Worst HVAC system I've ever seen. Got a 2008 with 114,000 miles. Actuators were all replaced at the dealer a few years ago. I've had to replace two in the past few months, and the recirculate one just failed. Thanks for the video... I just needed to see that door move.
So you have to power it and you'll find it work. I haven't bought the new one but it's gotta be a program link but my motor still works but wouldn't shut off.
Make sure it fits correct on the shaft . Also , Turn key on , and touch nothing till all noise has stopped . It will relearn the door positions. . Make sure the blend door moves free so it will not strip gears out in actuator.
Hmm it sounds like a poor design, Maybe no end of travel switches. Or maybe there is one on the left side of the door. If it has a switch then it could have a dirty contact. If there are no switches then the motor controller applies voltage and monitors the motor current. When the motor stalls it pulls way too much current, then the controller knows where the door is. Not clever :-(