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[Solved] Buzzing HVAC mode servo in dash by glovebox
A few weeks ago I noticed a buzzing sound coming from what I at first thought was the center console and then eventually realized coming from the dash. I had no clue what it was. I figured out that my HVAC system would not blow air from anywhere besides the vents on the dash and that if I try to change the mode from that setting I would get the buzzing. I narrowed it down to the mode servo or mode actuator after reading some threads here.
Today I had the chance get down to business checking it out. It was not too hard to get to at all. I had previously replaced my blower motor so taking the glove box out and the panels above and below it was very simple just need a phillips head screwdriver or impact driver.
This is what it looked like with everything off.
Only took about 5 or 10 minutes to get everything off and half the time was getting all the junk out of my glove box.
I put the key on accessory and tried to change the blower mode. I heard and could feel the buzzing coming from the mode servo. However it was not moving anything like it was supposed to.
Let's say I got very lucky but this might just work for you and it's a good first step before buying any parts. I took a small hammer and gave the metal support a couple good whacks and tried to change the mode and it worked!
The white plastic piece on the left of the mode servo (the "arm")moved around changing the hvac mode as it was supposed to. Buttoned everything back up and I'm golden. I'm guessing since I don't drive it much the arm just froze up with dust, dirt, grease and grime in there. Going forward I will make sure to change the HVAC mode a few times every time I drive it to keep it loose. If it happens again maybe I'll try to clean and lubricate the arm.
Interesting. I have this, "Not Buzzing" but more of a "Shuffling" as if it's the CD changer, changing CDs.. Is that what you experienced as well or am I way off?
Interesting. I have this, "Not Buzzing" but more of a "Shuffling" as if it's the CD changer, changing CDs.. Is that what you experienced as well or am I way off?
It was a loud buzz not the cd changer shuffling noise. Probably wouldn't hurt to give it a whack or two with the hammer as indicated.
I have that terrible buzzing sound for the last few months, and the airflow was intermittent from the vents by the nav screem.
Now, I have no airflow from the two vents by the nav screen, however I have airflow from the vents that are on the dash on the far left and right side. Makes no difference what mode it is on. Those blow both hot and cold air, just the vents near the nav screen do nothing.
After taking the bottom bits of the dash and glove box off, the servo that you have highlighted is the one that is buzzing/making lots of sound. Tried the hammer trick, and it didn't do anything.
I can't figure out how to take this servo off, any suggestions? And what is the actual part I need to buy to replace it?
Any help is much appreciated!!!
**EDIT - is this the correct part that I need to replace??
Happy to report back to say that I bought the part from Rock Auto for $50, and my problem is solved with the help from this thread and the other posted above.
That terrible buzzing sound is now gone, and both of my middle vents are now working as they used to.
it was a PITA to be honest. Some of those screws were horrendous to remove and put back in, but in the end a few hours saved me over $1,500, plus I got to get to know my GX a bit better. I would like to punch a few Toyota Engineers in the face however lol.
06-29-19, 12:38 PM
[Solved] Buzzing HVAC mode servo in dash by glovebox
