I was able to get to the control panel and found out the mechanism gets bound up when it switches to the normal dash vent only. This causes the mechanism to go to the lowest position and get stuck there.

Once in dash only setting it is stuck. Once I force it away from that position it will move freely to the floor, defrost, and floor & dash settings using the controls.

Any suggestions on how to prevent it from binding?

Thanks in advance.

 

I had a 5th gen that would "bind" up like that. I would lube the linkage with some white lithium grease.

I think on your car the motor will need to be removed to get at the linkage.

 

Took the motor out and everything seemed greased up and I put some more on to make sure it was good to go.

Moving the levers manually it does seem difficult to change from the top vent setting. It isn't stuck and operates smoothly it is just a bit heavier that I imagines for that small motor.

Does anyone know the part number for that motor? I will give that a shot.

Thanks.

 

Please double check me on this - 79140-SDA-A01.

A bone yard might be a choice to think about if you don't want to go with a new one