2003 Explorer Mystery Part

[winger27]

This piece fell off from under my dash onto my foot that was on the brake. It seems like it broke off from one end and the other end has a post on it like it was connected to something. I tried to see where it came from but no luck. Everything seems to be working right. Any ideas? Thank


http://buddyol.shutterfly.com/pictures#n_5

 

[FordFool2]

That is your defrost plenum linkage arm. This arm connects the actuator to the defrost/panel damper/louver. It has broken like so many others. After it breaks, you tend to see reduced defrost or panel depending upon how and if the damper lodges iteself in the plenum.

It is a big job to fix it and involves pulling the entire instrument panel to replace. Here is a link to the repair. There are several others. Sorry about the bad news.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=369287&highlight=plenum

 

[winger27]

FordFool thanks for the info. I kinda thought it was something like that, but couldn't see where it came from. Now I know why. I don't think I'll be tackling this one. Winter is hopefully gone (as soon as this blizzard leaves) and I might not need the defrosters that much. The Explorer has 210k on it so maybe time to start looking, it's been a great ride.

 

[75ohm]

Okay, before you go pulling your dash to fix a cheap-ass plastic design from Ford (engineer that designed this should be flogged)...

You have the major parts still intact UNLESS the internal components broke away and dropped into the chamber.

Find the orientation and get some threaded rod and epoxy putty and have at it.

I did it, it works.