So the vents in my 2004 civic ex have gotten stuck in “blow my face off mode” so I swapped out the motor and now it’s stuck in the “defrost” mode. I noticed the motor is not getting power, so I swapped out the climate control panel and checked all the fuses. Fuses are all good and the panel didn’t fix it. I’m wondering what else it could be? The motor doesn’t even turn on. I’m hoping it’s not a wiring issue because I can’t fix that kind of stuff. HELP!

 

Check fuses #2 (15A) in the Under-Hood Fuse/Relay Box and #14 (7.5A) in the Under-Dash Fuse/Relay Box.

 

Thanks for the reply. I double checked those 2 fuses you mentioned and just for good measure I checked all of them. Each point lights up. I did notice that some of the fuses in the dash only light up when the car is powered on (not started)
also according to my owners manual number 14 on the interior fuse box relay is, 10a, could that be an issue?

 

The 10A would be fine.

Time to do a self-diagnosis of the HVAC. Follow instructions in this video:
DTC codes for the HVAC:
7- An Open in the Air Mix Control Motor Circuit
8- A Short in the Air Mix Control Motor Circuit
9- A Problem in the Air Mix Control Linkage, Door, or Motor
10- An Open or Short in the Mode Control Motor Circuit
11- A Problem in the Mode Control Linkage, Doors, or Motor
12- A Problem in the Blower Motor Circuit
14 (With A/C)- An Open in the Evaporator Temperature Sensor Circuit
15 (With A/C)- A Short in the Evaporator Temperature Sensor Circuit


I would expect you to have a DTC code of 10 or 11 for the Mode Control Motor.

You will need to test the mode control motor for failure, check for continuity between ground and heater control panel for a short, check for a short in the circuit from the heater control panel to the mode control motor, check for loose wires or poor connections at the heater control panel and the mode control motor, check for a faulty heater control panel, check for a faulty mode control motor or check for proper movement of the linkages or doors.

 

Yes you were correct. 10 blinks. Do I use a voltmeter or a test light to look for the short?

 

Yes, a multi-meter can check for voltage and continuity.

Sounds like you may have a short to power in the wire between the heater control panel and the mode control motor. With ignition in II position, check for voltage at the heater control panel connector and the mode control motor connector. I don't have the pinout for these connectors so someone else may be able to chime in and help you out for the terminals in the harness to check. Important to note that if you do indeed have a short in the power to the heater control panel, it may also damage the control panel so repair this before installing a another control panel. You are looking for loose wires and connections as well.

 

Thank you for all your help. Turns out I had gotten the wrong part from the store. They sent me a blend door actuator and not the mode control motor. Went to a junk yard and pulled one off a trashed 04 civic. Works fine now. Thank you again!

 

Ahh, that's good. No electrical troubleshooting is a huge relief.