Questions and Answers

Dodge Stratus HVAC Stuck On Defrost Q. Hello! I'm an Austrian Stratus cruiser and I hope you understand my english. The car is a 1995 Dodge Stratus. I have a problem with my A/C-Heater. You can turn the dialer for defrost or foot or face air outlet wherever you want it always blows to the screen. Is there a separate fuse for it? How many actuators (electro motors) are there for and where are they located?

The heater terminal is not disconnected and all other functions are working normally. I hope you can help me.

Steve

A. The mode door actuator, located in the A/C-Heater housing, is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM) . When the operator requests a mode of operation, the BCM processes the signal from the control head and actuates the mode door to the proper position.

The good thing is the Body Control Module (BCM) will store a DTC for this system but the bad thing is you need the Chrysler DRB scan tool to get them.

There is a TSB out on this problem.

TSB NO: 24-12-95
GROUP: Heater & A/C
DATE: Aug. 18, 1995

SUBJECT:
HVAC System Stuck in Defrost Mode

MODELS:
1995 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
HVAC system stuck in defrost mode. May be intermittent.

DIAGNOSIS:
Check Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) in the Body Control Module (BCM). If no DTC's exist and vehicle is no longer stuck in defrost, perform all steps in the repair procedure (Steps 1 through 5).

For a "HVAC Mode Door Feedback Failure", proceed to step # 1.

For a "HVAC Control Head Input Shorted To Ground/Shorted To Battery", refer to the 1995 Cirrus/Stratus Body Diagnostic Procedure Manual (Publication No. 81-699-94029), Section 7.0, "Manual A/C System".

PARTS REQUIRED:

AR	4864052	Wiring Connector Repair Kit, Mode Actuator Connector
AR	4644834	Actuator, HVAC Mode
AR	4856997	Body Control Module, Vendor Part, Order on DIAL Function 11
AR	4864311	Wiring Connector Repair Kit, HVAC Control Head Connector

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
This bulletin involves testing and replacing the HVAC Mode Actuator/Connector, Control Head Connector, or Body Control Module as necessary.

1. Check Mode Actuator connector (C215) for full insertion/locking into Mode Actuator and spread terminals. Repair as necessary. The terminals in question are referenced on Page 8W-80-27 of the 1995 JA Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-5121). In connector C215 check cavities #2 through #4. A visual check is not sufficient. A .0044" pin gauge is required. Repair any spread terminals with wiring connector repair kit P/N 4864052. Replace HVAC Mode Actuator P/N 4644834.

2. Check BCM P/N. If it is not P/N 4856997, replace. Proceed to step # 4.

3. Check HVAC Control Head connector (C204) for full insertion/locking into Control Head and for spread terminals. Repair as necessary. The terminals in question are referenced on Page 8W-80-23 of the 1995 JA Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-5121). In connector C204 check cavities #5 and #8. A .0040" pin gauge is required. Repair any spread terminals with wiring connector repair kit P/N 4864311.

4. Check battery voltage. If not above 11.5 volts, charge battery. Check for charging system problems. Perform "On Vehicle Battery Test Procedures" as outlined in section 8A of the 1995 JA Service Manual.

5. Assure ignition is off and key is out. Pull IOD fuse (10A, cavity #5 in Junction Block). Do not replace for a least 1 minute. This will clear all BCM faults and cause the HVAC to re-calibrate when ignition is turned to the "RUN" position.