How To Access Heat or AC Actuator Blend Door on 2002 F150 Without Removing Dash

[@oshaughnessygaragedoors4036]

Dude, the fact that you immediately said 97-03 are all the same just made you leap frog every other chanel in knowledge. Everyone goes on and on and might mention a vital piece of info like 15 min in. That info has a broski searching all around for a specific video when you just hit the nail on the head. I haven't event watched the whole video yet, but now I can't wait. Thx braw!! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@brandiveh]

True, yeah he did a huge favor

[@robertozuniga6997]

@@brandiveh L

[@catliftresearch]

The blend door that you want is Dorman part# 902-220. It has the metal base that sits on the actuator and is considered the permanent fix. I like what you did only making two cuts. Glad I caught your video, Thanks!

[@AllGoodOutside]

I doubt anyone will read this comment but another common issue is the vacuum lines that you can see running from the passenger side near the firewall in the engine compartment, I know in my case those lines were crumbling to pieces on a 2000 Ford F-150 and this was in combination with the actuator door issue so hopefully if anybody reads this they can also check those vacuum lines.

[@faniaandaya5571]

I’ve been watching several videos on fixing this issue as well so I’m hoping to be able to inspect my truck in the morning. If it is the hoses by the firewall what hose would I order to replace it? I saw a different video where they use a T of some sort to fix if but didn’t give a name or link to finding a part. Thanks in advance

[@johnplauche8139]

Dude, your comment got me to relook at my 2002 Ford F150 and I found a small broken vacuum tube and repaired it and voila, AC blower air is coming thru the front vents again. This is after I had a number of mechanics tell me it was an actuator problem and hundreds of dollars to repair. So thanks for your comment!

[@AllGoodOutside]

@@johnplauche8139 right on! That's awesome brother, very cool that my comment was able to help

[@AllGoodOutside]

@@faniaandaya5571 the vacuum lines or the tubing is definitely not a hard to get item and any of the auto parts stores near you will definitely have what you would need to replace any lines that may have broken with age like mine did. The plastic T that you may have seen I think is a piece that splits the line off to another area and seems to only be on the F150s that have 4 wheel drive. I would definitely recommend to go down and talk to someone at o'reilly's or any auto parts store and they will be able to not only gets you the vacuum line tubing and connectors but they should be able to show you exactly where the vacuum lines go through the firewall right near the battery

[@donald6235]

​@@AllGoodOutsideHow to you access the vacuum line that goes through the firewall?

[@jackwages9658]

This man is an absolute genius! I only wish I had watched this video before taking the dash out to replace my heater core.

[@cking4giveness337]

For heater core Dash has to come out , blend door is different story.

[@dennislevaughn8661]

For him to be so young, he has put the season guy to shame.

[@levilloyd74]

@@cking4giveness337 yes. Unfortunately for a lot of these people they won’t understand that even if you wanted to cut through there, it likely won’t come out. You will need to pull the dash away for it to come completely out just like the heater core. The way the blend door and the backing piece to the blend door are seated against the heater core, it just doesn’t allow for them to come out so easily. You have to remove the top of that black box for it to come freely

[@beccae5030]

Thanks so much! As a girl, I do alot of fixing myself and use youtube tutorials to do so. You helped me so much to do this easily

[@Meanbirds]

before doing this, makes sure both sides of the hoses going to the heater core are both hot. This would mean no blockage and is easy to test. They are above the #4 cylinder going into the firewall

[@Meanbirds]

great video btw, the two cuts and removing the bolt is genius

[@georgesimmons7607]

Did this on my 98 f150. Works great. If u ever did a heater core in one of these u will appreciate this hack whether u took apart the whole dash or u pulled the dash back as a unit.

[@luanayounge1277]

Thank you. I'm educating myself after paying way too much for labor and unnecessary parts. AC didn't work. So here I am 😊

[@kiffenRocksWell]

I have been avoiding fixing my heat because I don't want to take my dash apart. I'm glad I came across your video and will be attempting this. But I'm going to check that motor first! I will give an update after I have finished my repair.

[@mrrebel5150]

saved people tons of cash that the dealer would charge. good job

[@rudyalan2440]

Great job on explaining the fix. You were concise and to the point!!!!!! No jibber jabber talk.

[@gunslinger72455]

Well done kid and very well done strait to the point and dead on point and extremely well explained pls keep on with more man your a natural 👊😎🤘

[@rdale2573]

Awesome advice man. I tapped on the outer black housing down low that covers that motor and heard the motor kick in and operate the door. Maybe faulty connector or linkage in that area is dirty. Thanks again!!

