2017 A/C Servo Motor Fail

[NCMTNS]

Had issue with A/C not coming on until about 30 seconds after starting engine. Did some checking and found that the recir flap behind glove box door was not functioning correctly. It also would not work when pressing the recir button. Took it into dealership, they found DTC B1448 face servo motor circuit (passenger side) failed, and recir door on blower assembly broken. They said there was a TSB but it had expired. They recommended to replace the entire A/C unit along with blower assembly.

Here is the kicker: cost to do the entire replacement is $10,688.00. I'm obviously going to go get 2nd/3rd/4th opinion but can't believe that the entire system has to be replaced. They said that since they were in there (have to remove entire dash) and due to mileage of vehicle (196k miles) they recommended.

Asking if anyone has had similar issue and did you replace entire system. I've searched but not much to go on unless I missed something.

 

[FxFormat]

The Car Care Nut just did a video on this, it was a nightmare repair. Whole dash gotta come out, search on youtube and watch that video

 

[Sandroad]

First of all, and before you do anything else, get the easy fix for the broken door and install it. The filter door mechanism is often broken by poorly trained maintenance persons and it’s well documented on this forum.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1306596850/land-cruiser-hvac-recirculation-door-fix?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=land+cruiser+blend+door&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=5477e77ee781277935443a1d7a4ae64d82a94dae%3A1306596850

It’s very likely that after you install this, your HVAC system will start working correctly, though you may need to disconnect the battery for a few minutes to reset error codes. A faulty functioning cabin filter door mechanism can play havoc with the HVAC, causing odd symptoms.

And if want lots of reading on this, here’s one long thread.

Thread 'Cabin Filter Change and the Recirculation Flap Issues FIXED'

Oct 30, 2017

Been lurking here for some time now, but I figured it was finally time to contribute to the knowledge base.

I picked up a cherry 2008 200 Series a couple months ago and have been baselining it ever since. This past weekend the cabin filter was on my list, but I wasn't expecting it to be as challenging as it turned out.

As most probably know, the cabin filter is located in the glove box, and the HVAC system needs to be set to recirculate in order to remove and install the filter. Failure to set the system to recirculate keeps the accordion looking flap covering the filter and blocking...

• ttrmike
• Replies: 177
• Forum: 200-Series Cruisers

• 

 

[NCMTNS]

First of all, and before you do anything else, get the easy fix for the broken door and install it. The filter door mechanism is often broken by poorly trained maintenance persons and it’s well documented on this forum.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1306596850/land-cruiser-hvac-recirculation-door-fix?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=land+cruiser+blend+door&ref=sr_gallery-1-9&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=5477e77ee781277935443a1d7a4ae64d82a94dae%3A1306596850

It’s very likely that after you install this, your HVAC system will start working correctly, though you may need to disconnect the battery for a few minutes to reset error codes. A faulty functioning cabin filter door mechanism can play havoc with the HVAC, causing odd symptoms.

And if want lots of reading on this, here’s one long thread.

Thread 'Cabin Filter Change and the Recirculation Flap Issues FIXED'

Oct 30, 2017

Been lurking here for some time now, but I figured it was finally time to contribute to the knowledge base.

I picked up a cherry 2008 200 Series a couple months ago and have been baselining it ever since. This past weekend the cabin filter was on my list, but I wasn't expecting it to be as challenging as it turned out.

As most probably know, the cabin filter is located in the glove box, and the HVAC system needs to be set to recirculate in order to remove and install the filter. Failure to set the system to recirculate keeps the accordion looking flap covering the filter and blocking...

• ttrmike
• Replies: 177
• Forum: 200-Series Cruisers

• 

Thanks. I will look into that.

 

[NCMTNS]

So I just picked up vehicle from dealership and got back home. I looked at the recir door behind glove box and looks like the tech fixed it. It opens and closes normally when I hit the recir button on dash; tried it a number of times. However, still have to wait ~30 sec to get HVAC to come on.

Wondering now if I disconnect battery for a few minutes it might reset codes? Might give that a try...

