Ford Explorer vent selection actuator for stuck vents on defrost
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- Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2019
- This video explains the process of changing out the vent selection actuator for a 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Ford Explorer. Part number YH-1769.
If the vents on your Ford Explorer do not switch to the selected setting this video is for you. If you can't get cold or hot air there are plenty of other videos showing how to switch out the blend doors being the glove box.
Link to a follow up video showing a few things I missed to mention on my video. He has a few good additional pointers.
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Here is a link to the process for an F150. This video shows the process which is much simpler for the F150 but it gives you a good look at what you're doing when removing the red clip and the harness.
• How to fix air blowing... 
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This is a really GREAT video. I just finished the replacement on my 2015 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L. I ordered the part online from Rock Auto, but the manufacturer had given them the wrong information saying the the YH1769 part was for a 2017-2019 Explorer, so I got the wrong part first. I found it easier to mark the new YH1769 so I could align it to the same orientation as the bad part, then connect it and let it rotate to the correct position, and disconnect it. If you don’t disconnect it, it continues to rotate) With that done, I placed it in place, and put in the screws, top front first, bottom next and then found it easier to use the 90 degree tool from the bottom, with help from my son to line it up and presto, we were done. Oh I used Tick-Tac in the socket to hold the screws in place, which worked really great too. Replaced everything and it works fine.
Great to hear. Happy new year
Hey my friend. I also plug my in so it could rotate to the correct position.
Do you mean you plugged it in BEFORE you instled it?
@@curtishendrix2493 I do not understand the plug in step prior to installatiom
Please explain plug in and rotate to correct position. You mean change the vent setting?
This guy deserves a medal for going back and capturing all this (for us) after he was finished with the replacement. I'm certainly glad he did.
Ford deserves to have their asses kicked for 1) installing such cheap actuators in the first place, and 2) requiring a dashboard dismantle to replace them.
Reminds me of replacing a heater blower fan on my old Pontiac. Had to cut a hole through the wheel-well to get at it. Later I asked the dealer mechanic how he would have done it. Same way. No wonder most people have switched to Japanese or Korean cars.
Glad I could help!
Completely agree that FORD screwed up here, what a BAD DESIGN!
3 years later and this video is still putting smiles on faces. Well done man. And THANK YOU and if all 600+ commentors completed this themselves, you've saved us likely a million or two😊
Just in case anyone doesn't have a 5/16 socket... That 5/16 socket is the same as an 8mm socket, that vehicle doesn't actually use any SAE bolt head sizes on it, they are metric, so it's technically an 8mm, but a 5/16 fits the same so either can be used. Great video man, thanks for posting it!
Side note, if anyone watching doesn't have a 7mm, a 9/32 is the same.. nothing is the same as a 10 though, you'll need a 10
This is the BEST video on changing this part out. If I could contact this guy I would buy him a case of beer! I couldn't have done this job without this video.
I was quoted $1700 for this recently; fixed it myself yesterday. I definitely didn’t put that back actuator bolt back in, but I got 2. Keep making videos man, you’re doing people great by them!! Thank you, so much!!
I've never commented on a youtube video. Ever. But this one saved me so much time and money and provided so much comfort, that I had to leave a note. First - I was able to order the correct part quickly and got the tool specified as well because I've wanted to get one (and really didn't know they were that inexpensive.) But after replacing the incorrect blend motor (the one right below the one in this tutorial) I was able to get this one replaced in under an hour and it worked immediately.
Thank you for putting the time and effort into this video! Much appreciated!
Thank the lord there are people like you that will take the time to make a great video like this. Followed this video step by step and it took me about an hour and a half start to finish. Saved me a pile of money doing it myself. God bless you good sir!
That's great to hear. I'm glad to have helped in some way. Take care
Thanks for taking the time to document this. I am the guy that removed the dash, and it was a BIG and daunting task. Even with the dash removed, the bottom screw was a bit of a challenge due to the large wire harness that runs right across it. When I had this problem, I was amazed how difficult it was to find info on the web. You will/have undoubtedly help many people with this.
Boy, that must have been a pain. I considered removing the dash but my my laziness and lack of patience took over haha.
That bottom screw was a problem for me as well, until I got a REALLY bright light to see the screw. Once I was able to see it I took a screwdriver to push the wires in to the point where I could easily get a wrench on that screw.
