SamNFTY

After some research I've determined that it definitely requires the entire dash to be removed. The mode actuator is on the left hand side of the heater unit. That's behind the dials. That's one reason. The other reason is that I haven't been able to find just the mode actuator. It's only sold as part of the entire unit, a $250 unit. Don't think I'm gonna bother fixing it anytime soon.

I have this same problem on my '99 Outback. I tried cleaning my controller, replacing it. No success. It was a gradual problem. The mode door would move fairly slowly at first, now it's stuck at defrost. Am I right to say it's most likely the mode door acuator? If so, is there any way to replace it without removing the entire dashboard? Thanks for any help you can provide!