How To Replace HVAC Blend Door Actuator On A 2005-2009 Ford Mustang - Stuck On Defrost Fix!

This video demonstrates how to remove and replace your upper blend door actuator located behind the airbag (passenger side) on a 2005-2009 Ford Mustang. If air is only blowing from the defrost and not the vents, replacing this actuator will fix the issue.
Here is a link to purchase a new actuator: amzn.to/3ZfaGN8
Here is a link to purchase a pry tool set: amzn.to/3IMkqcm
Tools needed are: 7mm & 8mm socket, ratchet & extension, 8mm wrench and a pry tool.
**NOTE**: The airbag will have to be removed. MAKE SURE YOUR BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE PERFORMING THIS TASK!!! You can also remove fuse #17 from the inside passenger fuse box. Here is a link to the fuse box diagram: fuse-box.info/...
Hope this video helps! Please leave a "like" and SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more videos!
DISCLAIMER: WE MAKE NO WARRANTIES, RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, REGARDING THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS VIDEO. ALL VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS VIDEO ARE OUR OWN AND DOES NOT GUARANTEE RESULTS. ANY ACTION YOU MAKE FROM THE INFORMATION IN THIS VIDEO IS STRICTLY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
#fordmustang #s197 #actuator

[@newfie-dean5803]

Components like this should be built for life.

[@green3488]

Plastic gears. The teeth start breaking off. Super dumb.

[@Mustang086]

Another simple and informative s197 mustang video. They're much appreciated. Keep them coming👍

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

Thanks, will do!

[@Patriot-bn9om]

I did this exact job on a 2009 Mustang today (Dec 9, 2023) and changed both passenger side actuators. At the Ford parts house, the lower actuator was $42 and the upper $53. This video helped me immensely. THANK YOU! It took most of the day to complete this job. I had to maneuver into the some really tight spots and contort my body into a pretzel. Now I'm bloody and in pain. I finally caved in and removed the passenger side airbag. That made the job achievable. This and all other videos that I have seen have almost nothing about getting the actuator or arm in the right orientation. I have seen nothing on exactly how the top actuator on the passenger side actually connects to the lever where the actuator mounts. Does someone have a diagram? I tried several different calibration techniques that I found online. But, I am not confident that the actuators are installed correctly. The HVAC and defrost seems to be working for now. But I'm now getting some actuator clattering on the drivers side.

[@Samson-dn4eo]

If you find anything let me know please. I have the same problem and my mechanic said he would charge me 1200$ is it worth the money considering the time and labor? Or should I just do it

[@Patriot-bn9om]

@@Samson-dn4eo Every time I'm stressed out in the middle of a car repair job I regret starting it and would gladly pay $1200 to make the pain end. But, I somehow get it put back together even though I don't have a high confidence level that I did it right. If you want to avoid the stress just go ahead and pay someone else. If they don't do it right, then you have somebody to blame and they'll have to do it again.

[@Samson-dn4eo]

@@Patriot-bn9om yep your right. I tried doing it man but I couldn’t figure out that damn arm thing on actuator, put it all back together and it still kept clacking, I was so pissed lol no instructions at all on that

[@green3488]

There's 4 actuators in the car: one behind the speedometer that sucks to change and three behind the glovebox. Two are on left side of glovebox and one on right side.

[@green3488]

Let us know if you solve it. I tried replacing 3 of mine and it still clicked after like 2 weeks. Not sure if I should replace the 4th one or if my replacements broke. Really sucks.

[@tullyontherocks]

I'm not going to miss that tick tick tick tick everytime I started my Bullitt. Thank you, thank you thank you. Great tut and a really easy fix.

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

I have that tick tick tick tick burned into my mind 😂

[@eliasanguiano1244]

This video is super helpful. It is difficult to find videos explaining how to replace certain parts on these older model vehicles.

[@Pinhead_larry265]

Wish I would have taken the airbag out when I did mine instead of sitting on the seat upside down trying to install it and swearing like a sailor.Oh well, you live and learn. Great video mate from one s197 owner to another.

[@green3488]

Same. Also taking the seat out probably helps.

[@ramirov8625]

Thank you for the info! Straight to the point. I fixed it in 30 minutes, definitely a tight space! Big hands is a no no.😂😂

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

I have big hands and I need to fix mine :( lol. I have neglected to fix it on my 08 GT for a looooong time, I just lived with it

[@tommydalpiaz3785]

I have never commented on a youtube video in my life, but you sir are a god! I'll bet this is a 10 minute process for you, but with that camera in there I'll bet it added another 10 minutes. So now I thank you!

