edwx
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- July 4, 2006
- Messages
- 806
- Reaction score
- 9
- City, State
- Jacksonville, FL
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2020 Ford Explorer XLT
It was very easy to do. Took about 15min. Easier than Gen. III because the panel next to the lower part of the driver's leg just pops off. Removing the center console is not necessary. All I did was pop off that panel, and removed the panel below the steering column, which was attached by two 7mm hex screws, and just pulls off. The actuator is in about the same place as in the Gen. III's (plenty of threads in Gen. III forum showing location.). All three 8mm hex head screws on the actuator are very accessible with a 1/4 drive ratchet and an extention or two. Before I removed the actuator, I started the vehicle, and moved the temp. to cold and then shut off engine. I removed the actuator and small foam ring, disconnected it, put the foam ring on the new part, connected it, and installed it. Started engine, let warm up, and moved temp dial from cold to hot, and YIPPEE, hot air with no noise.
You can save about $20 by not buying the part from the dealer. Just search your correct Motorcraft part # by VIN on fordparts.com, then use that part # to search online for best price. I got mine from Rockauto for $49 inc. shipping. There was even a promotional code I used to get an extra 5% off. I went with the Motorcraft actuator. Dorman also makes them, but the price is not that much different, and I was comfortable with Motorcraft.
I took the actuator apart that I removed, and there were 3 broken teeth on the small gear inside the actuator.
You can save about $20 by not buying the part from the dealer. Just search your correct Motorcraft part # by VIN on fordparts.com, then use that part # to search online for best price. I got mine from Rockauto for $49 inc. shipping. There was even a promotional code I used to get an extra 5% off. I went with the Motorcraft actuator. Dorman also makes them, but the price is not that much different, and I was comfortable with Motorcraft.
I took the actuator apart that I removed, and there were 3 broken teeth on the small gear inside the actuator.