 

[NCMTNS]

So disconnected the battery for a few minutes and reconnected. Still get 48 code for passenger servo motor fail. After watching CCN video and seeing what he had to go thru seems to make sense to replace entire HVAC. But for now will just live with delay as I’m not sure I want my vehicle and wallet to have to go thru that…

 

[Sandroad]

So disconnected the battery for a few minutes and reconnected. Still get 48 code for passenger servo motor fail. After watching CCN video and seeing what he had to go thru seems to make sense to replace entire HVAC. But for now will just live with delay as I’m not sure I want my vehicle and wallet to have to go thru that…

There are other things to try before flattening your wallet. The servos (motors) in the HVAC can be re-initialized either at the dealer or by you using Techstream. Since the technical service bulletin on the known servo issue has “expired” (not sure what that means), it doesn’t mean the procedures can’t be used. Also, I think there is a HVAC reset procedure using the center screen for input. Search on Mud (using Google) for 200 Land Cruiser HVAC reset ih8mud.

 

[Sajan]

There are other things to try before flattening your wallet. The servos (motors) in the HVAC can be re-initialized either at the dealer or by you using Techstream. Since the technical service bulletin on the known servo issue has “expired” (not sure what that means), it doesn’t mean the procedures can’t be used. Also, I think there is a HVAC reset procedure using the center screen for input. Search on Mud (using Google) for 200 Land Cruiser HVAC reset ih8mud.

Yes. Agreed.
The TSB tells you to try the reprogram first.
I asked the dealer to do it and had them reprogram my AC ECU just a few weeks ago. It’s not expired. Maybe the free repairs are but you can still pay to have them do it.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10174925-9999.pdf

 

[NCMTNS]

There are other things to try before flattening your wallet. The servos (motors) in the HVAC can be re-initialized either at the dealer or by you using Techstream. Since the technical service bulletin on the known servo issue has “expired” (not sure what that means), it doesn’t mean the procedures can’t be used. Also, I think there is a HVAC reset procedure using the center screen for input. Search on Mud (using Google) for 200 Land Cruiser HVAC reset ih8mud.

Sounds good. Thanks for info.

 

[NCMTNS]

Yes. Agreed.
The TSB tells you to try the reprogram first.
I asked the dealer to do it and had them reprogram my AC ECU just a few weeks ago. It’s not expired. Maybe the free repairs are but you can still pay to have them do it.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10174925-9999.pdf

Agree. I’ll give it a shot. Thanks

 

[Cyrgeetar]

Any update on this?

I recently picked up a 2016 that just had a new battery put in. I wonder if this is the genesis of my similar issues. I replaced the servo arm on the glove box, as my recirc wasn't working.

Currently, my A/C is resetting to 75°F overnight and the fan speed would be off/very low, when the prior setting had been "LO" with fan speed on high. The rear air is throwing codes B1447,B1449,B1488, and B1497 and not blowing cold air or switching from roof to feet. I'm hoping that the Lauch/Techstream device will recalibrate the rear servos and get everything working again. It just seems unlikely that all the rear servos would be dead. Fingers crossed.

 

[Sajan]

Any update on this?

I recently picked up a 2016 that just had a new battery put in. I wonder if this is the genesis of my similar issues. I replaced the servo arm on the glove box, as my recirc wasn't working.

Currently, my A/C is resetting to 75°F overnight and the fan speed would be off/very low, when the prior setting had been "LO" with fan speed on high. The rear air is throwing codes B1447,B1449,B1488, and B1497 and not blowing cold air or switching from roof to feet. I'm hoping that the Lauch/Techstream device will recalibrate the rear servos and get everything working again. It just seems unlikely that all the rear servos would be dead. Fingers crossed.

if your battery was recently replaced, i would 100% try the servo reset first before going down the TSB path.

 

[GrouchyTech]

If you guys have Techstream, go to the active tests and check each servo's actual pulse value vs. the target value. Do this with the active test, and then do it via the HVAC controls in the vehicle.