My 2016 Ford Explorer Limited has been nothing but problems. Before it hit 93,000 miles I had to change both catalytic converters, rebuild transmission, three of the six coil packs and various other items. Now this actuator thing went out. The part is cheap but getting to it Absolutely sucks. I’m done with Ford. Very unimpressed, and I am from Michigan. Thank you for the video! You did a great job, and it helped me tremendously!
Similar. I also had to have my hood fixed due to paint/rusting with the paint they used. And I just had some engine shock thing fixed as it sounded like the engine was going to fall out. The cars a lemon but I love it.
Thanks for the video. The lesson I learned from this is just go ahead and install the new part no matter what. I am dreading this job, but I refuse to pay a mechanic to do it, lol
I recently inherited a 2016 Ford Explorer with only 47,000 miles, and The First thing I noticed was the HVAC Actuator didn't operate, and it was Stuck in the Dash position! I have full records and there were 11 Recalls by Ford on this year and type of Ford, and thankfully they were already taken care of! From people that I have talked with, this Problem Seems to be Common Place, and Ford "Should" have issued a Recall on this issue too! Quality Has Definitely Suffered Greatly, concidering the Astronomical Price of Vehicles in today's day and age! Great Video! Thanks! 👍
This was such a helpful video!! One thing i would say to get is a DeWalt Right Angle Flexshaft. I picked mine up for $40 at Lowes and made the job take about an hour with this video aswell!
Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome video! I used your vid to fix my 2016 Explorer! I don't think the video said, so in case it can help anyone, the screws that hold in the actuator are 8mm.
I appreciate the detail you went into on this video. I was hoping that this repair would fall into something I could do, and I probably could after replacing some of the trim part that I would’ve broken. Thanks for sharing your frustration and letting me know it’s time to “pay the man” to get this job done for me.
THANK YOU!! I was able to do this thanks to you. One thing I would suggest is to move your steering wheel all the way out (I think) because the screw that moves it was in my way. And moves the brake pedals all the way in. Also using the gear from the old actuator is key to align the doors to get the new one installed. Thank yo for making this video, this is a slow tricky job, but you made it much easier. Thank you!!!
I haven’t changed mine out yet but very thankful for this video. I did notice when you were testing the old part with it pulled out you said it was cycling to defrost but the gear kept turning and didn’t stop. I knew right away the part was bad and was hoping you noticed it as well and didn’t put everything back together and just put the new part in. Plus you put all that labor into it might as well put a new part in since they are inexpensive. Not sure how you kept from cussing but great job. You’ve got patience brother. Thanks again! Update. Just finished it and boom! It works now. Much appreciated. One thing I found easier is to drop the bad part down below the steering column instead of taking it from above.
Thanks for the guide! I removed the actuator from the bottom. It was not too bad. Like others, I Moved the vent selector until the gear slipped into place while applying slight pressure.
At some point this winter the heat in my 2015 Ford Flex got stuck on defrost only. It wouldn't change to vents or floor etc. After some research, I came across your video and the other video you referenced. They were both super helpful. Upon looking under my dash. It was plain to see it was essentially the same As what you show here. So, I thought I knew What I was getting into. Until I got started… I instantly realized the trim panels are quite different. I had to take off quite a lot more trim to get to that instrument cluster. I did not invest in the Dewalt tool either. I just used long extensions and a jointed swivel socket adapter. That thing might've helped for sure. But I got the job done. It took longer than I figured. However, I took my time and cleaned up all the trim panels before I put it all back together. Whew 😥 My ribs are definitely bruised and I have a few nicks and cuts on my hands. But I did it with your help thank you so much! 🛠 P.S. your video totally saved me from reinstalling my actuator as well. As soon as I took the old actuator out, it started spinning. That would’ve led me to believe it was not broken! However I had previously watched your video. So you saved my butt. I just plugged the new one in and held it in place until the gear lined up. Then I just pushed it in flush. Then the motor stopped spinning. I just had to struggle to reinstall the three screws. Which I’m pretty sure are a lot closer quarters in the flex than the Explorer. Here’s a link to my video incase it helps anyone. ruclips.net/video/abetxCSrt_I/видео.html
I'm super glad this video was helpful to you. That makes it all worth it. I can see your dash was a whole other animal. A lot of trim to be removed indeed. The reassembled view looks good with all the panels cleaned up.
i have been trying to find a video to help explain and how to fix this exact same issue! thank you soo much for linking the part and going into soo much detail! will be getting this done as soon as i can!
