So..your ac /heater is stuck on floor mode?

[2ndnissan]

Here's what ya do..This is for an s-13. If you just keep pushing buttons and nothing happens check this out..



Take this panel off first. Look up to the right and you'll see this...



That's the motor that changes the settings from floor to defrost. Floor is the lowest setting. The motor moves the linkage which opens the appropriate flaps to control air flow. The gears inside wear down and it just can't move the arm up anymore. Here's a pic of the motor after I unbolted it from the casing. There are just three 8mm screws. It's just easiest to take off with a stubby phillips#2.



After this point give a gentle twist to the motor. It is connected to a metal arm . The arm will give some so the part will slip off without much effort. THE CLIP ON THE MOTOR IS PLASTIC. Be careful!This is the motor after it comes off the rod.



There is only one correct way to put the clip back onto that rod. After unplugging the tan colored power plug and plugging the new one in you just push the clip on the motor up past the bend in the rod. Then just reverse everything. Put the three screws back in(some kind of goop..chewing gum,tailight goo.goop.vaseline whatever ya got that's sticky would be helpful here to hold the screw on the screwdriver). I'd start by putting the right uppermost screw in first then everything lines up ok. Don't tighten it until the other two screws are started. Then tighten all three. remember this is a plastic housing you're putting it into.Just make them snug . Throw your panel back on and you're in business.

This takes maybe 20 minutes. If anyone knows the part number for the motor or availability(other than used units which I used) feel free to add them.

I know this is just a bolt on operation and maybe doesn't deserve a thread but several people have had this problem so I thought I'd write it up. Just knowing where the motor is and what it looks like might give someone a leg up on the repair. Hope it's helpful!

[OutToWinPAHC]

Nice little tech tip, but boo on painted interior parts.

[Razi]

Nice little tech tip, but boo on painted interior parts.

I second this I'll look back at this if my ac has problems, thanks.

[2ndnissan]

I don't like loud colors on plastic either but this is really a platinum look. It's whited out by the flash some. Pretty subdued actually. I wouldn't do a red,yellow ,purple. The original finish was rough so it needed something. That and the console covers are the only things painted. Just breaks up the black a little..and it's only paint! I can still go back to a black at some other time. Thanks for the comments though!