The actuator for the vent system on my 1997 Brighton Legacy wagon has died and I am desperately looking for a replacement. My local Subaru dealer as well as my local mechanic have not been able to help so far. Does anyone have any suggestions? The mechanic is afraid if I keep driving on it, the door to the vent will fly off and damage something else.

Are you talking about the HVAC door actuator under the dash?  If the dealership or indy mechanic can't find one, I'd suggest trying a Pull-n-Pay or salvage yard for a decent used one.

The vent door isn't going anywhere. That's hogwash.

 

The actuators will probably only be available used. How do they figure the actuator is bad?

What's it doing, or what isn't it doing?