Chevy Equinox Heater Door Broken Blowing Cold Air

Problem with my 2006 Chevrolet Equinox.
I have a 2006 Chevy Equinox that the heater does not work. The blower fan and all the switches are fine. Airflow does change from vent to floor to defrosters. When i turn the temp knob to hot air, only get cold come out. Does not matter what setting the mode door is in? Removed the temperature control motor actuator, and the little knob that it goes into is just spinning and pushes in to the heater box.

Is this a repair to be sent to a mechanic or can i replace it myself. Do have experience working on cars and trucks for years, but not an Equinox or Pontiac Torrent which are the same vehicle.

Answer:
Click pictures belo for larger view. Yes, this is becoming a common problem on the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. The temperature actuator door has broken inside the dash. In order to replace it, you will need to remove the entire dash, all related parts, the cross car beam, then you can remove the heater A/C case. The case must be disassembled to replace the door. It costs about $22.

This is an extremely big job. Takes a good 7-8 hours to complete. Even for me who works on the Chevrolet Equinox all day. I would suggest not doing this yourself unless you have experience with the Chevy Equinox or Pontiac Torrent.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

How did the mechanic flip the door to get heat????? I am also a single mom and the winter is coming !!!!
 You have to remove the door actuator motor, then you may be able to grab what is left of the door and turn it. If you push it in any further than it is, you will not be able to do it. The motor is accessed by removing the glove box. It is on the side of the HVAC case, left or glove box.

I took it to a garage today and they told me $800 to fix it. I know the article says not to try it yourself, but for a $25 part? Not sure what to do and its going to get cold fast here in the Midwest.
 Just look at the pictures above ! Absolutely everything has to come out, right down to the firewall. If you have never taken out a dash before, then don't try it on this one ! There is a lot more parts than just what you see when looking at your dash board.

I have the same Heater problem I agree this is a problem with these vehicles causing a very unsafe driving condition when winter comes around...come on GM either get off your lazy #@% or forget me and all my Facebook friends from ever buying a GM car again.

Add me to the list just broke this past weekend.....sent e-mail to GM about it still waiting for a reply......I really don't expect to receive one back....NO more GM cars in my house. Also, they need to send their engineers back to basic mechanical drawing class for designing such a piece of garbage.

I also have a 06 equinox heater door broke is 1000 dollars to fix it I think g m needs to step up and get this problem fixed. how n days can just shit a grand.

I am turning to the media as well. I too am a single mom and can't afford this expense for a 35.00 part. I haven't had any other issues with the vehicle just this heat problem. My struts are fine and i live in Detroit where the roads are horrible. I don't think they are lemons, but this heater issue is a problem due to no defrost, that is a safety issue.

I also have a 2006 Equinox. I have the same issue. My mechanic flip the door open so I can get the heat. This is not the only problem with this SUV. I've replace the drive shaft, supposedly my strut are going. I think these are lemons. And to get GM to repair your crap. You must take it to there dealers. Good Luck.