Vent actuator
 

What does a vent actuator do? Is it right next to the blower motor? Reason why I'm asking is because I was having issues with both the heater/AC as far as air flow goes. Mostly the center vents. It always sounded like a flap would shift prior to loosing air regardless of fan speed. I did change out both the blower motor/controller and still the problem is there. I also saw this gray looking box next to the blower motor which I think is the vent actuator. Can this be the problem? Where is it located?

Thanks

Anyone?

Help us help you better...what model/model year/or build date X5 do you want us to help you with? If anyone wanted to post diagrams or links to part nbrs and diagrams...it would all be a guess and you could be given incorrect information.

Always remember to leave enough vehicle info/data so that we can help you the best we can. :D

Sorry about that! 2007 X5 4.8

Hmmm, since no e70 owners has chimed in yet...the "actuators" used in the HVAC system are small electrical motors that operate the vent flaps. They open/close based on the selection you made on the IHKA control panel. The flaps can be opened closed based on an automated signal from the system or by manual manipulation of the controls.

For instance, on cold days...the system uses an automated cold arrest feature that will close the vent flaps to prevent the system from blowing cold air on passengers until operating temps have been reached that will allow warmed air to be blown out the vents. At this point, the system will reopen the appropriate flaps based on the IHKA's settings. All of this is done by the actuators.

In the diagram below...the actuators are #6 in the diagram (and link to the part nbr database)...and there can be up to 13 of them distributed around the climate control system:

Thank you for the diagram. A little confused on location of the actuator. I believe there is an actuator next to the blower motor. Does anyone know if that one controls the center vents? Being 13, not sure where to start looking.

So I changed my cabin filter today under the passenger side. While doing that, I noticed that the air flap actuator had broken the tube/rod connected to it. I believe that has been causing my vent/flow problems. The rod that goes to the actuator is part of the blower motor housing. It never came with the blower motor because I changed that out thinking the flow problem was the motor/controller. I decided the turn the rod with a screw driver which caused my vent to blow a lot like it should. Once I turned the rod the other way, it restricted the air flow. Now I know what is causing the problem.

Does anyone know what part is connected to the blower assembly that has the rod built in. It connects to the air flap actuator?

I currently rigged it by putting super glue around it so it won't shift. I know not smart but it's sure blowing great through all the vents.

Try using realoem.com for parts schematics, you will need your chassis/ vin number
Heater & Air conditioning menu

Unfortunatley, my screenshot is too big for forum :dunno:

I tried using real-Orem and still no luck. Can't seem to find the part. All said and done, it works great after super glueing the piece closed. I'm sure it's not ideal but it works. Not sure what I'm going to face around the winter time with the heat turned on.

I'm only want one more year out of my X. I really want to get a new X next year.

I think I have the same issue. when I put the hcav system to the windshield vent nothing comes out. I can hear the blower motor but the vent is not opening. Do you have any pics of the piece you glued?