Hi all, I'm new around here and a relatively new Chevy owner (only a couple of years).
I own a Chevy Captiva 2014 Sport. Yesterday I had my AC working on the way to the supermarket, and turned it off before turning the switch off (as I usually do).
When I got back to the car and went to turn on the AC, I noticed that the dash vent wasn't working, and my feet got very cold, so I understood that there might be an issue.
I turned the **** so the vent should only work from the dash vent, and still, the feet vent went on. I dismissed it as a faulty switch on for the car, and hoped that tomorrow would be a better day.
Today that was not the case, on my way to work I played around with the ***** and still, the dash vent wouldn't go. The windshield vent and feet vent both work well, and could easily freeze me.
Any idea what this could be?
I read a little on google, but the answers were related to other makers and models.
Would disconnecting and reconnecting the HVAC fuse do anything? Is it surely an HVAC issue?

Thanks in advance, much appreciated.

 

Welcome from Florida. Sounds like you have a mode actuator problem. Look it up on Youtube and you can find a way to check it.

 

Thanks Oldchevy, I did a little reading and it sounds quite familiar. The only main difference is a repeating complaint about the heating not working for the guys with the HVAC blend door actuator failures, which I wouldn't know about, cause it's a 100 degrees outside.
Some suggested it might be a burnt HVAC fuse or some loose lines near the vacuum source, which I hope it is, cause I usually keep the handle on 'auto' and let it do it's magic. I'll have to take a try at it and then will probably give up and go to a professional.

I'll keep you guys posted for future cases. Also, just noticed that the synonym for handle I used is censored, so sorry about that...

 

You say that the vent for your feet blows cold air, so that eliminates the blend door. The actuators are electric so a a loose vacuum line would not cause this problem, As always you should check your fuses first to eliminate that possibility.

 

Sorry, when looking up the mode actuator on Youtube I got only blend door actuator results, so I was under the impression we're talking about the same thing, I now know otherwise from an article I found.
I have checked the HVAC fuse and unfortunately that's not the issue. I found this post in the Silverado section of the forum, unfortunately either I didn't understand the instructions, or didn't manage to make it reset.
I only know of the HVAC fuse that's in the passenger seat next to the driver, and removing that one for a few seconds didn't seem to cause any recalibration.

I'm trying to avoid going to the garage, since only for the checkup alone they charge 150$ here, and they will have to order the mode actuator from abroad, which will take a couple weeks or so, will total in about a 1,000$ and losing two days of work.
If anyone has a quick instructional on how to get to the mode actuator in the Captiva and disassemble it that'd be great, I'm going on a business trip to the US soon and will (hopefully) have no trouble finding the actuator there.

 

These actuators are made of plastic with plastic gears and can't be repaired. Check Youtube for a tutorial on how to replace it. Do not power it up until it is installed if you do it yourself.

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/20..._door_actuator

 

Same exact problem, I replaced ALL the actuators and the dash panel HVAC controller, followed the recalibration guidelines online (the only ones available seem to be for early 2000s Chevy trucks), and STILL NO HVAC mode or temperature controls are working, which means it's stuck on floor/defrost and cold. It's like 130°F inside the cabin, if this keeps up I just won't be able to drive as I'll probably die of heatstroke. Is there something I'm missing, a super secret fuse or relay, or computer that controls the HVAC system? What the hell is going on here? The only thing that works is fan speed and thankfully the AC, though it's basically worthless coming through the floor vents only. It just never really cools off the car

 

Hi Soloist3, I'll let you know what's the situation for me right now:
I've been to the mechanic, although I told him it's probably the mode actuator, he insisted on checking the whole HVAC system - which I can't judge him for.
After checking the system, he agreed that the issue is probably the mode actuator, but he said that the vehicle's computer claims that it's fine and that the issue is the blend door actuator.
In the meantime, he has manually set the mode to work on the front blower, and since the part is unavailable here, he has agreed that'd be best if I got in the US and carry it back to him.
This is the PN he has insisted I get:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1141187

Two days after the fix, I encountered a bump down the road, after which the blower temperature started to rise.
So at the moment, I think I have the same issue as you do - it's aimed at about 130F and I can do nothing about it but open my window and hope for an equilibrium with the outside temperature of 100F.
It's a hassle to get to the mechanic (and is costly), so I'll get back there only with the new actuator - which will hopefully happen Sunday.

I'll keep you posted, hopefully we both get this issue sorted out ASAP.

 

Hi all,
As promised, I shall update everybody:
Although the constant fear to jinx it, my AC works great now. I have given the ACDELCO 1573282 I've ordered to my mechanic, and 200$ later, he has replaced it and changed my filter.
Everything works well now. oldchevy was absolutely correct.
I've taken the old one apart to see what happened, [size=13px]essentially[/size] it's a little motor connected to a line of three cog wheels, where the biggest is a part of the shaft that consists of the slot.
The largest cog wheel that is attached to the slot had a few of its teeth worn out, I assume that that was what caused the inability to change modes.
Since it's all plastic, I assume I could have replaced it instead of the whole motor construction, but that's just in hindsight.
If anyone wishes, I can upload a photo of it.
Anyway, I hope that having this whole thing documented will help other people looking for help in the future.