AC air blend actuator/ controls issue

2003 Tacoma 2.7L prerunner extended cab automatic transmission vehicle

My AC isn't blowing as cold as I like and the actuator is just turning on and off even when the AC or heat isn't turned on.

I took the actuator off and tried to push the horizontal metal rod that runs toward the center console and controls that the actuator actually pushes, but it is very difficult to move.

The AC works, but I'm thinking that perhaps the reason has something to do with the controls. Anybody have any experience with this?

 

My 04 acted up...ended up being the control panel thing that had the climate control knobs on it..can't remember the part name. I replaced the blend door actuator first and didn't fix it

 

HVAC Temperature Control panel
55910-35240

 

Don't know how to solve it being difficult to move. However I had a wire get tangled in my blend arm (how, I don't know) and it would open and close and open and close, I could hear it. Finally tore it apart and found the culprit. All in all, if it is stiff for some reason I would assume it could cause a similar issue of it opening and closing.

 

Ended up taking it in to a mechanic I trust in town. The bill is coming in at $1425. I'm curious about what is being replaced. I did request a new compressor as the bearing was failing on it and it did sieze. We will see how it turns out.