Expert: Candido Figueroa - 7/10/2009

Question
My question is similar to the one answered by David Hill on 1/12/09, but I have a 2005 Corvette. The dealer is telling me that there are 5 actuators that open vent doors, and to get to any of them, they have to remove the entire dashboard and glove box, and the cost to do that and replace all 5 (since it is so labor intense, they recommend doing all at once)is $1700 labor plus $50 per actuator in parts. Is there another way to open the vent door (like inserting a small rod)? and if not, do you think the cost is about right? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Steve

The labor is intense to change all five.  But you need to see which one you really need.  Some of them can be replaced without removing the dash.  Make sure it is not a vacuum problem and not the actuator.  You can go to the switch and test each actuator with the proper tools and  which one is not working it may be one of the easier ones.  If it is vacuum issue  correct it and you will fix it without removing the dash.