2001 QX4 Only blows out vents

[1wcoleman]

Heat/Air works, all lights on Climate control seem to work, will only blow out of center and side vents, will not switch to Defrost or Floor. I am guessing something is not allowing the doors to switch in the heater.. Is this Vacuum controlled or electrical? Cooler weather setting in and no time for lack of defrost.. Confused as all strings say DEFROST is default, but appears mine went to vent or not in default mode... Unplugged battery overnight and reconnected just to try resets... No change.. Any help out there?

[Towncivilian]

Welcome to NICO.

Park with the front end in direct sunlight, then run the self-diagnosis procedure described on page HA-44 of the factory service manual, then report your results here.

[1wcoleman]

Towncivilian....UPDATE... Ran diagnostics as referred above...I am on a learning curve so wanted to verify. At #6 Step 3.. It double blinked at each position 31,32,34,35,36 then starts over... went to 14 as directed... At this time I believe the Mode door motor is out or a linkage issue.. Either requires disassembly to examie/test... Am I spot on or spot off????

[1wcoleman]

Would there be any instructions on easiest access to the door actuator. From diagram it appears to be on drivers side of center console. Guessing remove vent, screw, center trim but not sure from there. Any help or instructions?

[Towncivilian]

This member had a similar issue to yours (although with a different component), but it seems that all he had to do was remove the glove box and the center trim (unless I misunderstood his post).

There is a further diagnostic procedure for the mode door motor on HA-78, it may be worth ruling out the electrical wiring before attempting to mess with the linkage or the motor.