How to Replace Temperature Blend Door Actuator 95-02 Ford Explorer

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@richardferguson6893]

Ok, I just have to say: this is literally the 3rd video of yours that I will be using to work on my '96 Explorer. I bought it in Fall 2019 so clearly it wasn't going to be in great shape. The temp control has been stuck on heat since I bought it which was great for an Alberta winter. The replacement control module came with the vehicle but the previous owner (who is a mechanic!) told me I "had to pull apart most of the dash, it's just such a pain". This is dirt simple. Thanks so much 1A Auto for putting these videos out. You are truly lifesavers.

[@1AAuto]

+Richard Ferguson Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@davidakerman79]

I have a 2000 explorer, this fixed my issues, thanks, side note, I didn’t bother getting the back screw back in, works fine without it

[@stansmad]

Totally agree, it's a piece of plastic. Two screws is plenty enough !

[@ljohnson9988]

This video was a life saver. A few days ago, My '06 Ranger started blowing hot air regardless of the temperature setting. I did what you said in this video, and luckily, the problem was a dead actuator. What could have been a very expensive repair ended up costing me forty bucks for the part, and a little elbow grease. Thanks!!!

[@michelleg.166]

I am a 54-year-old granny that barely knows how to pump gas. I will however be checking my actuator and installing it myself thanks to you. By the way, I have a 97 Ford Mercury Mountaineer but it is in the same spot. Thanks so much~M

[@1AAuto]

+Michelle G. Thanks for checking us out! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@dennyj8650]

Go, granny! I'm 64F and learning to fix stuff on my 98 Explorer-quite a bit you can DIY with aid from KZbin and especially explorerforum.com!

[@1AAuto]

@andyg2084 Yes and no. This video is for the actuator that controls the temp of the air. There is either another actuator or a cable that controls where the air is directed. Not sure on your vehicle if it is electric (similar to the actuator in this video) or if it is mechanical (cable controlled).

[@1AAuto]

@aprofitgmail What you are describing is the common symptom when this actuator goes bad. This actuator controls the door that mixes the warm air from the heating core with the cool air from outside or from the AC.

[@1AAuto]

@grettagrids It could be the actuator. You may also want to check the vaccum lines under the hood and dash to see if any of them have split or became unplugged.

[@solenart]

God bless you - this was my problem and your video helped fix my problem with my 2008 Ford Ranger P/U - I didn't have am 8mm, had to use a 5/16. Back screw is a nightmare!

[@jonathanbox3033]

You got that right! Why in God's name would Ford put that 8 mm bolt in the back like that to where you can't get to it? I just replacement the one on my 2005 Ford Ranger and I had to remove seven 13 mm bolts and drop the dash down. You can't tell me that the engineers at Ford done that on accident.

[@1AAuto]

Thank you for visiting our auto repair channel on KZbin. We'll keep this request in mind during any future repairs that we may make on this particular vehicle.

[@wcubby22]

Would this be the same process for a 04 ford explorer limited ?

[@1AAuto]

+wcubby22 It may be a similar procedure! Thanks for checking us out!

[@AnthonyWayne87]

My 2002 ranger XLT all my climate control works but when you switch from ac to max ac it goes to defrost and like I said every setting works but the max ac goes into defrost regular ac goes thru my vents heat all works defrost works just my max ac any suggestions

[@robtorres]

Did this job today on my 2003 Explorer Sport Trac XLT,...well yesterday and today. That rear screw was difficult to extract. Make sure you use your thinnest 1/4 inch ratchet with 8mm socket. Your 3/8 ratchet won't fit in that tight space. I'd also suggest removing the wiring harness clips just for some more room. The TRQ part I noticed had a slightly thicker post, but it fit. Note: I modified my 1/4 ratchet with a rubber handle ( from an old metal file) to give me a better grip, instead of trying to finger tip hold it.

[@1AAuto]

+@robtorres Thank you for your order! We'd love to hear about your experience. Here's a link to leave us a review on Google: goo.gl/i5JFNY

[@1AAuto]

@ssl668 Glad to hear you found out what the issue was. That's kind of a weird thing to have broken.

