Squilax
Active Member
- Joined
- November 1, 2007
- Messages
- 57
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Holtwood, PA
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 Explorer XLT
I followed the instructions from another posting about this issue. This is the thread:Blend Door Actuator Replacement My thanks to Sleb for this information - it's been really helpful.
No problems at all up to this point.
Next, I used the diagram for the “Temperature Blend Door Actuator – LH” and I located the actuator and the three screws that hold it in place.
However, here is my problem - I can’t get enough clearance to get my socket wrench in there to loosen the screws to remove the actuator. Is there some other tool I should be using to get behind the Lower Dash Panel on the left side, or should I remove this part of the dash? Does anyone have a diagram for this step? How difficult is it to take this section off?
Once I get the actuator removed, should I check to see if the gears are “grabbing” before I purchase a new one? I’m thinking that the clicking sound could be because the gears are stripped or broken and not connecting to turn the door axle. Am I at least on the right track?
In addition, as long as I already have everything apart, I’d like to check out the blend door to make sure it isn’t broken and if it is, then replace the door itself. It’s only a $12 part so it’s probably worth the effort to replace it rather than try to repair it. How do I get to the Plenum to do this? Can I pull the plenum out to check the condition of the door?
In the meantime, I've experimented with the blend door itself.
Any assistance is greatly appreciated. I’ve already spent over 3 hours on this. I can only imagine what it would be costing me if I took it into the shop!
Thanks.
Steve
- I removed the floor console.
- I removed steering column opening cover.
No problems at all up to this point.
Next, I used the diagram for the “Temperature Blend Door Actuator – LH” and I located the actuator and the three screws that hold it in place.
However, here is my problem - I can’t get enough clearance to get my socket wrench in there to loosen the screws to remove the actuator. Is there some other tool I should be using to get behind the Lower Dash Panel on the left side, or should I remove this part of the dash? Does anyone have a diagram for this step? How difficult is it to take this section off?
Once I get the actuator removed, should I check to see if the gears are “grabbing” before I purchase a new one? I’m thinking that the clicking sound could be because the gears are stripped or broken and not connecting to turn the door axle. Am I at least on the right track?
In addition, as long as I already have everything apart, I’d like to check out the blend door to make sure it isn’t broken and if it is, then replace the door itself. It’s only a $12 part so it’s probably worth the effort to replace it rather than try to repair it. How do I get to the Plenum to do this? Can I pull the plenum out to check the condition of the door?
In the meantime, I've experimented with the blend door itself.
- I removed the instrument panel brace on the right side in addition to the one on the left.
- I took out both floor ducts.
- I can now reach up inside the dash on the right hand side and manually pull the blend door closed so I have heat.
- However, when I shut off the engine, the blend door goes back to the cool setting and to get heat again, I need to repeat this manual process.
Any assistance is greatly appreciated. I’ve already spent over 3 hours on this. I can only imagine what it would be costing me if I took it into the shop!
Thanks.
Steve