[@jermvasquez3869]

so how would you know if it the heater core or accuator when exposed?

[@matttrotta57]

Manufacturer should watch this.

[@UpcomingJedi]

Its amazing how the designers make these things so mechs have to do so much work just to get at things for bigger profits. Its like buying cheap printers but they bend you over when it runs out of ink!

[@timmclaughlin2316]

Your awesome Dude! I’m gonna go fix my heat!

[@keithruff4417]

Great job! Just what I was looking for to try and solve the problem with my truck! I will come back again when necessary.

[@andrewstubbs3635]

Man you just saved me 400.00 in labor cost God Bless Your Life

[@30pvfd]

Good most vids show cutting it in half cutting like you show much better in case have change heater core thanks best video yet on this A+++

[@AP-xo4rd]

Almost certain this will fix my issue. Great vid thanks for posting.

[@manuelvaladezjr8334]

Great Idea--I thought of doing what you did but did know exactly where to make the cut on the ventilation box. this was a great help. I do have a question. with respect to the heater core---which line in the engine compartment is the water flow in and which is the flow out. Is the passenger side heater core pipe the flow-in or flow -out? Keep making the video's.

[@josephmadge7610]

If your standing at the front of the truck looking at the heater hose on the right side under hood is input . obviously left is output.so best way to flush out heatercore is torun water thru output draining out input hose (back flushing)

[@garyr7027]

Most generally heater cores have two size hoses, the smaller diameter one should be the out flow... it's been a general design like that for many vehicles.

[@patrickallen3368]

BEN LIKE YOU THANKS FOR SHARING YOU-were helpful { an aspect i wasn't thinking about} was doing a traditional heater rpl though i did connect some to watch the blend door move thanks

[@johnnga4496]

What is involved in reinstalling a new door? If you have a video please share. Thank you

[@deanwilcox1698]

Good job, young man!

[@shawnmason5290]

My 2010 Has those cold symptoms. It’s nice to know the American manufacture still doesn’t care enough about us to fix any of their problems on newer models

[@robertoleal6219]

Nice truck heat fix

[@VictorGarcia-rw4nk]

Thanks for the video !!! I just change my blend actuator switch and is the same they mix tha air hot and cold so I working on it but thanks again I think I got it

[@jcmccervantes7440]

You're my hero ha ha, I just replaced my heater core and I wasn't getting the heat I used to. Thanks for the informative video, now I can inspect that blend door better. Thanks

[@casebarreoltt5990]

I need to replace my core. do you think the hole cutting trick would allow access to remove and replace the heater core?

[@jcmccervantes7440]

@@casebarreoltt5990 I don't think so amigo. The hole method is good for cleaning what you can, but it wouldn't give you the room to remove heater core. Its not too bad of a job to remove it, just take your time and keep track of the fastners.

[@christiancowboy352]

By the way... what ended up being the problem with it? That away if the blend door or blend door motor isn't my issue either, I'll know what to look at next?

[@dro2863]

My new actuator keeps clicking non stop. Idk why. It’s a hassle to remove the actuator with the new updated metal blend door bc it add an extra 1/2”to the shaft and it won’t allow the actuator to drop. I’m probably going to cut a section out the vent if I have to take it out. I’m not removing the dash a 3rd time

[@quickcalsgarage4782]

Does cutting out the black plastic like this give you enough room to clean the ac evaporator? Or can you cut it out bigger, more to the right? Thanks

[@skipwoody4560]

Thanks man you save me a lots of money

[@benjaminrivera117]

I wonder if you can clean the condenser to make sure it blows ice ice cold

[@raymondgonzalez5535]

Good advice young man .

[@kamrynmcdougall2669]

Can you get the heater core out this way?

[@maicodoug]

Good idea, I have a 2007 Ranger that needs a new door. I see where it hinges on the bottom of the plenum. Have you done any of these? Thx.

[@orlandodelrio1513]

Great job buddy. Good video

[@dmocksautosnstuff]

That make sense why my heat start workin after I bang on the dash and then 1hr later it stopped working again. now I know what to do to fix it lol

[@crazyhorseproductionsllc3967]

Do you have the link to the blend door?

[@jestersucks515]

What is the kit for the blend door?

[@tomsmith3987]

Very good explanation thank you

[@msheplervideo]

Very well done! Video is hi quality too.

