>>PLEASE HELP<< Thumping in rear cargo area

[Teufelhund]

My wifes 02 Explorer has a strong thumping/clicking coming from the rear cargo area when we try to use the rear air controls. Happens when I try and change the temp of the vent or ac. I have it set in a "sweet spot" and now no more clicking but does not do my kids any good if they want warmer or cooler air. Only blows very cool air on them.
The noise is coming from behind a panel on the drivers side in the rear cargo area.
Is this the air distribution blend door actuator I have read about?
If so how do I fix it and replace it without spending a ton of dough at the dealer ship.

Please help!
My wife is killing me with this and my kids deserve to ride in comfort.

 

[just2L]

It sounds like the actuator in the rear AC unit. I had the same problem in mine this past summer and after ruling out the blower motor I was told that it was the blend door for the rear unit. The actuator is about $80 at the dealership. I installed in on my own and saved on the labor.

You need to remove the molding on the left rear of the explorer. I was unable to get the seatbelt loose and was able to just move the molding out of the way far enough to get to the rear unit.
Once you get the molding off this is there are three screws and a bolt (10mm) to get the rear unit loose. Pull the unit away from the side and on the back side you will find a white actuator that is about 4"x6". This is most likely your problem.
I am a novice to say the least and it took me about 2 hours to complete the project. If you know anyone that has access to mitchell on demand or see if the dealership will give you a print out of what you are looking for and how to get to it. I can check and see if I still have mine and get it to you if you can't.

 

[Teufelhund]

Wow thanks! I will go to the dealer as soon as I can and get started.
If you do have the printout and I can use it I would really appreciate it.
Is it faxable or scanable to use in email.

I am also a novice but I managed to completely remove and reinstall the center console on my old exlplorer to get to the top mounted o2 censor so I think I could manage this pretty easy.

I see the unit. It is accessable from a removable panel in the cargo area but I do not think it is big enough to allow for removal.

Thanks for the help

 

[just2L]

IF you have access to a fax it would probably be easiest for me. My scanner is an older unit and doesn't always work the best. Send me an email with contact info and I will get it off to you. Email me at justin2L@iw.net