Loud popping/snapping/flapping sound from center vents.

[edwx]

This morning I started up my X, and heard a nasty snapping/popping/flapping sound coming from the center vents. It sounded like a plastic door was trying to open, but kept snapping shut. It was worst on high heat and high fan, and hardly does it on lower heat and lower fan speed. On high fan, the air was pulsing out of the vents and I heard the popping sound. The mode, defrost, etc. doesn't seem to matter. Tonight I was messing with it, and at one point couldn't get any heat at all. Is this a blend door issue?

 

[seannydeez]

let me know if you figure anything out. On cold mornings when I first start might explorer i get groaning noises coming from the center vent area almost like some sort of plastic door is having trouble opening and then it's fine. Ford as usual said they couldn't replicate it or find a problem.

 

[waskly]

think the blend door is stuck but in the hot or cold position which is causing the door to hit the box... just a though.

 

[rhauf]

think the blend door is stuck but in the hot or cold position which is causing the door to hit the box... just a though.

^^^
that's what comes to mind for me instantly as well. blend door actuator box. the good news is they're relatively cheap and easy to replace though.

 

[edwx]

Thanks. I think there is a blend door actuator, and the blend door itself. I'm hoping the problem goes away, but they usually don't. Next, I hope that it's the actuator, and that they're easy to replace....I think they cost about $100. Third, I hope the blend door itself isn't broken. I'm gonna check out the actuator tomorrow am.

 

[seannydeez]

Anyone know how to replace the blend door?

 

[waskly]

Anyone know how to replace the blend door?

long process.

remove center console, remove dash, change door.

 

[edwx]

I think my problem is definitely the actuator. I put my hand on the actuator while I was hearing the noise, and I could feel the vibration right at the actuator. I ordered a Motorcraft replacement for about $50. To be continued............