Hvac Servo Actutaor Needs Replacing, Or Something Else?

[darryl zero]

2001 Lexus RX300, had the clicking noise coming from the center console, which is the servo actuator that switches the A/C modes from footwell only / face only / footwell and face combined/ demist/ etc.

Well, the clicking sound got REALLY loud for a few minutes, then stopped. Now the modes won't change at all, and she's stuck on footwell only mode.. I pulled the actuator out and cleaned it as recommended on these forums. The contacts were a little dirty, but otherwise the servo unit looked fine. No stripped gears or melted plastic indicating that something was physically wrong. Put it back in and nothing... The servo won't turn and change the air flow to something other than footwell, even though my display screen says I should be getting a faceful of air.

I ran the self diagnostic and received codes 31 (air mix door position sensor circuit) and 41 (air mix door servo motor circuit)

Disconnected the battery for 30 minutes, hoping that the system might reset. Nope. Still only footwell mode.

So is my servo gone, or is it something else that just won't send a signal to the servo?

Lexus wants $200+ tax for a new servo, no refunds as it is an electrical item. Want to make sure it's what I need before paying for it.

[darryl zero]

Didn't realize the big typo in the title... Mods, can you please correct it?

[N.C.O.]

Sounds like you have got the problem figure out, it does sound like the servo actuator is not functioning.

N.C.O.

[darryl zero]

Replaced the servo for $200, disconnected the battery for a while to wipe HVAC the error codes, and now she's right as rain.

What bugs me really is that on my less expensive Toyota the HVAC mode controller is a mechanical slider knob on the dash that you operate with your finger. Was that so inconvenient about that system that we needed to replace it with a computer controlled servo motor that costs $200 and an hour's labor to fix when it invariably goes bad? I mean, I'm still using my finger to change modes...

Oh yeah, and Lexus of Glendale, CA? They must HATE people who work on their own cars if my experience there was any indication.