[@Alex.Zarraga96]

Hola primero que nada que excelente serie de videos del ford mustang, yo tengo uno 2009 y sus videos me han ayudado como no tiene una idea 👌👌 en especial en este video donde a mi auto al encender el aire frio truenan las ventilas como si unas compiartas quisieran abrirse pero no lo logran por lo tanto no sale aire frio, le pido que por favor siga subiendo esta clase de videos de este auto porque para un chico de 26 años que esta aprendiendo solo son unas excelente guías, muchas gracias por toda su información y soy un miembro más de este gran canal

[@codyswanner6064]

Excellent video! Love the quality, thank you for being conscious about making sure the camera can see what's going on and explaining in detail. I feel like this is a job I can do after seeing your video! Thank you!

[@Atlasquieto]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! I didn’t know where to start and this video helped. Very professional!

[@tkkak1932]

I have one that makes a popping noise in middle of dash. I think it’s that one. Swear by your videos. Been driving mine since 2006 when I bought it new.

[@tommyteeth5874]

This top one can be done without removing airbag but boyoboy it is much easier to do this way!!!! Before beginning make sure all hvac controls are OFF , med between cold and hot and blower on low.

[@SOLIDGAMER101-v1e]

It’s easier to do it without removing the seat or dash. You just have to take out your glovebox Lay your back on the bottom of the passenger seat with feet up on the head of the seat. but that only helps if it’s a convertible Mustang.

[@bennettamplification]

Amazing video just what I needed for my stang

[@Real_Talk411]

So I'm guessing the lower blend door is for the heat and cold?

[@chipster3394]

Can you make one for the pilot side please?

[@RaiderJay9092]

I'm having trouble getting the arm lined up. The white arm on the actuator need to be in the slot or the very end hole of the black vent arm?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

It needs to be in the end of the black arm. That arm opens and closes the vent.

[@RaiderJay9092]

@@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC Finally got it thank you.

[@mikeprice8307]

​@@RaiderJay9092is it the slot to use or the hole?

[@SergioHernandez-tu6sh]

Dude, if you could make a video on a 2006-2009 Mustang how to replace the rear speakers, regular non-convertible Mustang.

[@Mustangladyme]

They already have one on KZbin I believe. Someone else did it.

[@jaredkohl]

Does this actuator control the change from going from the floor all the way up to defrost? I just got mine replaced from behind the dash and the console, which solved some of my problems of a non-stop clicking noise, but it seems like I still have a problem with the selection of vents to defrost to the floor.

[@green3488]

Same.. mine seems to blow way too much air toward the windshield. I think the actuator he replaced in this video (upper left of glovebox) controls this, but not certain. I know it's connected to that selector dial.

[@shadad07]

is there is any video for the driver side? that one is damn hard to replace !!

[@green3488]

Yep. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH-5l55rlL2EeJo

[@green3488]

jNVfk5_XQB8

[@Samson-dn4eo]

could you type the exact type of actuator you used, i dont know if i bought the right one. i bought the A-Premium HVAC Heater Blend Door Actuator, Compatible with Ford Mustang 2005-2009, Convertible Coupe BUT it said to choose main; air inlet actuator or left or right main;defrost or mode actuator. i bought the first choice. My ac works but not my heater. i took it and the mechanic said he would have to replace the one on the driver side and take apart the dashboard, but i think its the one that your working on in the beginning of the video. (is that the correct one i bought?)

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

We have a link in the description of the actuator.

[@Samson-dn4eo]

I went to to the link and it shows 2 different types, like what I said in my comment, which one is the one I’m supposed to buy?

[@jasonytuarte2791]

Is that one u change out it's for

[@olgakiely6898]

Good video, is there one on how to replace the actuator on the drivers side? Everything works, just knocking sometimes.

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

We do not have one on how to replace the actuator on the driver side. But if you look at our Mustang video on how to remove the instrument cluster, the actuator is behind there on the right. Hope that helps. Here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4DHlpydfa6NeZosi=q5pWM6D9F0CVrUVa

[@adriancano3991]

I replaced both my actuators and it’s working only on defrost. Plz help what do I do? I love your videos thanx

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

Check the actuator behind the instrument cluster on the drivers side. That actuator also controls the vents/defrost settings.

[@ivan23rosales]

How do I know which acctuator is malfunctioning and how do I test them thank you for the video ❤

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

See our video on how to identify which actuator is not working.