I can’t begin to thank you enough! This video saved my butt and my savings account! When I told my wife the dashboard had to come out she wanted to take it to the shop for repair. When she saw that you made it possible she had a little more faith than the normal under the hood repairs. Might have been different than yours, but my actuator was held on by 8mm bolts, not 5/16”.
Thanks for this great video. My son and I did this job today in about 3 hours using your method plus some help from the commenters. I did everything except the bottom screw and he did that when he got home from work (he's a little more flexible than I am LOL). A couple of things I learned: I bought both angle drivers, the DeWalt from Lowes ($30) and the Harbor Freight ($10). We used the DeWalt on the top screws and the Harbor Freight on the bottom because it is about 75 degrees, which worked great. I used a small strip of duct tape to hold the screws on the 8 mm socket to restart them. Also, to orient the splines on the new motor we used a 9 volt battery to turn the shaft to match the way the old one stopped. One other hint I recommend is to find an extra motor screw in case you drop one - we did and could never locate it. But we found one in my spare screw collection that was close enough. Your video is the most thorough repair video I have ever used, and was 100% accurate. Thanks again and I owe you BIG TIME!
These are some great tips. Thanks for the info.
Next time take the old motor apart and pull the piece out that turns the door and use it to rotate the door to match the new motor. Makes life quite a bit easier! I've been doing actuators for years and just thought of doing this the other day for the first time lol.
Thank you so much for putting this out. Your instructions were flawless. Took me a little over 2 hours and would have been quicker if I had not been extremely deliberate keeping tools and screws organized. Very well done!
Had this problem with our 2015 explorer over this past week. Ordered the parts and followed this video. Thanks so much for posting. Took about 2.5 hours but got it done and couldn’t have done it without this video. Awesome job!!
Where the hell can I take you out for a beer. You have not only saved me and other thousands you also made it to where anyone could understand what needs to be done. Thank you!!!!
And yet again, another thankful person for this video. Just finished completing it on my 2015 Explorer in 2hrs. The 90 degree drill flex extension is an absolute must!! Thanks!
Man you are awesome. I've been dreading changing my actuator, but after watching your video I'm more at ease. Thanks man!
You're welcome. Good luck!
Did this on my 2015 Ford explorer today. Worked like a charm! Kind of a pain in the arse but much easier with this helpful video. Cheers for your help!
We did ours under 2 hours, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. The flex tool is sure is the key and I'm glad I bought it for this job.
Awesome! Glad the video helped out
Thank you for taking the time to post this, you explain/show the process very well. I have a different issue with my explorer HVAC but ran across this while doing research. At least now I'm prepared to tackle this job if it ever comes up!
Good luck!
So glad you took the time to post this video. I don’t think I would have attempted this job without it. I did not end up using the dewalt tool-just used a 1/4 wobbly universal joint to get all the screws. Patience is a must as the screws were not easy. I was able to line the splines up by gently holding the new part against the hole while my daughter cycled through the settings until it popped into place. Thanks again for the informative video!
Great video and walk through of the project. I did this on a 2016 Platinum Explorer. The part number was accurate for the actuator that changes the modes( vent, floor, defrost). I did use the 90 degree tool for the bottom bolt as well and it made it easy. Thanks for the great video help.
Thank you! Following your instructions and tool selection I was able to complete the repair in just under 2 hours. Great video!
Great video! Just successfully finished this project as well following the instructions to a tee! It took me about 2.5 hours being as patient as I could be to insure I didn't accidentally break anything. Thank you so much for doing this video!
My friend, you are my hero for capturing all this (after doing so much work figuring out how to do it). I replaced the actuator yesterday in less than 2 hours because of you. THANK YOU!
Thank you! Glad I was able to help.
Just finished up the replacement of the actuator on my 2015 Explorer XLT (3.5L). Thanks to this video it was an absolute breeze. Part number YH1769 was spot on as well as the Dewalt 90 degree attachment. Took me about an hour total solely thanks to this video! Everything was just as shown, including the need to disassemble the old actuator and rotate the vent controls (mine was approximately 15-20 degrees.) I found that the back upper screw was easier to access from below with the use of the Dewalt attachment. All in all, an easy repair after watching this video. Thank you so much for documenting and help the masses here save $$$ by fixing DIY!
Thank you so much for this video. The job went just as you said it would, took me 3 hours (I had a flexible drill attachment but not one with a 90 degree head, that would have made it much quicker). Your documentation of the job is much appreciated!
Glad I could help 👍
Awesome video. Straightforward and incredibly helpful. There is a high level of suck I was due to the tight space, but with some patience, it’ll save you a fortune.
