe the instructions stated, but 5.5mm or 7/32". The 7/32" was a better fit.

It is true that the ECC controller does not need to be removed if you're just changing the airmix acuator. That article was originally written for someone who's upgrading the '92-'93 ECC system. The 93 ECC would not let you choose where you wanted the air to come out, so it was a nice upgrade to allow the driver to select where the air came out. Turns out the article is more useful for changing the airmix actuator!

As for the screws, it appears Pontiac may have used a couple different sizes. The size indicated in the article is what was found on the subject car.