[@1AAuto]

It may be. You may also want to check for any vacuum leaks too that could be causing this issue.

[@rednecktex998]

I just want to say Thank You for making this video. Your Instructions were Spot On. Thank You so much for your desire to Help Others.

[@1AAuto]

@stixs2005 If the actuator will not rotate you have want to check your fuses, and also the main controller to see if it's working properly.

[@1AAuto]

@JujosVideos If the heat simply does not turn on, start with the simple things first such as a fuse. Then test the blower motor with a test light to see if it has power to it. If you have lost some of the heat settings it may be the blower motor resistor.

[@1AAuto]

It may be a similar process. We currently do not have an door actuator auto repair video for that particular repair.

[@1AAuto]

We currently do not have an auto repair video on this particular year and model. We'll keep this request in mind in the event that we need to make this repair in the future. What you could also try to do is, remove the two heater hoses from the heater core inside the engine compartment on the firewall. Then take a garden hose and work it back and forth between the two pipes coming from the heater core. You may see a bunch of gunk fly out of there. Top off the radiator and see it this helps out.

[@DatCarGuy350]

I have a feeling the TBDA in the years 95-01 explorers were notorious for having issues. I've seen many explorers at the junkyard with that particular part missing as if people who own it experienced issues with that.

[@1AAuto]

If could have an effect on it. You could also take the blower motor out to see in there's any debris caught in the cage that may be slowing it down.

[@1AAuto]

It may be coming from there. We currently do not have a how to video that shows this repair. A Haynes or a Chiltons manual may show you how to perform this particular repair.

[@1AAuto]

The issue is most likely going to be related to the mode door actuator or the switch itself is faulty.

[@1AAuto]

@Bstang1 It sounds like you have dual zone automatic temp control. That is probably a different issue. there may be a solenoid like this that is bad somewhere or your sensor on that side could be bad.

[@kennethmooney5499]

I do have an additional control in the back, would this cause the front to malfunction?

[@1AAuto]

@68164Chris When you change the temperature, it may not change to get warmer or cooler.

[@1AAuto]

yes it controls the air flow through the vents.

[@1AAuto]

It could be a similar process, we currently do not have an auto repair video on that particular application.

[@1AAuto]

You're welcome. Have a great day.

[@christrahan8452]

Just fixed my ac with this info. Thanks!

[@astralsilverwind5478]

Hello again. I was wondering, could you guys do a video of the center console actuator door? My rear ac engages because you can hear the motor whirring but there's no air.

[@blakerowlison1461]

Thanks for the tip. I did hook it up and it finally put out heat - before it was just cold air. I tried to put it down in but didn't try to turn it - I'll try that - thanks again!!

[@1AAuto]

We currently do not have an auto repair video that shows this particular repair.

[@1AAuto]

@pacmanghostx You may also want to have the AC system checked to may sure it's filled with refrigerant and that there aren't any leaks.

[@1AAuto]

@vcollins43 you may want to start wit the simple things first and check the fluid level in the radiator.

[@cutebrat72]

Can you tell me if this controls the vents as well? I have a 96 Explorer limited edition and I have no problem with the temperature in the cabin but I have no air coming from the front vents, only the defrost.

[@1AAuto]

It sounds like one of the actuators is not working correctly and the actuator is going into default which would be for the defroster.

[@jasonlee1980jl]

Thanks for the video, So simple, and it made a correction to what I was told by and employee at a major auto parts house. He had said to go in behind the radio, So, thanks again.

[@1AAuto]

@Dvsxskater88 You may be able to test it as we show in this video. Another thing that you can check is to look under the hood of your car and see if there's a disconnected vacuum line anywhere as this can be the culprit sometimes. Hope this helps you out.

[@robertorodriguez6772]

Are the left and right blend door actuators identical in shape ?

[@1AAuto]

@westrnboy You could try to flush the cooling system. They sell a liquid flush at the auto parts store. Walmart usually carries it too, you can also flush the system out with a hose if it's warm outside. This will help to remove particles that could be clogging up the heater core. You may want to chance the thermostat while you're at it. If this doesn't work it could be a faulty blend door. Hope this helps you out.