Helpful video. Same issue on a '15 Taurus interceptor. I got lucky that mine stopped working with the air split and coming from all vents making it drivable.
This video was very helpful. I have one in the shop now that have the same problem. I remove the actuator as you and test the operation of it. The same result as you. I was a little confused because the actuator did work, but just order a new actuator tomorrow. Thanks again for the video
Thanks for the shout out and for linking my video on the description. I don't know why I didn't think of using the swivel instead of buying the angle driver 🤣🤣 very efficient 👌👍
I also linked your video into my blog post I did on this awhile back, it was super useful. Feel free to check it out. It's just my name with dot com and the post is titled The Definitive Guide to Replacing the HVAC Directional Door Actuator [Step-By-Step Guide]" I didn't want to put an actual link as YT may think it's spam.
yes you have helped me trouble shoot my2015 ford edge prob of no air from panel, going to get new actuator for it. thanks . mine looks a lot easier than yours
No, it’s fairly simple though. When inserting the replacement actuator, hold slight pressure against it while changing the selection with the controls. Defrost, floor, vent, etc. As the selection changes it will rotate the internal gear which will eventually line up and the actuator will then slide the rest of the way in. It may take a couple of try's.
I have not found a permanent fix. I replaced this FoMoCo part and 2 months later it’s “broken” again. There is another video that is about 6 years old where the guy explains exactly what goes wrong. It’s the contractors that lose their contact and it just seeks until it times out and sits in position.
Hi. Excellent video and excellent explanation. Thanks. I have a question about of the part. I found this part with the number aa5z-19e616-c. You know if that fit too. ??
I deleted my original reply, because I’m not sure after looking further into it. The best thing to do is to go to the Fordpartsgiant.com page and enter your VIN to see if that part will fit your vehicle. It varies by the type of HVAC system you have. Automatic, manual, dual zone, etc. Check it out here www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts/ford-motor-asy_aa5z-19e616-c.html
Hi! Just curious if this caused the A/C to stop blowing cold? I've had the panel/defrost issue for a while, it's being looked at this weekend, but now the A/C isn't blowing cold. 🤦🏻♀️ I have a 2016 Explorer Limited and I just hit 60k miles today. I love my truck but this is bananas. 😂 Hoping it's all related or an easy fix.
@@Wes_BartonThanks. It figures. 😂 I know I definitely have this issue. It won't go between defrost and regular. Luckily it stuck on regular. But now I have the A/C issue. Appreciate the video!!
I still have my extended warranty, i wonder if that is covered? I know When i call they will say they can't tell me until it gets in there so they can properly diagnose if that is the problem 😤. Because i had another problem i asked and thats what they told me.
I'm having the same problem except its only blowing from the defrost only, and I've changed the blend door less than 2 months ago crazy this thing already gone bad
I have 2010 explorer with digital a/c control and it's stuck blowing air on windshield... trying to find the part for my explorer but couldn't... if anyone knows please help. Tks
@wesbarton very informative video. Thank you! Your vehicle is equipped with dual climate control settings correct? I’m having an issue where only the passenger side is stuck on defrost setting. The actuator you replaced does control the passenger side vents as well?
Is there any chance this could get stuck half way??? My 2017 Explorer Limited acts like something is blocking half the air flow no matter what you change it to.
@@vladmyronyshyn The problem was that the actuator would not direct air to other vents. It was stuck on one setting. The fix was to replace the actuator with a new one, as shown in the video.
Why would you build a car around a part that goes out like this part. Ford is really going down hill. A person should not be allowed to design a car until they have worked as a mechanic for at least Five years.
My 2016 Ford Explorer Limited has been nothing but problems. Before it hit 93,000 miles I had to change both catalytic converters, rebuild transmission, three of the six coil packs and various other items. Now this actuator thing went out. The part is cheap but getting to it Absolutely sucks. I’m done with Ford. Very unimpressed, and I am from Michigan. Thank you for the video! You did a great job, and it helped me tremendously!
