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HVAC outlet direction problem

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by PriusHead05, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:33 PM.

  1. PriusHead05

    PriusHead05 Member

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    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    Model:
    ----USA----
    Hey y'all! Last month I picked up this nice red '06 from the original owner. It's only got 127k mi. on it. Great condition and garage kept. Obviously, I replaced the engine air and cabin air filters. I also replaced the spark plugs. I have been having a problem with the AC system since I got it. I didn't think to check the defrost when I bought the car, as being in Florida, we don't use it extremely often. Come to find out, none of the AC mode outlets work. The only thing that works is face and feet. The face only button blows at the face and feet. All the other direction buttons, only blow at the face. I have a problem with the clock spring not working all the time, especially the right side AC controls for recirc and defrost, but I was able to get the AC and diagnostic mode. It gives me the codes 21, 42, and 43. I decided to replace the air outlet servo motor. I just got that accomplished today. I was going to do the fresh air servo motor as well, but couldn't get to all the screws without taking the whole dash apart (literally the whole dash). I didn't have time for that today, so I put the dash all back together with the new air outlet servo motor installed. That did not fix the issue. Still having the same exact issue after replacing the air outlet servo motor. I was able to get the steering wheel in the right position so that I was able to put the AC in diagnostic mode again. It is still giving me all three same codes. I obviously know that 21 can be ignored, as it has to do with the solar sensor (it was dark out). According to the Toyota AC repair manual that I got from this chat, the only other two options that would cause codes 42 and 43 are either the wiring harness or the AC amplifier (AC ECU). Right now, I'm thinking of replacing the clock spring (that's not working right) since it has to do with the AC. And if the clock spring isn't working right, then that would have an open circuit on the AC wiring harness. I wanted to ask y'all your opinion and advice to see whether I should replace the clock spring first or the AC amplifier (AC ECU)?
     
  2. PriusHead05

    PriusHead05 Member

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    ----USA----
    Here's from the Toyota AC repair manual...
     

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  3. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    Four
    So, you have problems where the air inlet (fresh-recirc) and outlet (mode control) air doors do not move. Along with codes that say the ecu sees the door position sensors not moving.

    What could cause that? Stuck air doors. Faulty motors (NEW = Never Ever Worked). An open circuit in the wiring. A faulty ecu.

    You can replace parts but maybe that fixes it, or not. I might suggest using the wiring diagrams in the service manual to locate and test the motor circuit. Put leads from a voltmeter across the 2 wires for one motor at the ecu connector (backprobe).

    Then change the commands for that air door. You read some kind of voltage (8V? 12V?) Try changing the command the other way - voltage should reverse (go negative). That would indicate if the ecu should be able to drive the motor.

    Unplug the ecu connector and measure resistance across the 2 motor wires. Should read about the same as the 2 motors you have (one new, one old). Check if either wire has any resistance to chassis ground.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.