[@SK-qz6lj]

thanks for the video. Would a bad blend door actuator cause no air to come out of the vents? When I turn on the air, air will only come out of the dashboard/windshield and rear vents. No air out of the main vents.

[@TekMan05]

I'm experiencing the same issue. Ever figure it out?

[@JGameAndWatch]

So I replaced the blend door on my 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis about a year ago after It only blew hot air. Since then I've had to issues with heating or A/C working properly. Yet when I have the system turned off entirely I notice I will still have some hot air escaping through the all the vents. It becomes noticeable when I've been driving for a while and feel the air start to build up. Could that be the door not closing properly still?

[@DeFazioNJ]

Great video. The vents have been blowing nothing but hot (and I mean HOT) air in my '98 Explorer, regardless of the temperature setting, and I'm thinking the blend door actuator is dead and the door is stuck in the heater position. I'll try this first as it seems simple enough. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@1AAuto]

You may want to check the blower motor and also the blower motor resistor.

[@1AAuto]

You may want to check the refrigerant level to see if it needs to be charged.

[@1AAuto]

You may want to have the system tested for leaks. It's possible that the antifreeze that you put into the system may have leaked out.

[@StPaulsChurchCogic]

@JujosVideos Hey Joe did you ever get a answer I have a 2005 Ford Explorer too. I watched the video and my Actuator is not in the same stop as shown in the video. In fact I cab hear the clicking behind the heater console. Which leads me to believe that I might have to have the dash removed. Did you fix your problem.

[@mikemcghee2005]

I am having trouble removing the screw in the back. I also lost some tools back there. Any alternatives? How do you retrieve lost tools? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@1AAuto]

The issue could be the vent door not opening all the way and when the vehicle starts to get air going through the box it pushing the door open a bit to flow through the heater core.

[@1AAuto]

@ssl668 We currently do not have a video of this repair on your application. The basics on the Explorer video may be similar to your vehicle, but the removal process and location more than likely will be different.

[@1AAuto]

@gcacer Pull the actuator out, leave it plugged in, move your temp control and see if it moves. Most likely it is the actuator, it is a common problem.

[@dsj29]

Hi , my 05 explorer blows only cold air and has a knocking and fwapping sound on both sides of the center console. Do you think this is my problem (what you showed here). Thanks for any anawer

[@crazytr9463]

Hello there! I have a 1999 Ford Explorer and it has the electronic climate control and it came up with a 024 and 025 code that means blend door and I replaced the old actuator and it still is not turning and working and was wondering if it could be the actual climate control itself. The heater control valve opens and closes as well and it works. Every thing works but the heater it just blows cold air. But it’s as if there is no power going to the blend door actuator.

[@1AAuto]

+FanCraz 94 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@1AAuto]

@Mailenmaloo It could be that or a possible loose connection somewhere.

[@blakerowlison1461]

The video was very helpful as far as it went but mine is stuck in the cold air position and I can't get any hot air. It was much harder to get off than what it shows and when I went to put the new one on it wouldn't fit. The video showed a good one coming off and then going back on but mine is in a different position than the new one and the new one won't pop down into place. Any ideas on getting it turned so the new part will line up and I can get it hooked up. I don't want to force anything so that I break the new part!! Thanks!!

[@1AAuto]

HI Blake, if you turn the key forward so that the truck has power, you should be able to connect the new actuator to the wire and then turn the hot-cold know to get the actuator post sticking out into the right position. We had to do this in the video. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com 866-403-3393

[@babyfox4398]

This guy is the best Out of all of the videos that I’ve seen he actually shows us exactly what the actuator is supposed to do while the vehicle is on great work buddy I subscribe

[@1AAuto]

+Fox. A Pride Of Foxes Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com

[@1AAuto]

@scobra97con Also make sure that there aren't any air pockets in the cooling system.

[@jamesr2888]

On my 2000 Mountaineer, if I disconnect the battery & reconnect it, I can hear the actuator motor clicking. Is this normal for the actuator to reset to find it's correct position or does it need to be replaced? When you do replace it, does it need to be programmed since it has automatic temperature control?