Similar. I also had to have my hood fixed due to paint/rusting with the paint they used. And I just had some engine shock thing fixed as it sounded like the engine was going to fall out. The cars a lemon but I love it.
Thanks for the video. The lesson I learned from this is just go ahead and install the new part no matter what. I am dreading this job, but I refuse to pay a mechanic to do it, lol
I recently inherited a 2016 Ford Explorer with only 47,000 miles, and The First thing I noticed was the HVAC Actuator didn't operate, and it was Stuck in the Dash position!
I have full records and there were 11 Recalls by Ford on this year and type of Ford, and thankfully they were already taken care of!
From people that I have talked with, this Problem Seems to be Common Place, and Ford "Should" have issued a Recall on this issue too!
Quality Has Definitely Suffered Greatly, concidering the Astronomical Price of Vehicles in today's day and age!
Great Video! Thanks! 👍
This was such a helpful video!! One thing i would say to get is a DeWalt Right Angle Flexshaft. I picked mine up for $40 at Lowes and made the job take about an hour with this video aswell!
Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome video! I used your vid to fix my 2016 Explorer! I don't think the video said, so in case it can help anyone, the screws that hold in the actuator are 8mm.
I would pay for this video! Thank you so so much for filming this with so much detail
I appreciate the detail you went into on this video. I was hoping that this repair would fall into something I could do, and I probably could after replacing some of the trim part that I would’ve broken. Thanks for sharing your frustration and letting me know it’s time to “pay the man” to get this job done for me.
I sure would have loved to see how you maneuvered that actuator back into position!
THANK YOU!! I was able to do this thanks to you. One thing I would suggest is to move your steering wheel all the way out (I think) because the screw that moves it was in my way. And moves the brake pedals all the way in. Also using the gear from the old actuator is key to align the doors to get the new one installed. Thank yo for making this video, this is a slow tricky job, but you made it much easier. Thank you!!!
I haven’t changed mine out yet but very thankful for this video. I did notice when you were testing the old part with it pulled out you said it was cycling to defrost but the gear kept turning and didn’t stop. I knew right away the part was bad and was hoping you noticed it as well and didn’t put everything back together and just put the new part in. Plus you put all that labor into it might as well put a new part in since they are inexpensive. Not sure how you kept from cussing but great job. You’ve got patience brother. Thanks again!
Update. Just finished it and boom! It works now. Much appreciated. One thing I found easier is to drop the bad part down below the steering column instead of taking it from above.
Let me first say THANK YOU!!! Fir making this instructional video..
I have been able to repair my Explorer in 3 hours and no issues
Thanks for the guide! I removed the actuator from the bottom. It was not too bad. Like others, I Moved the vent selector until the gear slipped into place while applying slight pressure.
I just did this over the weekend and same situation. Getting it back in was not easy and had to recruit some smaller hands. Thanks for the video !!!
Great video and most helpful. What in the world was Ford thinking on this design. Without this video it would have been way more difficult
At some point this winter the heat in my 2015 Ford Flex got stuck on defrost only. It wouldn't change to vents or floor etc. After some research, I came across your video and the other video you referenced. They were both super helpful. Upon looking under my dash.
It was plain to see it was essentially the same
As what you show here. So, I thought I knew What I was getting into. Until I got started… I instantly realized the trim panels are quite different. I had to take off quite a lot more trim to get to that instrument cluster.
I did not invest in the Dewalt tool either. I just used long extensions and a jointed swivel socket adapter. That thing might've helped for sure. But I got the job done.
It took longer than I figured. However, I took my time and cleaned up all the trim panels before I put it all back together. Whew 😥
My ribs are definitely bruised and I have a few nicks and cuts on my hands. But I did it with your help thank you so much! 🛠
P.S. your video totally saved me from reinstalling my actuator as well. As soon as I took the old actuator out, it started spinning. That would’ve led me to believe it was not broken! However I had previously watched your video. So you saved my butt. I just plugged the new one in and held it in place until the gear lined up. Then I just pushed it in flush. Then the motor stopped spinning.
I just had to struggle to reinstall the three screws. Which I’m pretty sure are a lot closer quarters in the flex than the Explorer. Here’s a link to my video incase it helps anyone. ruclips.net/video/abetxCSrt_I/видео.html
I'm super glad this video was helpful to you. That makes it all worth it.