[@JoseTorres-gt1or]

5:57 ​@@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC

[@royalvear4462]

I've been asking around nobody can tell me not even Ford can you please let me know if the right side actuator and a passenger side actuator are they the same or are the different models

[@Ashroller22]

Which one will cause for my AC to blow only hot air?

[@joechapman7993]

Thank you!

[@sheilamoradi9231]

Your amazing ❤

[@whiteboyangel4838]

I accidentally broke the pin to take the actuator out is there any way to fix it

[@AtlasBookkeeping]

I have an ‘07 mustang. My actuator that controls temperature is fine, but the one that controls the blend door isn’t working. No matter what I set it to (floor, front vents), it only blows out of the defroster. Can you tell me which actuator is responsible for the blend door? Normally when an actuator is bad, it makes a clicking sound that lets you know which one is bad, but that’s not happening with my car. Thanks!

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

There are two actuators that control the air flow. One is behind the instrument cluster and the other one is above the blend door actuator on the passenger side (we have a video on that one.) You may need a proper diagnostic to figure out which one is not working.

[@danielcolay2854]

I have an 07 mustang. The passenger vents blow cold but the driver side is hot. Going from vent to defrost to floor works fine. I got a blend door actuator. Did i get the correct part? And which should I replace?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

An actuator is the correct part. The temperature blend door actuator is on passenger side left of the center console. It is the easier to access lower one.

[@danielcolay2854]

@@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC hey again, so I changed the actuator and it's still blowing hot. When I first turn the ac on it blows cold for a few seconds

[@Samson-dn4eo]

where in the car does the main/air inlet actuator go

[@Mustangladyme]

Which one is the temperature actuator?

[@pioneer6900]

Bottom passenger side

[@Mustangladyme]

@@pioneer6900 thanks!

[@akonche1629]

Just watched your video and I am in Texas and the heat is about to about to kill me 😅. So I have a V6 4.0 f2005 mustang and my AC just blows hot air. I have changed compressor I have even changed the the whole fuse box housing and nothing. My car does make a clicking sound in the center I believe of on the dash just like what the video shows. The sound only comes on when I turn the AC on. So will replacing this actuator probably be the cause of why my AC doesn’t blow cold air?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

It is most likely a stuck actuator. There are two on the passenger side. One lower and one upper (like this one). Most likely one of them is stuck or clicking.

[@akonche1629]

Thank you I bought a new one for the top actuator but I am having a hard time putting it back. Where exactly does the handle fit. Thank you for your timely response

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

@@akonche1629 line up the arm with the one that is attached to the car. The arms have to be lined up to open and close the vents.

[@antoniocardona5775]

What is this for exactly? I think I might need this I'm having a ticking sound when I move my temperature 🌡 knob and also when I start my car.

[@green3488]

I think that's the one behind the speedometer.

[@rickbullen8332]

If it's not the actuator behind the instrument panel on the drivers side. How do you know if it's the bottom or the top actuator behind the glove box and air bag?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

You can use your hand to feel the malfunctioning actuator working or clicking. Also, the top actuator behind the airbag controls the airflow from defrost to vents. The actuator behind the instrument cluster also controls air movement from defrost to vents. Hope this helps you.

[@EngineMedic7]

​@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC is there a way to tell which one, the top or instrument cluster, to replace? I have defrost only and the click click click when turning to anything other than defrost

[@tyranitar4435]

Just replaced and now my ac only blows from windshield no matter what mode I put it in. Everything was connected correctly as well. What could be the case?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

It could be the actuator behind the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. That one has a default to the defrost/ windshield position.

[@ramirov8625]

make sure the little arm is placed correctly. I made that mistake first, and then I figured out the arm was not set in place!

[@Trailerwalker]

You’re supposed to take a fuse out so that the arm can set in the proper place or else you’ll hear one last click/ crunch when you start it, and you’ll get rid of the clicking but you’ll be stuck in either defrost or main vents so do it over except before doing it, pull out the correct fuse and yes you’ll likely need another new actuator because that final crunch/ click most likely destroyed tiny components within the actuator

[@ramirov8625]

@@Trailerwalker yo!! You answered my problem!!! I fixed mine last week, was working properly, but next thing you know, I heard a big noise (thud sound) coming from the AC vent, and now it doesn't work again!!! I did not disconnect the battery or unplug the fuse! Now I know what to do tmrw!!! Thank you

[@Trailerwalker]

@@ramirov8625 no problem I did the same thing 😆 not many videos explain every step lol

[@gerasimosmichalitsianos9684]

Question: I was told by a friend that after unplugging the negative terminal of the battery, one should wait at least 2 minutes. Maybe even longer, like 5. Exact number I'm not sure. But this may be necessary for any residual charge to dissipate from a capacitor in the circuit. This waiting should be done before messing at all with the airbag. Is this necessary?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

Yes. Unhook the battery and wait at least 5-minutes before starting this procedure. We even have that stated in the notes of the video.