[@1AAuto]

+James R We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@airforce1gucci]

i have a 1999 mercury mountaineer V8 with the digital AC/heat controls. is the repair similar to this cause i just bought a replacement actuator and its shaped the same way with that rotating post? air only blows from the defroster (hot or cold) and nowhere else

[@2508ccp]

Thank you soo... much for this video about two years ago i had to replace atempature door accuator and the shop i had it done at charged me $650 to have this done and it went bad on me again thanks for this before i tore my complete dash appart!

[@one800JUST]

Hello buddy thanks for the video quick question I have a 2004 Lincoln Aviator I'm getting cold air on the passenger side and warm air on the driver side any help ?

[@1AAuto]

@Mailenmaloo Thank you for checking us out. Have a great day!

[@KristenNMartinez09]

I have a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. When i have the AC ON. It only blows HOT air. Is this caused by the actuator mentioned in this video ? Thanks for your time.

[@AvnerRosenstein-ULTRA-LXV]

Would this be the cause of only having heat come out of the defrost? The defrost works fine but it will not change direction to a different area like floor or front or does this only apply to changing from hot to cold?

[@chrisconner2981]

Just the Hot to Cold feature of the car. There is a small vacuum line hose about 1/4" that controls the air flow from the defrost to the other air ports up against the firewall in the engine compartment.

[@Diggerxvi]

This was a difficult getting out of my 2006 ranger, but mine does not work. symptoms were blowing hot air in all settings on my truck except Max AC. What fuse drives this part?

[@68164Chris]

I have a 2003 Explorer XLT and my defroster only blows on low settings. When I turn it to HIGH the blower kicks in and I can hear the vent door close and no air will come out of the defroster and all the air blows through the remaining vents. Is this the same issue as you discuss here?

[@austinstephensparks]

1A Auto Parts my heat works fine a little too well. Its my ac that isnt working. I already evacuated the freon and recharged it. So i know i has freon and the correct amount. The compressor is cycling. But even when the selector knob to control where the air comes from either the ac or the defrost it always blows hot

[@ristobeatty]

my truck seems to have snaps holding the actuator in rather than screws. is there any easy way to release them without breaking them?

[@ddemier]

I have a 2004 saturn ion 4door. There's a clicking noise coming from the lower dash. I unplugged the blower motor and the clicking continued. Is this the blend door motor? If so where can I obtain instructions on how to change the motor?

[@1AAuto]

@BOOANDLUCKY1 thank you for checking out our auto repair videos. Have a great day!

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

I just replaced the motor on my 09 Ranger. I put the shaft of the motor down a little into the hole and plugged in the connector before screwing the motor down. I turned the temp selector and it slowly moved in its range. The motor has more travel than the door. Motor from Napa. The motor closes the door hot at about 2pm angle. Somethings wrong with either the design or motor. I hope there is not a pen inside of the system blocking things. I ran into that with my 94 F250 2 years ago.

[@1AAuto]

We add to our video section on a daily basis. Keep checking back before any project that you have to tackle for some great tips.

[@Daviros]

Thanks a lot for the video! Very helpful

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for watching. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@stixs2005]

When i removed the old actuator and played with the door with my fingers i could see it was the actuator. Problem is when i connect the actuator, the little rotating knob won't rotate when i change the temp. And i can't install the new one because i have to be able to move it into the position of the old actuator. Also, i have a 1999 ford explorer eddie bauer so my temp control is digital. any thoughts for getting my actuator knob to move so i can't install it?

[@ROACH1994]

My ac runs cold then warm then back to cold. Sometimes if it is running warm I'll just turn the truck off, wait a minute, then start it again. this seems to work. I refilled the ac recently. What doe the actuator do?

[@mustangmayhem3284]

Would this be the same or similar to a 94 mustang?

[@1AAuto]

The concept is the same but the positioning of everything might be slightly different for the E150 .

[@TaxinGigs]

When I try and install the new actuator the white plastic piece does not fit. Is there a way to reset the motor inside?

[@f100gibby55]

Any idea on the location of the blend door on a 2001 Ford Mustang GT?