I can see your dash was a whole other animal. A lot of trim to be removed indeed. The reassembled view looks good with all the panels cleaned up.
Thank you, this took me a little over two hours to do. I went slow and took my time.
Great video! Just did a temp blend door actuator on 16 limited in shop last week. 🙂
Nice video. Good camera work and detailed. Appreciate it. I’m getting ready to do the temperature selector blend door on my 16
i have been trying to find a video to help explain and how to fix this exact same issue! thank you soo much for linking the part and going into soo much detail! will be getting this done as soon as i can!
Great video. It turned this into a relatively quick job for me
I just followed this for my 2016 xlt and it worked great for me thank you
Helpful video. Same issue on a '15 Taurus interceptor. I got lucky that mine stopped working with the air split and coming from all vents making it drivable.
This video was very helpful. I have one in the shop now that have the same problem. I remove the actuator as you and test the operation of it. The same result as you. I was a little confused because the actuator did work, but just order a new actuator tomorrow. Thanks again for the video
Thanks for the shout out and for linking my video on the description. I don't know why I didn't think of using the swivel instead of buying the angle driver 🤣🤣 very efficient 👌👍
I also linked your video into my blog post I did on this awhile back, it was super useful. Feel free to check it out. It's just my name with dot com and the post is titled The Definitive Guide to Replacing the HVAC Directional Door Actuator [Step-By-Step Guide]" I didn't want to put an actual link as YT may think it's spam.
It was very helpful. In my case lost connection inside connector.
Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.
yes you have helped me trouble shoot my2015 ford edge prob of no air from panel, going to get new actuator for it. thanks . mine looks a lot easier than yours
Thank you. I will be doing this this week on the wife's car.
Do you have a video for putting back the actuator itself? Thanks wonderful video very detailed.
No, it’s fairly simple though. When inserting the replacement actuator, hold slight pressure against it while changing the selection with the controls. Defrost, floor, vent, etc. As the selection changes it will rotate the internal gear which will eventually line up and the actuator will then slide the rest of the way in. It may take a couple of try's.
Are you saying you turned the car on and switched the temp controls to match the actuators position even with some of the items you removed unplugged?
Just ordered the part off your link thanks!
Gracias Amigo, desde Chile, me sirvio mucho.
👍👍👍
Ambitious and you did it twice. Ford blend door actuators are finicky. It is as much the circuitry inside the module as it us a mechanical failure.
Very good video. Very helpful!
Thank you! Super helpful.
Thanks for the helpful video.
I have not found a permanent fix. I replaced this FoMoCo part and 2 months later it’s “broken” again. There is another video that is about 6 years old where the guy explains exactly what goes wrong. It’s the contractors that lose their contact and it just seeks until it times out and sits in position.
Interesting. I still have the old one I replaced, maybe I’ll open it up and see if there is anything noticeably broken.
@@Wes_Barton ruclips.net/video/sQ2afrTj1xY/видео.html
Zach, do you have a link to that video?
@@amydietrich8626 ruclips.net/video/sQ2afrTj1xY/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/sQ2afrTj1xY/видео.html
Hi. Excellent video and excellent explanation. Thanks. I have a question about of the part. I found this part with the number aa5z-19e616-c. You know if that fit too. ??
I deleted my original reply, because I’m not sure after looking further into it. The best thing to do is to go to the Fordpartsgiant.com page and enter your VIN to see if that part will fit your vehicle. It varies by the type of HVAC system you have. Automatic, manual, dual zone, etc.
Check it out here www.fordpartsgiant.com/parts/ford-motor-asy_aa5z-19e616-c.html
Thank you😊😊
Hi! Just curious if this caused the A/C to stop blowing cold? I've had the panel/defrost issue for a while, it's being looked at this weekend, but now the A/C isn't blowing cold. 🤦🏻♀️ I have a 2016 Explorer Limited and I just hit 60k miles today. I love my truck but this is bananas. 😂 Hoping it's all related or an easy fix.
@@onebeanshy I don’t remember that being the case.
@@Wes_BartonThanks. It figures. 😂 I know I definitely have this issue. It won't go between defrost and regular. Luckily it stuck on regular. But now I have the A/C issue. Appreciate the video!!
