All the actuators are the same part# except for the mode/vent selection actuator. And yes, you should be able to set them where you want and unplug and/or remove.

 

Is the mode/vent selection actuator located high above the radio? Would you remove the radio panel section to be able to replace this actuator?.........Also, I notice, the original OEM installed GM actuators are all stamped with the part number # PP-GF40 and the Replacement part when ordered may be stamped # PP-GF30. Anyone know what these PP-GF40 and PP-GF30 markings stand for, perhaps the small internal motor rating?

 

They are both accessible and not-too-hard to replace if you know the couple of tips and tricks. Buy the oem AC Delco parts online, shop a bit for lower prices.

There are many BLEND DOOR YouTube videos if you watch half a dozen you'll see a couple matching your exact vehicle. Notice the little hand tools, and access methods.

I documented mine in case I need to do them again. Look in my help files. Your 2008 is same as my 2010.

Notice how to electrically drive each new sensor into the position matching the sensor you just un-installed (don't try to move them manually). It's quick but just read how-to a couple times and see the picture for making connection wires.

Notice the RESET RELEARN conversation.

My Help Files.
All the actuator stuff is in the same place:
II
V

 

Is there any source for the broken internal gear perhaps a more durable/heavy-duty gear?

 

Only if you make it yourself. As far as anyone can tell, all the aftermarket manufacturers use the same gear supplier as GM, so the actuators all have the same flaw no matter which brand you buy.

 

There should have been a recall for GM actuators....Thousands of owners were affected.

I have been lucky, I have a 2008 Chev impala LT with 220 km/139mi....mileage. Suddenly in Jan. 2024, one actuator (the recirculating air - fresh or inside recirculation actuator) starting clicking and then 6 months later July. 2024, the 2nd actuator ( the left side glove box actuator for the temperature of the passenger side starting clicking). I have read, virtually every owner of a Chev Impala has had to change these actuators sometimes over & over again. The Chev dealers overcharge to change these actuators, cost to change the actuator and labour at a GM dealer has been reportered to be $1000+. This was a faulty designed part originally installed in the vehicle. The Chev Impala otherwise is a well built vehicle, so many Impalas still on the road while the equivalent 2008 Fords & Chryslers are all in the scrap yard......I believe most of these Chev Impala sedans were built in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

 

I had just replaced a couple on my sons car. Was clicking since he got it. Surprisingly the ones on my 06 SS are still good, knock on wood!

 

Recalls are for safety items and government mandated items. Everything else is covered by a warranty.

I completely agree that over all those years they could have come up with a better device. In fact, they could have come up with better door handle and lock assemblies. And hood strut supports. Gas filler tube support items. Tail light seals. Access to Starter and Fuel Pump etc. Electrical ABS connection wires at all four wheel hubs. Dash-top daylight sensor hardware. Ignition switches that retain keys safely. The stupid cabin filters accessed under hood rubber seals. Hmm.

I think the ABS Wheel Wires and the high quality Ignition Switch should be recalls (real repair not a plastic insert).

The rest are just warranty. Expired now for all Impalas. All we can do is to act as a group here to pass along fixes that work - and fixes that work longer.

 

There's a seller on Amazon (BlendDoor.com) that sells a rebuild kit for ~$13. It's simply the replacement gear that commonly breaks made of "hardened/space-age plastic". I've rebuilt 2-3 bda's and haven't had 1 fail again.

 

So someone finally did make one, awesome!

 

How long have the replacement gears lasted? Thanks

 

2-3 yrs. so far...

 

These same actuators were installed in Chev Impalas 2006-2016.

 

Are the newer Chev Impalas 2020-2025 using these same actuators?

Impala production ended February 27, 2020, unfortunately. The last Impala body was built on the GM Epsilon II platform, which is totally a different car than the W body cars. The last gen Impalas hit the market in late spring of 2013 as 2014 models. They shared the same V6 engine and 6 speed trans as the 2012 and later W body cars, but everything else was different. The Epsilon II cars also had 2 different 4 cylinder engines available for several years, but they were eventually dropped due to poor take rates.

 

I got a quote today from my local Chev dealer regarding replacement of both actuators on the right & left side of my glove box (2008 Chev Impala). Price quoted: $145 per actuator plus $450 labour, with taxes would be over $1000. That is the reason GM has not improved the quality of the gear in the actuators, the dealers/GM are making huge profits replacing these faulty actuators

 

There should be three actuators same part# plus one actuator different (Mode). Is seems like when one of the three fails the other two are not far behind.

 

Yeah, I just recently had to replace all three of the BDA's in my 2012 Impala. FWIW, the Mode actuator hasn't failed - yet. Mind you, I bought the car used in 2021, so for all I know, the Mode actuator has been replaced at least once. This last time was the first time I had to replace the driver-side heat BDA, second time for the pass heat BDA, and third (maybe fourth) time for the recirculation BDA since I bought it. YMMV.

 

I believe the Gen 9 Impalas carried on with the same actuators, as do many of the current crop of GM trucks and Crossovers/SUV's. All without any update, which is genuinely disappointing. I mean, what would it take? GM wouldn't even need to design and fab a new part, since it's always the same gear inside these actuators that strips teeth, because it's made out of petrified Cheez-Whiz pseudo-plastic.

The only thing required of Generous Motors to turn these actuators into decent, reliable parts would be to spec better plastic for that one stinking gear. How much would the cost of each one increase? Maybe a nickel? Hell, I'd have been happy to pay an extra dollar to ensure I got a more reliable unit. GM would be more than welcome to the additional profit. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen, because GM is in the business of selling new cars, not better replacement parts.

 

I got a quote today from my local Chev dealer regarding replacement of both actuators on the right & left side of my glove box (2008 Chev Impala). Price quoted: $145 per actuator plus $450 labour, with taxes would be over $1000. That is the reason GM has not improved the quality of the gear in the actuators, the dealers/GM are making huge profits replacing these faulty actuators

 

For Reference:

Air Conditioning and Heater Door Actuator Motor

Dorman Part Number #604108 (Stamped #PP-GF40 same as OEM part)

Exact Replacement for the following:

Buick LaCrosse 2005 -2009
Buick Allure 2005 -2009

Cadillac XLR 2004 -2009
Chevrolet Corvette 2005 -2013

Chevrolet Impala 2004 -2013
Chevrolet Impala Limited 2014 -2016

Chevrolet Malibu 2004 -2007
Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2004 -2007

Chevrolet Malibu Classic 2008 -2008
Pontiac Grand Prix 2004 -2008