Dodge Ram Vent Selector Not Working – Diagnose and Solutions
If you own a Dodge Ram, a truck manufactured before 2009, you are in for regular maintenance requirements because your vehicle is now old and needs touch-ups. Let’s say your truck was working fine one day and suddenly you notice that your Dodge Ram vent selector is not working. A jammed vent, broken mode or door actuator, problems in the wiring, and trouble in the air conditioning unit can be behind this issue in your Dodge Ram’s vent selector. Inspecting the defective components, and consequently replacing them can get your vent selector working again.
However, if you are still confused about how to diagnose a dysfunctional vent selector and are in search of appropriate solutions, continue reading!
Understanding the Function of Vent Selector in the Vehicle
Modern cars all include a heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation system. You simply switch the buttons to whichever air type you desire. This air comes out of the system, into the car through channels. The function of the vent selector is to allow you to choose in which direction you want the air to flow.
The vent selector has flappers which help switch the air direction. There are different channels and the flapper makes the air flow into these channels to end up in the chosen direction. One of the channels will direct the air toward your face, the other will direct it to the windscreen, and a final channel is present which leads the air to your feet. You can also fix the vent selector so that half the air lands on your face while the other half flows toward your feet.
What are the Symptoms of Dodge Ram Vent Not Working?
A dodge ram vent is a luxury that is heading toward necessity with time. People are growing used to the air-conditioning in summer or the heaters in cold weather, and it becomes a nuisance when these vents are not working. The symptoms of a Dodge Ram vent not working include little to no air blowing through the vent, and if the air is blowing, it’s either too hot or too cold. Hearing unusual noises through the vent system is also a symptom of Dodge Ram vent not working.
11 Reasons of Vent Selector Not Working
Blowing air out is the main function of the vent which can be hindered by the presence of dirt and dust which blocks the vent and prevents it from performing its role. Moreover, wires that are broken, faulty batteries, and damage within the electrical system can also cause the vent selector not to work. What if none of this isn’t the case with your car? Continue reading to get a good grasp on further reasons for a vent selector not working.
1. Link Between the Vacuum Line and the Selector Valve is Deterred
This might seem like a unique reason but it is more common than you expect. When the vacuum line disconnects from the selector valve, the link between them ceases to exist. This causes the air to be expelled at an unwanted temperature as the vacuum line is the bridge between the vent selector and the ventilation system. When there is damage to the hose or the vacuum line, severing the connection between the ventilation system and the selector valve, the vent selector automatically stops working.
2. Defective Wires in the Air Conditioning Unit
When the wires of the air conditioning unit fail to work, no matter if they are broken or defective, the vent selector stops functioning correctly. This is because the wiring system was controlling the vent selector as well. The wires tend to break when subjected to constant wear and tear, and they also gradually become weak as they age.
3. Malfunctioning Mode Actuator
The mode actuator plays a generous role and getting the vent selector to function correctly since these two components join hands together to allow the airflow in the direction you require. When the mode actuator is malfunctioning, the vent selector automatically stops working. If you want the vent selector to get back on its feet, repairing or replacing a faulty mode actuator should be your go-to choice.
4. Blown Fuses in the Air Conditioning Unit
The fuse boxes are a major component of the vehicle’s engine and steering systems. The fuse box for the steering wheel is mostly located under the steering wheel. This fuse is linked to the ventilation system. If the fuse is blown, the ventilation system is directly impacted as the air conditioning system fails to work. If you want a vent selector to work efficiently, make sure its fuse connection is working correctly.
5. The Air Conditioning Unit Fails to Get Power from the Car Battery:
If the battery that is needed to power the air conditioning system is faulty, the entire air conditioning unit ceases to function. This causes the vent to stop working since it is deprived of power. The battery doesn’t become faulty overnight, instead, it is exposed to constant stress and load which sucks out its juice, causing it to malfunction. Since the battery is also operating the car’s GPS and other elements, these also come to a standstill and the car might not start.
6. Seized Vent Selector
This is a common factor preventing the vent selector from working efficiently. Vent selectors are seized or jammed when they become old and dusty. If your car is old and you fail to clean it regularly, the dusty layer will cause it to lose moisture and make it tough for it to move you won’t face this issue if you own a new car and take good care of it.
7. Defect or Obstruction in the Air Conditioning Blower Motor
An air conditioning blower motor is necessary for the vents to let the air out. The already present air is shoved out of the ventilation system as the blower motor does its job. If this motor is defective or obstructed by any means, the air moving out of the ventilation system at a desired rate will be prevented. This causes the vent selector to stop working as these components are interlinked.