I still have my extended warranty, i wonder if that is covered? I know When i call they will say they can't tell me until it gets in there so they can properly diagnose if that is the problem 😤.
Because i had another problem i asked and thats what they told me.
It’s hard to say if it’s covered or not. Might have to read the fine print.
I was only able to get one screw back in good and one half way in.
Great video and explanation! Saved me so much time and trouble shooting. 🍻
Thanks sir this video is so helpful
Saudi Arabia
Thanks señor very good video mucho Bueno
God bless you
Great video
Great! Very helpful! Thanks!😎
I'm having the same problem except its only blowing from the defrost only, and I've changed the blend door less than 2 months ago crazy this thing already gone bad
Did you replace it with a genuine Ford part? There should be some sort of warranty with it.
@@Wes_Barton yes I bought it directly from ford
@@waynenation678 I would call them and see if they warranty it.
I have 2010 explorer with digital a/c control and it's stuck blowing air on windshield... trying to find the part for my explorer but couldn't... if anyone knows please help. Tks
@@marcosgoncalves3250 are you looking for the part that I replaced in this video?
@@Wes_Barton yes .... tks
@@marcosgoncalves3250 would you happen to have the VIN?
@@Wes_Barton ill have it tonight tks
2010 ford explorer sport trac 4.0
@wesbarton very informative video. Thank you! Your vehicle is equipped with dual climate control settings correct? I’m having an issue where only the passenger side is stuck on defrost setting. The actuator you replaced does control the passenger side vents as well?
Yes, I believe it does. Before replacing it both sides of my vents were stuck on defrost.
Yes you’ve helped me. And also how did you change your sync 2 wallpaper?
Awesome video, I liked the look of the little prying tool you had, any chance you remember where you bought it at?
Thank you. Harbor Freight Tools.
www.harborfreight.com/automotive/auto-body-trim/5-piece-upholstery-and-trim-tool-set-99739.html
Happened to mine too. Thank you!
Does anyone know where I can get replacement actuator screws after I had a few drop down into the abyss?
I would call a dealership, give them this part number and see if they sell just the screws. If not, can they tell you the size of them?
Excellent video tks!!!!
Is there any chance this could get stuck half way??? My 2017 Explorer Limited acts like something is blocking half the air flow no matter what you change it to.
I would assume it’s possible. If the vent was in that position when it broke.
Just a tip it’s way easier if you remove the steering column
Also the actuator will come out the bottom you don’t have to pull it from the top
Thank you!
Thank you sir a great help
Your first actuator was brand new? Those which was not working
No. I tested the old (original) one when removed and it seemed to be working, so I put it back in.
@@Wes_Barton and the old one is working now also?
@@Wes_Barton and what was the problem with your climate control? How did you solve it? Sorry, i can't exactly understand on a video. I am from Ukraine
@@vladmyronyshyn No. The old one was still not working properly after I reinstalled it. I had to replace it with a new one.
@@vladmyronyshyn The problem was that the actuator would not direct air to other vents. It was stuck on one setting. The fix was to replace the actuator with a new one, as shown in the video.
I’ve had nothing but problems with the actuators on my Taurus Fix Or Repair Daily. No more fords for me
Thank you very much save me a lot time and money 🙏
My truck is doing that now
I still cannot put it on defrost done change the parts
Hmmm for some reason, my comment isn't showing up.
I see this one. Did you leave another?
@@Wes_Barton yeah, I was mentioning a writeup I did on this topic but maybe YT thinks it's spam and kept deleting it. No worries. Great job
Hey everyone, would love to pay anyone here to do mine if interested, I just dont have time or patience . Let me know, thanks
Where are you located?
@@Wes_Barton - thanks, Northern Virginia - Chantilly Area
@@pjsmith8582 I’d be willing to do it for you. I’m in NOVA too.
@@Wes_Barton awesome, how much would you do it for
@@pjsmith8582 $150
El chaval
There has to be an easier way to remove the actuator without having to remove all these parts
This method as opposed to removing the dash.
Why would you build a car around a part that goes out like this part. Ford is really going down hill. A person should not be allowed to design a car until they have worked as a mechanic for at least Five years.