[@foxfinder42]

Is there only the one actuator or also one for the passenger and driver side?

[@BradSmith-sl2qn]

Just one below dash and in the center of transmission hump

[@toxikelement1372]

Mine's stuck mostly closed, got great heat but it's stuck on defrost. (Mine doesn't run on vacuum so no leak being an issue.) It's either the actuator or pigtail connection. I'll just replace both. Truck almost 19 yrs old. Wouldn't be unheard of with either one failing at this point. Either way, whatever one crapped out, I can guarantee the other is not far behind lol

[@dddddd2100]

although there's an electric actuator there are still vacuum lines under the hood near the battery box by the fire wall that can develop a leak and cause the heater to default to defrost. I have not seen this but have seen a youtube video showing it.

[@harrisonwachtel8189]

Do you think you could pull a heater core with this method

[@TheKonaboy65]

Thanks for a helpful vid!!

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Thanks for watching!

[@sethlavinder]

First 30° morning of the year, have been switching from heat in morning and ac in evenings for the last month. Today everything frosted over I go out start truck adjust to heat, floor & defrost. Click pop click pop click pop sound in the cab. Switching to off position didn’t stop it! Is this the blend door? My truck is very low mileage and in fairly great condition I hate like hell to cut into the heater box if it’s the motor actuator part? Any thoughts?

[@Joeybag0donuts]

Dude fucking amazing video. I’m having the opposite issue being out in Arizona AC blew fine for 3 weeks and now it’s hot as hell. At night it blows cold after driving for about 20 min. But during the day it’s hot blow dryer air.

[@shermanwilliams3204]

Thank for your great help 👍

[@kNOwWHEREtoR1]

My truck throws hot air as if coming off engine block no matter what temp setting i dial it to. Additionally, ac settings also blow same temp air. No engine temp abnormalities, spikes or fluctuations. Related?

[@BradSmith-sl2qn]

Blend door actuator located below the dash In center of the transmission hump. You’ll have to remove duct in order to swap out

[@Brooklynfishing]

Wow my navigator is having this same problem , no heat am not hearing the blend door open any more

[@leonardogarcia4820]

Thanks man

[@alee5064]

Forgot to mention you want to use tape that is airtight.

[@brianwalter2677]

What was your issue with your truck?

[@shaunfrench75]

So when the part works are we supoose to hear it. Mine i dont hear anything. The actulator i dont hear it mive.. then ac clutch was engaging on and off every 30 seconds idk if its suppose to do that but i pulled the relay and still blowing cold air.

[@shaunfrench75]

I did upload a video also

[@shaunfrench75]

I did upload a video.. i did attempt ur trick but got injured 😅

[@dddddd2100]

Benjamin Sahlstrom you posted this video almost 3 years ago. did you fix your heat problem? and if you did what did you do to fix it? Please reply back. Thanks.

[@andresramirez9660]

Thank you

[@SasukeGarage55]

So if cold ac is not coming to your face to the vent that meaning vents not moving

[@UMCCCollectibles]

Nice video!!

[@brianlowe7608]

I have a 98 -I think I will use this method -but for all the extra effort will take off glove box cover entirely to do it

[@josephmadge7610]

Exactly like he did ..good idea

[@ricgomez1]

I wonder if this could work to remove heater core aswell?

[@mkowboy13]

Did you use a reciprocating saw to make the cut through?

[@127Lasher]

Use a Feintool tool. (Plung saw)

[@dddddd2100]

I need to know what is the tool I should use to cut this opening behind the glove box? I don't want to cut too deep and hit something..any advise from someone who has already made this cut with no problems is appreciated...Thanks

[@dddddd2100]

Anyone use this tool for this job? www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-oscillating-multi-tool-63113.html

[@dddddd2100]

To answer my own question, we used this oscillating tool today to cut the access for the blend door and it worked fine, did a nice clean cut. did the cut the same way Ben did in his video.

[@lanadunstan9957]

So what ended up being the problem on yours because I can't figure my issue out

[@lanadunstan9957]

Ive done a coolant flush and changed my thermostat still cold air

[@lanadunstan9957]

And I can also see my blend door motor is working

[@travizbrill2199]

Hell yeah thanks

[@r.4169]

Interesting

[@zero13ftp]

Is it possible to replace the heater core this way?

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Unfortunately no.

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

You have to pull the dash off. It really sucks. Took me about 10 hours or something like that to get mine replaced when it started leaking.

[@excelautodetailingceramicc1182]

you're awesome!