[@gerasimosmichalitsianos9684]

@@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC Thank you sir. If we lose one of those 2 8mm bolts that are attached to the actuator, do you know where we can get replacements?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

@@gerasimosmichalitsianos9684 Try Amazon: amzn.to/3rDBVWa

[@gerasimosmichalitsianos9684]

@@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC Thank you.

[@gerasimosmichalitsianos9684]

Thank you@@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC

[@christopherllamas9810]

Would I have to change my actuator if everytime I turn my mustang on I hear clicking for a brief time by where the windshield is?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

That is the actuator behind the instrument cluster on the driver side.

[@javiercuriel8523]

What if my defroster isn’t working and I’m getting no air there with this actuator fix that problem ?

[@green3488]

My problem is too much air blows at windshield. Going to try the one in this video a second time and tomorrow I am installing a new HVAC blower motor and resistor.

[@roguerigo]

Does anyone know why my actuator just turns and turns on its own?

[@tylergarten4668]

Do I connect the actuator arm to the long slot or the hole at the top?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

White arm on the actuator with the hole in middle goes on the black arm with the knob.

[@tylergarten4668]

@@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC Yes, but what part of the black arm, the long slot or the hole at the top?

[@mikeprice8307]

​@@tylergarten4668did you ever figure it out?

[@tylergarten4668]

@@mikeprice8307 Lol, yeah, it's the long slot

[@mikeprice8307]

@@tylergarten4668 thx i figured it out the hard way today in 115 index heat

[@blairbellar1265]

I had the same clicking, I replaced the blend door actuator, and now it doesn’t click and the air blows the same as it used too, expect not cold. I’ve had a compressor put in by a shop before this, and still no cold air. Please someone help me

[@blairbellar1265]

It only blew cold air for 10 miles after the new compressor was put in by shop. I put the new actuator in per your video, thanks for that!! I wouldn’t have been able to do it without taking out the air bag

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

Go back to the repair shop and tell them, “the A/C is blowing hot. Can they check the Freon level?” The A/C system may have a leak. The compressor they installed might be under warranty. If it was cold for 10-miles, it’s worth the trip back to the repair shop for them to check into it.

[@t.b.g3391]

My question is, how do you know which actuator is actually bad

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

There are several signs. The air only comes out the defrost setting (that is the directional actuator). Clicking is another indication the actuator is about to fail or has failed. If it’s clicking, you can physically feel the actuator trying to turn. Another one is cold on one side of the car and heat on the other (that is the blend door actuator.)

[@TexasMade33]

Just replaced mine. The clicking stopped but still only blows out the defrost.

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

It could be the actuator behind the instrument cluster has gone bad also.

[@TexasMade33]

@@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC I think your right bcz I pulled the fuses to reset and still the same issue.

[@who9565]

Code 18 airbag??? Any idea?

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

Code 18 is the passenger side airbag. Check and clean all the connections below the seat. If you were replacing the actuator behind the glove box, check the connections for the airbag. I suggest disconnecting the battery before checking the airbag connection behind the glove box.

[@who9565]

Checked and disconnected them and reconnected. Still flashing 1-8 then solid

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

@@who9565 - you might have to go to the dealer or a mechanic shop for them to clear the code or fix it.

[@who9565]

I’m going to wait a few days…I forgot my cup had spilled a little bit of water on that seat. 🤞🏽 I didn’t mess up a circuit and it just needs to dry out

[@ChrisSmith-we9rn]

I replaced mine last week but for some reason its stuck on defrost mode

[@MartinsUsedCarsCollectiblesLLC]

The actuator on the drivers side behind the instrument gauges also controls defrost and vents. Defrost is the default setting every time the car is turned off. To see if it is working, remove the instrument cluster to where you can see the actuator. Try different HVAC settings (defrost to vents) and see if the actuator arm moves. We have a video on how to remove the instrument cluster.

[@tommyteeth5874]

You may not have the actuator arm correctly positioned in the vent arm. Plug it back in?