Great video!!!! Thank you for posting. I followed your direction and repaired my wife’s explorer in less than 2 hrs. People like you make RUclips great! 2015 explorer limited.
THANK YOU for making this video!!!! I just replaced the vent selection actuator on my 2015 Explorer. I can't even tell you how much this video helped me get this done. I read a lot of the comments, and followed some suggestions from others. I used hot glue to hold the screws in the socket for replacement, and used a 9 volt battery to turn the gear on the new actuator so it would line up correctly, both worked GREAT. I was able to get to the top, rear, screw by using a couple of 6 inch extensions and a swivel. Thanks again for this very thorough video.
Great video! Just successfully completed replacing the actuator on my 2015 Limited. I couldn’t have done it without this video. My Explorer has a power steering wheel and power adjustable pedals. This made the job a lot harder because of all the extra “stuff” I had to work around. As long as you have a lot of patience, you can still get the job done. It was a bear but worth the effort to save 1200 bucks! Thanks for posting.
Glad to hear 👍 good job sir
Great video!! So helpful and much easier on the pocket!! Just finished my replacement on my 2015 Explorer in two hours with this informative video and tutorial. Got my part from Ford dealer in Texas, was now $46.01 and I got my deWalt angle extension from Lowes. Thank you for posting and helping us all out!!
What’s is the part called or how can I find it
Thanks so much for posting the video. Just replaced mine on 2015 Limited with only 36,000 miles. With your video, I was able to fix it in about 90 minutes. You saved me hours and dollars which I truly appreciate.
Thanks! followed this video on my 2015 explorer and was done in under 3 hours. only thing i did different was i didnt break open the old one. instead, i held the new one and old one side by side and plugged in the new one. As it spun i unplugged it at the same position to match the old one
I was able to do this in just over two hours, and i am decent with cars. I wouldn't even have attempted it without this video. The details you gave were on point.
Thank you for the video. Just finished the install on my wife's 2015 Explorer and probably wouldn't have been able to without it. As you say taking the old gear out and indexing it before you put the new motor in is probably the biggest tip to getting it done. Thanks again!!!
This video was extremely helpful!! I just finished using this video to replace mine. It took me 2.5 hours to do the job. I used Dorman part# 604-622 from autozone and it fixed my issue on my 2014 Ford explorer. Thank you for this very detailed video !!
This video was spot on and exactly what I needed for my 2015 Explorer Sport. I paid $30 for the part and took me about 2 and a half hours to replace. Easy and straight forward with this video. Definitely, some fumbling around because of the tight space, but very doable with some patience and the right tools. Much appreciated!
Do you recall the part number for your 2015, I need one for mine!
You are really doing it professionally, efficiently, economically and simply the best ! Thank you
Glad I could help 👍
Great video!!! I went under the dash and used a long screwdriver and tapped on the actuator. It switched positions. I tried it many times and it would eventually get stuck in one position again. I ordered the part and will let you know how I make out. Thanks!!!
Well I did it with your help!!! I have a MKS and there is no access behind the cluster. I had to remove the steering column and access it through there. It was a total pain but 5 hours later success!! Thanks again!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! My actuator took a dump on a below zero day last march (which seems to be a theme as I've seen in comments) and left my vents stuck on front. It wasn't that big of a deal all summer as I was running AC, but as soon as it started getting cooler and needed the defrost, I realized I had to get it fixed. I found your video, ordered the part off of Amazon, took my time, and in about 3.5 hours, got it done. Shout out to my petite handed wife who was able to actually get in there and get it placed.
Great Vid! After watching, I was convinced I could tackle the job. After about 4 hours and one lost screw for the actuator, 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum is up and running again!
THANK YOU...this was a huge savings for me and my family. It was a very time consuming and "awkward" job with all of the hard to reach around areas, but your video was amazing. If you were local I would go buy you a beer right now.
Thanks again and I so appreaciate you taking the time to post this.
Glad I was able to help. Cheers!
I can't thank you enough for this video. I'm not a "car guy" but I do like fixing things. The details you provided gave me the courage to diagnose the issue as well as try fixing my 2015 Explorer. Everything was just as you said. The hardest part was getting to the back screw that was holding the actuator in place. Your video was the only one I found that could help me do this job! You Are Awesome!!!
Glad you got it fixed and glad I could help 👍
This video is spot on. In and out under an hour. Plus the half hour to watch the video, order the part and the tool. A magnetic driver socket bit is how to get the screws back in fast. Nice work on the video.
