2002 Mitsubishi Galant Heater Shut / Actuator Motor

[GSpeed]

Hello memebers,

I've a 2002 Galant that has always had issues when selecting temperature dial from cold to hot (would hear clicking noise under dash whenever I switched it from cold to hot ). Recently, when I select hot, air blows cold. No clicking noise present and no heat! I believe the Heater Shut Motor (believe it is also referred to as Heater temp actuator motor and Heater Blend Door Actuator), has become defective / stripped. I understand this to be very common issue with 2002 - 03 Galant / Eclipse.
Has anyone experienced the same issue and installed heater shut motor and confirm it resolved heat issue? Believe OEM part number for my application to be MR958603
Here is a video showing part I believe is causing loss of heat;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HywkYSNRGug
Tutorial on replacing part;
https://fixmymitsu.wordpress.com/

[tamim13]

Yes. If you've been having the clicking and the clicking stopped and now you don't have heat, that's the culprit. You can attempt to fix it yourself based on this tutorial -

https://www.thegalantcenter.org/show...ention-FREE!!!

I've changed the motor 5 times in my ownership of the car. They last an average of about 50K miles, depending on how often you use heat. They cost around $60-$80 and is usually only available at a dealer. I would not recommend getting a used one, unless you plan on fixing it, as they are usually bad as well.

[GSpeed]

tamim13, thank you for your reply and posting link. I appreciate it!
Can't believe you had to change this part five times!!!! Is your vehicle equipped with 4 or 6 cylinder? I assume OEM part MR958603 is for vehicles with both 4 or 6 cylinders.

[tamim13]

I don't believe that the part number is different for v6 or 4 cyl. Mine is 4 cyl. I will have to look up the part number next week, when I'm home and have access to my invoices.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heater-HVAC-...dWsxsh&vxp=mtr

It looks like the eBay one comes with a lifetime warranty. This might be worth investing in.

[GSpeed]

I believe part number is correct for either 4 or 6 cyl. as well. I appreciate your followup as well as providing the link. Was able to purchase new OEM Mitsubishi for $65.00. Will install in later this week.

[GSpeed]

Follow up;

Installed Heater Actuator motor which resolved no heat issue! Installation wasn't bad however, suggest giving youself a few hours of no interruptions. Keeping track of what screws were removed from what location can be a task however, most screws removed were the same size with the exception being the screws removed from;
- radio (1)
- heater blower motor assembly behind glove compartment
- 3 screws removed from actuator motor (see photo)
- 3 screws removed from bracket that black box (air bag module?) is attached to directly in from of actuator motor (see photo)

Was able remove the entire heater blower motor as an assembly to gain access to the actuator motor and bracket with black box attached to it, but still found it challenging to gain access to screws. Especially trying to re-install the screws. I found re-attaching the air duct behind radio compartment after removal , also a challenge.
To be honest, it wasn't as bad as I thought it might have been. Just tedious.
Again, thank you tamim13 for your time and assistance. i do appreciate it!

Black box in front of actuator motor ;
https://fixmymitsu.files.wordpress.c.../10/10_sml.jpg
Actuator motor;
https://fixmymitsu.files.wordpress.c.../10/13_sml.jpg

[tamim13]

Oh no, I should have told you about the shortcut to get to the heater actuator. When I replaced it, I removed the lower dash, the airbag and went in from the top. You have less space, but you have a lot less to remove to get to the actuator motor - you do not have to remove the blower motor etc. Magnetic screw drivers (stubby and regular) are a must.