8. Dripping in the Refrigerant
The fluid for the refrigerant is also known as Freon which allows the air within the air-conditioning system to cool down. This pushes out the cold air instead of normal air from the vents. If this refrigerant leaks, the fluid is lost causing the vent system to lose its function. It then lets out air which is not of the required temperature. The leak also decreases the pressure within the system, affecting the vent selector negatively.
9. Blend Door Actuator Not Working
You probably haven’t heard of the bend door actuator. It functions to control the temperature in your car’s ventilation system. When you press the buttons to move the vent selector and select a wanted temperature, the blend door actuator is signaled to help you with it. If this blend door is not functioning, the airflow will be obstructed, the temperature control will be lost, and the direction control will also become tough. This causes the vent selector to stop working.
10. Broken Air Conditioning Compressor Relay
The function of the AC compressor relay is to get both, the AC compressor as well as the AC clutch to start working. It powers the air conditioning unit including the vent selector. When this power is cut off due to the malfunctioning AC compressor relay, the vent system is drastically affected and the vent stops working.
11. Defective Engine Control Module
Among variable reasons that might cause the vent selector to stop working is if there’s a fault in the engine control module (ECM). Your car’s intellect lies within this ECM which controls every electronic function, notably the ventilation and brake systems. Nevertheless, a fault in the ECM might lead to a dysfunctional ventilation system, which would then prevent the vent selector from operating.
How to Diagnose and Fix the Dodge Ram Vent Selector Not Working Problem?
When the dodge ram selector is not blowing off enough air or is not diverting it in the direction you asked for, it can easily be diagnosed that the dodge ram vent selector is not working. You can also know about your malfunctioning Dodge Ram vent selector if the air that comes out from the vent is either at a higher or a lower temperature than required.
So how can you fix this issue?
- Locate the Mode Door and Mode Door Actuator: First things first, find the mode door and actuator on your vent selector. You will find the actuator connected to the mode door via rods.
- Removing the Mode Door Actuator: After locating it, take off the mode door actuator from the HVAC box to fix your vent selector.
- Inspect the Mode Door Actuator: Examine the mode door actuator for any damage or signs of wear and tear. You may use a flashlight for easy vision of the actuator. Manually Check the Mode Door: If everything seems to be in order, try using your fingers to shift the mode door. This will help you understand if the mode door is jammed or moving easily. Replace the actuator if it glides smoothly and nothing is damaged.
- Removing HVAC Case and Dash: Disassembling the HVAC case and dash is necessary if the door is damaged or obstructed. This allows for a much clearer inspection of the components and also the replacement of the damaged mode door.
- Fix the Bolts: After you are done replacing the components, secure the bolts tightly so that they have no chance of coming loose and causing issues.
- Cleaning and Lubrication: You may also clean the inner parts and lubricate the jammed parts before or after the component replacement.
What Are The Consequences If You Are Not Fixing Your Dodge Ram’s Vent Selector?
If you are not fixing your Dodge Ram’s vent selector, the consequences can be further detrimental to your engine system in the long run.
- Obstruction in Air Flow: When the vent selector is not working and you fail to fix it, there can be long-term consequences. The already obstructed air will cease to flow completely causing permanent damage to the vent selector. The only option you will be left with is to replace the vent selector.
- Uneven Air Temperature: When the air is flowing through a faulty vent selector, it is at an unwanted temperature. If you don’t fix your vent selector, the heating, cooling, and defrosting will be permanently affected. There will be an unequal comfort level in different areas of the vehicle.
- Decreased Visibility: In extremely low temperatures, the visibility is compromised due to defrosting. This occurs when you avoid fixing the vent selector timely. This can be a potential hazard because not being able to see clearly while driving can lead to accidents.
- HVAC System Strain: Another consequence of not fixing the vent selector is extra strain on the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the components which will in turn damage the vent selector to the point that it will increase your repair costs.
Conclusion
The proper functioning of the Dodge Ram vent selector is crucial for ease in airflow and the required air temperature because of this we conclude that if the Dodge Ram vent selector is defective, the airflow will be obstructed, the air temperature will be unevenly distributed and if it is not tended to for long, it can even lead to visibility issues and sudden outburst of the airbag, which can be disastrous. You can easily fix a slightly jammed vent selector at home by lubricating and cleaning it but will need to visit a dealer for replacement of the extremely damaged components.
