Body, generic

B0170 HVAC Mode Door Position Sensor

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

Searching the available J2012 lists and public manufacturer material turned up no entry for B0170 with this title. Unlike B0150, which concerns how the mode door moves, this code points at the sensor that reports its position. In most electronic climate actuators that sensor is a potentiometer on the gear train; a Motor magazine article puts its signal at about 0 to 5 V and notes that simple recirculation actuators often have none. Hyundai's patent US9960727B2 drives intake, temperature, mode and defog door motors until the feedback voltage matches the target and watches the motor current for stalls. A lost or noisy position signal leaves the module unsure where the door is, so it may stop driving it.

Likely causes

Worn or dirty potentiometer track inside the mode actuator
Feedback signal, 5 V supply or reference wire open or shorted
Bent or pushed-back pin in the actuator connector

Symptoms

  • Air distribution stays fixed in one position
  • Actuator runs repeatedly or ticks after switching on

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–500
Time0.5–4 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

mode door position sensormode door actuatorhvac control module

Related codes

B0150B0268

References: motor.com, patents.google.com, patents.google.com.