2003 tahoe heater core, evaporator, blend doors, actuators

I am looking to pull my dashboard to replace the heater core and evaporator and want to replace anything else that makes sense while I am in there..
I have cj2 code, dual zone auto digital climate controls up front

I'll be replacing the dryer/accumulator, orifice tube since the ac system will be opened up

how many actuators there, which ones can you only access with the dash out?
I know I want to replace the mode actuator under the dash driver side because it has made a squeaking noise for years

I am looking at these parts lists and just trying to identify how many of each part there is

@swathdiver can most likely provide you with some insights into your project planning.

ncalvo said:

I am looking to pull my dashboard to replace the heater core and evaporator and want to replace anything else that makes sense while I am in there..
I have cj2 code, dual zone auto digital climate controls up front

I'll be replacing the dryer/accumulator, orifice tube since the ac system will be opened up

how many actuators there, which ones can you only access with the dash out?
I know I want to replace the mode actuator under the dash driver side because it has made a squeaking noise for years

I am looking at these parts lists and just trying to identify how many of each part there is

A/C & Heater Module Assembly - 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD

GMPartsGiant.com offers genuine A/C & Heater Module Assembly for 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with great price and fast delivery.

www.gmpartsgiant.com

2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE 5.3L V8 Heater Air Door Actuator | Shop Now at RockAuto

Heat & Air Conditioning Parts and More for Your 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

Click to expand...

There are 4 actuators up front and you should be able to access them all without putting the dash in the service position when replacing the heater core. However, you can easily get at the passenger side temperature actuator and the fresh air actuator while making that repair. Use GM OE parts so you won't have to replace them again.

If you want to be fancy, swap out your dash with an Escalade dash, and add cabin filters to your mix.

Cabin filter Replacement 2000-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Tahoe and Yukon

Do all the GMT800 SUVs have the filter? I thought they didn't -- just the Escalade.

swathdiver said:

There are 4 actuators up front and you should be able to access them all without putting the dash in the service position when replacing the heater core. However, you can easily get at the passenger side temperature actuator and the fresh air actuator while making that repair. Use GM OE parts so you won't have to replace them again.

Click to expand...

thanks for the help

I did install a cabin air filter in my air box



scouring the forum i seemed to find a post with a lot of helpful info i will put in this thread below

if i'm not mistaken it requires
3 of these (GM 15-72971, 89018365) https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=452286&cc=1412244&pt=10721&jsn=705
1 of these (GM 15-73952, 89018374) https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1309340&cc=1412244&pt=10721&jsn=700





There are four main actuators located in the dash:
1. Mode controller
2. Fresh Air/ Recirculation
3. Driver blend door
4. Passenger blend door

The actuators may generally be found in the following areas:

1. Mode - Driver side footwell (right side of steering column). The actuator is mounted vertically and will have a plastic positioning track plate attached to it.

2. Fresh Air/ Recirculation - Passenger side upper dash (right side behind glove box). Mounted vertically. Will require disassembly of the dash itself.

3. Driver blend door - Passenger side footwell underside of dash (left side along center dash column). Mounted horizontally.

4. Passenger blend door - Passenger side upper dash (left side behind glove box). Mounted horizontally. Will require disassembly of the dash itself.


Here's some links that were extremely helpful in locating some of these actuators:


Fresh air/recirculation

http://www.sparkys-answers.com/2010/08/changing-recirculation-fresh-air-door.html



Passenger blend door

http://www.sparkys-answers.com/2011/03/2004-chevrolet-silverado-changing.html

http://chevroletforum.com/forum/sil...ature-valve-actuator-replacement-22624/page2/



Driver blend door

http://www.sparkys-answers.com/2009/09/2004-chevrolet-tahoe-blows-hot-air.html

http://chevroletforum.com/forum/sil...temperature-valve-actuator-replacement-22624/

doing this work tomorrow hopefully I can bang it out in one day. I am using these two videos for reference they seem extremely helpful

one question I have is when replacing the actuators to make sure I swap them in correctly and they don't fail in the wrong position, and to possibly test them before I button the dash back up just incase I need to access them again

If it's in the budget, I'd replace all the blend doors while you are in there.