[@scobra97con]

i have a 98 ranger that blows hot air, when a/c is on and on flat surface or going downhill, its cold. when i go up hill, it gets hot and fan stops running.if i start off quick, it gets hot.sometimes i can hear the blend door shut.the acuator seems to be working. im thinking it could be a vaccumm problem cuz the time this happened, i lost my 4wheel drive. any clues ty

[@tucole11]

i have a 2006 explorer and when i turn the dial to heat it just makes a clicking sound. Do you know what that is? Thanks

[@nathanmendoza8354]

my 05 sporttrac blows hot air only the system is charged and the compressor kicks in but no cold air you think is the blend door or any ideas im suffering in 108 weather thanks

[@1AAuto]

It could be an issue with the blend door.

[@1AAuto]

We currently do no have an auto repair video that covers this particular repair. The process to remove it may be different.

[@1AAuto]

Unfortunately unless you pull everything out, your socket is lost. It happens to the best of us but luckily most hardware stores are just a few minutes drive for most.

[@kennethmooney5499]

I lost a piece back of the actuator, but I used a tool with a screen and probe and a piece of wire to fish it out. Took a while but it was worth it.

[@matthewfalciano2057]

I have the same problem with my ac only on defrost mode. Is this the problem will I need to replace the top motor.

[@dragonoid3456]

This was a lot of help.

[@jamesroberts9192]

Best thing I can say is Thanks. And buy parts from you. A win win.😎

[@1AAuto]

+James Roberts Thanks for checking us out. 1AAuto.com

[@ronkeane6771]

@@1AAuto I agree with James. I was just about ready to give up getting the actuator out then I watched your video. It came right out. I bought my replacement part from 1A Auto Parts. Thank you for posting this video! I love my 1998 Ranger. It just keeps going. :)

[@ronkeane6771]

PS. I tied a long thread around the back screw in case I dropped it while trying to get it started. I got it started fine but the safety net was nice. I used Kolbalt's Mechanics Xtreme Access sockets. The profile is much lower for getting the back screw. When it was loose I had to take it off, turn the socket a quarter turn then put it back on and turn. Once it's no longer loose the ratcheting action can be used.

[@MUSICAYMASPARATI]

Hi, I have a Ford Explorer, no wind on the front panel, just in the back

[@Enonymouse_]

There is no clearance in that area on the back to fit a ratchet or any other tool in my 97 explorer >.>

[@1AAuto]

Most like it will be a bad actuator. When the vehicle begins to move, more air is pushed through the HVAC housing which can push the actuators around if they are weak.

[@taylorcoleman6277]

I have a 1995 bonnevile. Will this be hard for me to do on my car, cause I have to replace my air temperture door acuator as well.

[@grettagrids]

I got a 2003 windstar but the controls don't work... I get heat and cold but only from the top vent position... blower works, fuses are good. actuactor? No heat in the feet positon.

[@everythingvideos24]

What's the whole point of this actuator? I know mine is bad because when I plug it up it makes a weird noise.

[@1AAuto]

@andyg2084 Unfortunately I don't have the truck anymore and I don't remember, sorry.

[@Kaphert]

My front blowers do not work in my 96 ford explorer. Not with low and high temperature or with low or high fan speed. The other fans (back, windshield) works fine. Could this be the blend door?

[@alberthovakimyan2285]

Hi. My AC goes off and starts blowing hot air when I go over bumps. And sometimes it doesn't even go on it only blows hot. I have to turn on and off for many times until it starts the cold air.And then I can hear a click noise and turns to hot again. Any Idea what the problem can be? Thank you

[@bigbank347]

will this increase how hard my air conditioner blows? because my air in my 98 explorer doesn't blow to hard

[@januaryman169]

On my 95 ranger, if you are parked with the engine running and the a/c on either normal a/c or max, the air comes from the defroster. when you are driving, it blows from the dash vents. This is with the selector on dash vent. when not using the a/c, heat works properly in all settings.

[@1AAuto]

It could be the issue, you may also want to check for a possible loose connection to the blower motor, it might be loosing power. Hope this helps you out. 1aauto.com 888-844-3393

[@bloitouturboho]

I have a 98 when air is first turned on "MAX" air is cold but after you drive the blower starts blowing out HOT "QUICKLY" is this an actuator or switch issue IYO? THANX!