[@dennisdunford9798]

What did it take to fix your problem? I changed my thermostat and my actuator door is working but still no heat. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dennis

[@hayden5208]

Probably the core it’s self

[@kylerooster9880]

Check your coolant level ?

[@lanenorthcutt349]

Can you change the heater core like that as well ?

[@familystuff1167]

The real work is removing the motor no the blend door that part is easy.

[@alonsomessi5877]

After running around getting estimates . It's around $250 $350. N I lost my job

[@christinehucklebridge1534]

great video.....Please turn your American flag so the Union is to the left. You have it hung backwards. thanks.

[@bdifnso]

I noticed that as well. The Union (blue background and stars) should always be in the top left corner to the viewer; but a very good tip on the heater.

[@5.bang.r]

My A/C starts cold and turns hot as soon as the engine gets hot

[@cr500mike]

Likely needs a charge - easy to do . Get the freon charge [auto parts store] with a long hose so you shake it when it's filling the A/C system .

[@5.bang.r]

cr500mike Nope, I already did that. It turns out that my blend door is indeed broken

[@tommygunatx333]

Is there a way to test just the motor before I cut up my truck like a fuckin Christmas Goose?

[@tainted_timmy6726]

Here is the dash info. You dont have to do more then you think. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH3RZmmKa8qZodE

[@corydavey3026]

Maybe an engineer can figure out how to make it that way to begin with

[@scottfarley6282]

You don’t even know what your talking about

[@BenjaminSahlstrom]

Please, explain more.

[@markbrady1323]

Solid video. Nice to see younger men actually fixing shit not just complaining or making stupid tic toc videos. Keep up the good work great vid once again !

[@lwstrongarm3]

Awesome video man glad I found it. Having issues with my heat where I'm getting none but ac is doing great. Are you able to check the core from there as well?

[@jonimarines6931]

Awesome camera angles and step by step directions

[@keithturbin6768]

thanks, thought it was heater core, but discovered heat will blow as hot as it's suppose to if put on 4 upper(ac) vents, you saved me tons of time, cash, and cussing and throwing tools.

[@daniellucero6665]

I tried this today and it worked 100%. My truck was stuck throwing either or but today I followed your steps and by the end I had my AC working like brand new. Thank you for your in depth videos not just in this repair but in electrical applications as well. Best of wishes and keep up the good work

[@donkim3493]

Did you have to uninstall the actuator to get the door installed?

[@midwestmafia8391]

Looking for an easy way to replace my heater core in my 1999 F250. You got any suggestions?

[@hardhead7056]

Im to late to help this poster. But once you had the core exposed, using a digital laser thermometer makes it easier to identify plugged areas of any radiator type core. Just find the cold spots on the core. Where there's no coolant flowing through its not as hot. You can use the palm of your hand in a pinch.

[@127Lasher]

Hi hardhead, maybe you can help steer me.. My 2004 Ford Van just sat for 2 weeks while on vaca. Before blend worked np. Got back, it started right up, but no blend or AC at all. Only Defrost heat works fine (at idle and under load, any situation really), just won't blend. Thought maybe blew the blend/AC fuse (15amp #13 on the panel) but nope.. not sure where to start. Thinking something is just sticking.. any help or point in the right direction greatly appreciated.. Thanks

[@timgiles9413]

check the vacuum lines under the hood near the firewall where it goes into the cab. The A/C is designed to default to defrost mode whenever you have a vacuum leak. (especially when the throttle is applied/hill etc.) It may also be a cracked vacuum canister located behind the battery. There is a good video on YT about the very same vacuum lines I speak about. I know that the "non-electrical" mode selector works the HVAC on these trucks. @@127Lasher

[@Typermaster2]

Saved me some money. Found that my blend door and actuator work and I was gonna change the door. Turns out it’s my heater core. Atleast I found The problem first instead of dumping unnecessary money into it

[@scottskinner577]

Mines not producing Cold air. Compressor is always cycling, no AC leaks, has freon, and even on 60, the air is always burning hot. Has to be this. Thanks for the video

[@Jessicakayla22]

Scott Skinner did your ac work afterwards?

[@davidwade3922]

Great instructions and got to the door, but the door wasn't broken. The actuator didn't budge either. My best guess is the door was stuck, or could be a faulty actuator. I will replace the actuator just because. Anyway, great video and AC is blowing cold again!

