What Faulty Heating and Air Conditioning Actuator Sounds Like

In this video you'll see and hear a great example of what a faulty heating and air condition actuator sounds like. The particular actuator that is faulty in this video is a recirculation door actuator. You'll notice is makes a popping noise when it is commanded. The popping will persist for a moment. Of coarse the actuator does not achieve the commanded position. Though only the recirculation door actuator is featured in the video other actuators in the heating and a/c system often fail in a similar fashion.

Note: The failure featured in this video only gives an example of one way an actuator can fail. Sometimes a faulty actuator can fail without making any noise. Its been my experience that GM, Ford, and Chrysler use actuators that can fail in the manner shown in the video. It is possible that other manufacturers use blend door actuators that fail similarly but I do not have experience with those.

Also, while this video gives an example of what a faulty actuator sounds like it is not necessarily a how to video to properly diagnose a faulty actuator. Its just an example of what it may sound like and I do not guaranty that if you here this noise in your vehicle that you have a faulty actuator. Further diagnosis is needed to pinpoint your problem.