Hi Gang,

I have a 99 Maxima SE with 194K miles.

Just recently the Automatic Climate Control started blowing all mode choices through the A/C vents. Fans speed choices still work fine as does the temperature range, including the A/C compressor for Defrost and Auto (A/C).

Suspects I should investigate first? Also, would a code reader help with diagnosis? If so, can anyone point me to a real value to buy?

Thanks to all in advance!

 

Run the built in diagnostic for the auto climate controls. It should indicate what is the problem.

Start on page 70 - http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/1998/HA.pdf

 

Wow! Thank you Junebug for pointing me to (including the link and page) to that wealth of good information and diagnostic process. And it's built into the car! Nice surprise!

It's right at that time of year that I'll need the system to do all it's capable of doing as Winter sets in here on Long Island.

I hope to get to it on Sunday. Wish me luck!

I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks again! You're a lifesaver!

 

My guess is that it will fail test # 3 which checks the air vent modes because he has a bad mode door motor, part # 27731-2L900. (Codes 31 through 36)

 

I sure hope so! It's reasonable and available NEW!

I can deal with those terms after all these years. (almost 17)

Thank you!

 

You are right on the money! Thanks for the Nissan Part #. Now I can shop around for the best delivered price.

And for an added treat..... The Sunload Sensor is also bad.

Looks like the Motor swap is done from the driver's side, behind the center console.

I'm looking forward to having "Floor" heat and a "Defroster" again, especially when I need them (Winter).

Thanks again Fellas!

 

The sunload sensor will fail the diagnostic if you don't run the test in bright light.

 

I have a low mileage 99 se with those parts still in it if you're interested.

 

Hey Gang,

Back again with more questions. Got the new Mode Door Motor yesterday from Courtesy Nissan. Today is very warm for December and the perfect day to do the replacement (66 degrees on Long Island).

I saw a video on YT and it looked like the motor was accessible from the drivers side by the gas pedal. The FSM diagram is a bit ambiguous, but it seems like it's up higher to the right of the Climate Control unit in the center dashboard.

Is this actually where it is?

Does that mean I have to remove the Bose Head unit and Climate Control unit to replace the motor? Or take the console cover off from the passenger side. (If so, how?)

Any guidance from those who know would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks again!

 

Viewed from the driver side footwell...

 

Thank YOU Dennis! You brought the right stuff again!

As it turned out, I did remove the center A/C vent and clock cluster and then the climate control/bose cluster. And found nothing even close to what I was hoping to find. So I went back under the dash on the driver's side and looked up higher, BINGO!

What a PITA to get up in there and remove it. I ain't that skinny kid like I was decades ago. And I have long arms! I did almost invent some new curse words though!

How to replace a Mode Door Motor in a 95 to 99 Maxima:

So, if anyone else winds up having to do this too, all you need is:

The new Mode Door Motor
A Stubby #2 Phillips screwdriver.
An Offset #2 Phillips screwdriver.

There are 3 Phillips screws that hold the motor bracket to the side of the white ducting box. You'll need to twist and contort yourself to get access and leverage to remove the screws. Then it will hang by the wire. Now it's easy to find the release on the plug and remove it completely.

When it's out, remove the 2 screws that hold the motor to the bracket. Replace the motor and make sure to align it in the bracket as the old one was and reinstall the 2 bolt/screws (tight).

When you reinstall the new motor mounted in the old bracket, notice the two connection points on the white arm of the motor and move the assembly metal arm on the duct box to align correctly with these two points. Hold it in place while you set in the middle screw. Reinstall the other 2 screws and then tighten all of them well. Then re-plug in the connector. Voila! Done!

Good luck with this miserable job. Contorted and tight. But probably would save you Hundreds of dollars at the dealer.

 

What else do you have to sell from that 99 SE?

 

Congrats on doing the job AND giving us a write up. It's funny how things that look fairly easy are the exact opposite.

But if you are looking for a real PITA, try changing the brake light switch. You have to lay in the driver's seat upside down with your head in the footwell and trying to not leave footprints on the headliner.

 

Thank you Dennis!

You are so right on the not so "Easy" button! LOL

Glad to give a quick "How To". And that is because of people like you that are always helping. It's the least I can do to cover my share and compliment you and the others that always help!

Now about those footprints on the headliner......

Only acceptable if they are from a She..... like in: a hot little hitch hiker! (I can dream can't I?) LOL

Keep on Rockin'!

 

hello I know its a old thread but I’m going to replace mine .. ok so the white arm has to be at the same point as the one you took off wear the arm slide in to change your vent mode ?

 

You are worrying too much. The arm that is on the air duct can be easily moved to connect it to the new motor in whatever position the motor is in.

 

Thanks Dennis this is my first attempt and will be done thank you