[@arturogomez2263]

Can I change out the heater core through this access panel

[@bheckart]

I have a 2002 F150 XL, V6. My heat has not worked for two years. I followed your very helpful video on inspecting my blend door. My door also worked properly, ruling this out as being my problem. The next thing I did was disconnect my heater hoses from the engine, I hooked a water hose up to one hose and ran water through the heater core discharging the water on the ground. I then hooked the water hose to the other heater hose and ran water through in the other direction, alternated this process a couple of times, reconnected heater hoses, topped off coolant level, started truck, turned heat on, when engine warmed up I had nice hot air blowing out of the vents. I hope this helps someone stay warm.

[@dddddd2100]

My Son's 2002 f150 5.4, we made the cut, inspected blend door all good there,new blend door actuator, new thermostat and coolant flush, heater core flushed, proper coolant level, burped in case of air in the system, flow restrictor removed from inlet heater hose, both heater hoses hot and near the same temp where going into the firewall. Heat is medium warm when set all the way on hot, it used to get hot but doesn't now but it will get warmer with higher engine RPM, could it be that the water pump impeller is worn down and not circulating the coolant like it should? anyone? Thanks

[@atrite5335]

@@dddddd2100 hey dude that flow restrictor slows that water down so it stays warmer when it's in the system put that back in there or just deal with the cooler air

[@johnbrooks7144]

@@dddddd2100 Heater cores are the cooling system filter. If car manufacturers were serious about reliability, they would install filters or at least screens before the heater core and before the radiator. But as designed, every particle of rust or RTV or gasket fragments that can get into the cooling system will plug the heater core and the radiator. Backflush the heater core - coolant goes in from the water pump side and out the intake manifold side. Disconnect the heater hoses from the engine and using a water hose, run water in a reverse flow to force out the particles plugging your core. Alternate flow direction a few times to loosen the particles that are have been stuck hard in the core for years.

[@davidstewart1470]

@bheckart We have the exact same truck. I have 199k on her. Same issue. No heat for 3 yrs bc I didn't wanna deal with dash. I'm trying his fix and yours. I'll keep it posted and would love to discuss other repairs you may have done. I just did a head gasket... Whew!

[@brandonranger2899]

​@@davidstewart1470what was your problem. I haven't had heat for 2 years. Flushed the system. All my controls work too control which way air flow's from vents floor etc ... But still no heat. I haven't cracked open the dash yet, and really don't want to. I can see the actuator working. Just doesn't blow hot air?? Any help would be great

[@craig853]

Good one Ben. So, you're more than a do-it-yourself electrician (I've seen some of your wiring videos). Good tip on repairing that door.

[@Shaleemsr]

Duuude!

[@martinmarin841]

Can i replace the heater core making a hole on dashboard with out pulling out the halle dashboard

[@美優美結実優美夕みゆ]

Two questions have you flushed your heater core? And do your vent functions work? I.e. panel, floor, defrost? I had the same issue along with the air function being stuck on defrost. Flushing the heater core and following the fill/burp(purging air) procedure fixed my lack of heat and replacing the orings on the digital climate control panel fixed the defrost only! Hope you figured this issue out.

[@127Lasher]

Hey Jimmy, any ideas on the defrost only problem with a none digital system? (2004) Truck sat for 2 weeks, was working fine before, started right up, but won't blend or AC now.. replaced blend fuse, but nothing.. assuming something is just stuck, but who knows.. thanks for any info

[@marklara_]

Thought this was my problem but realized my radiator cap is pushing out coolant and it over heats a bit, so I now know I got air bubbles in there would need to try to leak out the air and see if I still don’t have heat then it’ll be this.

[@BigN_Ridez]

Son's truck is 2000 having AC problem. Was told it was that door. You just saved me a ton. Thank you

[@scotty8695]

I couldn't find the link anywhere for the tool you used for cutting on this page can you post the link you referred to in this video on this comment please and thank you btw great video!

[@bheckart]

It is called a plunge cutter. $20. at Harbor freight.

[@sagg415]

In trucks that age and model, issues can also stem from a bad head unit, which would not let my air change from defrost to vent 100$ from Amazon, it can also be a heater core blockage which was my case the second time I had issues, which was a costly fix because it couldnt be blown out, and now this issue which is an awesome find to be able to get to it without the dash removal! Good job!

[@ronaldoquintos1675]

If it’s your own vehicle fine. If you own a shop like me I don’t think customer would be happy if I started sawing through the dash 😂😂😂

[@lanenorthcutt349]

Can you change the heater core like that also ?