Can't Get Heat, Fan Works, Door clicking Noices

[JDM113]

Some time ago, my 2002 Explorer decided to quit directing heat into the ventilation airways. I also began hearing what sounds like a door repeatedly opening, and closing time and time again from the right-of-center area under the dash. When I turn the fan to high, that noise stopped and the heat would start coming out. More recently, another noise began - this time from the left underside of the dash. Once again, the sound of a clicking, door-opening and door-closing noise. When I turn the temperature knob to left (cold) the noise stops. When I turn it to the right (warm) it begins again immediately. Probably a simple fix for someone who knows Explorer ventilation systems. Is this some kind of weak/bad actuator, or vacuum leak, bad switch? Also, where's the best place to get a ventilation system diagrams / illustrations? Thanks in advance for the words of advice!!!

 

[mystic 96]

there is an electric blend door motor on the top of the case that goes bad causing the clicking niose..it has a plastic gear driving by an electric motor,,,when you adjust the temp the motor trys to move the door to move....(cable used to do the but not electric servos do it now.....the blead door servos and be purchased but the labor is quite a bit...

 

[JDM113]

Thanks for the advice

Thanks so much for the direction. You seem quite knowledgable, so I'm confident this'll save me some time. I tend to be a stout do-it-yourselfer, so thanks so much... I'll follow-up on what I found. Best wishes...

 

[ohiodisneydad]

This exact thing is happening to my 2002 Explorer. It is also happening on my mom's 2006. I also know of another Explorer owner who had this problem as well. Is there a recall by any chance on this item?

 

[JDM113]

Starting to work on it now

Since my original posting, I just started working on it now, as it's beginning to get cold now and a little heat is a good thing. One disturbing problem, since I just started working on it, now my right rear turn signal and brake light quit working. It seems too coincidental that both things happened at the same time. There does not seem to be any way to go in and access this blend door motor other than to go in through the front panel by taking out the radio, and removing that black plastic moulding.

 

[BigRondo]

Since my original posting, I just started working on it now, as it's beginning to get cold now and a little heat is a good thing. One disturbing problem, since I just started working on it, now my right rear turn signal and brake light quit working. It seems too coincidental that both things happened at the same time. There does not seem to be any way to go in and access this blend door motor other than to go in through the front panel by taking out the radio, and removing that black plastic moulding.

Check out this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198271

 

[JDM113]

Thanks for the assistance

Thanks for the assistance. Exactly the info I was originally looking for. Looking under the dash originally, it was really intimidating. Think I can do it now. Good thing it's warm here in Minnesota this week! Thank you again. J

 

[BigRondo]

Thanks for the assistance. Exactly the info I was originally looking for. Looking under the dash originally, it was really intimidating. Think I can do it now. Good thing it's warm here in Minnesota this week! Thank you again. J

No problem. I gotta do mine too before the temp drops and the snow flies! Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[ohiodisneydad]

Well I did mine Wed night. It was time consuming but not difficult. I had the luxury of being able to remove the console on Tuesday night. I removed the remaining parts Wed and getting to the actuator was a pain. I was able to get all three screws in and everything went back into place with relative ease.

For those of you who have to do this repair, take a breath and dive in. It's time consuming but not difficult. Have a standard and metric ratchet set available and a couple of extensions and a screwdriver to help remove the radio plate. A deep well socket is helpful too for the metal bracket next to the gas pedal.

Now my only issue is finding out why my A/C stops working on the MAX setting when I accelerate. Any pointers on that one?

I want to seriously thank each one of you that took time to post instructions on here. If it weren't for you, I would have had to take my Explorer to the shop to fix this. I'm pretty handy at car repairs but I wouldn't have known where to start or even attempted this without these posts.

 

[BigRondo]

Well I did mine Wed night. It was time consuming but not difficult. I had the luxury of being able to remove the console on Tuesday night. I removed the remaining parts Wed and getting to the actuator was a pain. I was able to get all three screws in and everything went back into place with relative ease.

For those of you who have to do this repair, take a breath and dive in. It's time consuming but not difficult. Have a standard and metric ratchet set available and a couple of extensions and a screwdriver to help remove the radio plate. A deep well socket is helpful too for the metal bracket next to the gas pedal.

Now my only issue is finding out why my A/C stops working on the MAX setting when I accelerate. Any pointers on that one?

I want to seriously thank each one of you that took time to post instructions on here. If it weren't for you, I would have had to take my Explorer to the shop to fix this. I'm pretty handy at car repairs but I wouldn't have known where to start or even attempted this without these posts.

I just did mine and did a write up. Sorry, I forgot to add a link here. But it sounds like you got it done. Good deal. Here is the link to the write up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=294140

Anyone that needs to change their Blend Door Actuator should check it out.

 

[ohiodisneydad]

I just read your write up and I noticed you cut your dash. I didn't have too. It would have been easier for certain but I actually worked my actuator through the opening in the dash left by removing the radio trim piece from around the radio and temperature controls. I slipped it through the opening and wiggled it in.

I also noticed you removed your whole console, including the metal tray that attaches to the tranny hump. I didn't do that either. Now that I look at your pics though I realize I failed to hook up my rear power point connector. The kids aren't gonna be happy if they can't recharge their DS's on long trips!

I guess no matter how we do it, we were able to get it done! Great job!

 

[BigRondo]

I just read your write up and I noticed you cut your dash. I didn't have too. It would have been easier for certain but I actually worked my actuator through the opening in the dash left by removing the radio trim piece from around the radio and temperature controls. I slipped it through the opening and wiggled it in.

I also noticed you removed your whole console, including the metal tray that attaches to the tranny hump. I didn't do that either. Now that I look at your pics though I realize I failed to hook up my rear power point connector. The kids aren't gonna be happy if they can't recharge their DS's on long trips!

I guess no matter how we do it, we were able to get it done! Great job!

Thanks, you too. I wanted it to be as easy as possible so I took out a bunch of stuff and cut the dash. The method I used required the whole console to be removed along with the brace and the lower heater duct and cutting the dash. Like you said, we get it done & save a ton of cash. You better get off the computer and hook up that power point. :biggthump