Thanks so much! Did the repair this past weekend. Had to have my daughter and her small hand get to that back screw. That one was a pain. But, works like a charm. Saved me a whole lot of money.
Small hands definitely help
My Explorer actuator stopped working when the weather was a wonderful -21 Monday in Kansas. Wanted to thank you for the time you spent making the video. Replaced the part last night, wish I was a bit skinner to work under the dash. THANKS AGAIN
Wow that's cold! Hope you got it fixed
Great video Burn, I helped my brother in-law do this yesterday. 2-1/2 hours start to finish. We had the Dewalt tool but we just used a 1/4 " ratchet with it, not the screw gun. Seemed to fit a little easier. Thanks again !
Awesome! Glad it helped you guys out.
Thank you sir!! Guys like you that take the time to educate DIY peeps are a blessing. Peace!!
Just wanted to take a minute and say thank you for this video! You saved my family big time money. I got the tools you recommend, bought the part on RockAuto, and followed step by step. Was able to complete the job in 1.5 hrs on my 2016 XLT 3.5L because of your documentation, THANK YOU!
Thanks for making this video! Saved myself a ton of time, and repaired it in about 90 mins. The procedure shown was spot on. Advice for other viewers: the 90 degree attachment isn't 100% necessary as a swivel attachment will get the job done. I used three 1/4 extensions, swivel and socket to get to the top 2 screws. It wasn't easy, but it did the job. I'd also recommend a pair of long reach plier to help you hold the replacement unit in position while you try to insert it into the notched holes.
👌👌👍👍👍
Thanks for posting this. I just got done changing the actuator out in my wife's 2015 explorer sport. Took me about 3 hours, I'm a bigger guy so my arms took a beating, none the less you probably saved me about $1000!!! Thanks again!!!!!
I'm glad the video helped you out. Three hours ain't bad!
You single handedly just saved me 1400 dollars! Thank you! Works like a charm and took me a little over an hour.
Wow under two hours. Nice!
$1,400? Gees man
As with everyone else here, thank you for your video. Did the whole thing in about an hour and a half on a 2016 Explorer. I used the 90 bit to get the bottom one reaching from underneath. I could use a long screwdriver to turn the vent selector to line the new part up. Thanks again! Cheers!
My 2015 Explorer Sport had 56K miles when I did this job, however it had unknowingly failed long before that. My Sport instrument bezel had another electrical clip which was easy to pull. After the column lower metal shroud was removed I had a plastic 'toe-kick' trim which came off, too. The actuator's bottom screw used 3"+6" extensions + flex head to get to it. I've got the forearm scratches to attest. The new actuator was monetarily plugged in prior to mounting and advanced to the same position on the old removed one. I used electrical tape to hold the screws into the socket. What a pain! Roughly 3-hours total.
All in all an excellent video. Many thanks to you and for other viewers' comments.
Great video! Thanks very much, this helped me get mine 2015 explorer replaced. In my case both mode and blend door actuators were broken. That dewalt tool is a must for this job.
I just got this job done in about 5 hours thanks to this video. That may seem like a long time to some but I’m very pleased I was able to get it done for 50 bucks instead of 1500 at the dealership. Thank you sir!
Burn - thank you for the video. Just changed the actuator in my 2015 Ford Explorer. Its nice to have the damper controls working again. The total job took about 2 hours. I have a couple of quick suggestions that made the job easier. I used a 1/4" socket set with a universal joint extension. It gave me a little more room to see while I was working. On the actuator screws I used a 5/16" impact driver with the socket set because it is magnetic. It made getting the screws in and out easier. With respect to the actuator alignment, I plugged the instrument cluster in and stood it vertically on the turn signal arm. with one finger I was able to hold the new actuator gently against the damper sprocket and cycle the damper controls. When the actuator cam aligned with the damper sprocket, the actuator slipped in place. It took one cycle and about 30 seconds of work to line everything up. Following your video, made this a manageable job. In fact it took more time to get the top back screw for the actuator back in than the balance of the job. Thank again for your help.
Great video! Thank you so much for the time and money-saving tips! I am taking it on today. I need to have defrost now the snow has hit!
Good luck! Let me know how it turns out
It works! Thank you for posting this. Took about 3 hours and the right angle drive is the key. That and a bit of contortion…
As far as clocking the gear, I marked the old motor with paint and then put a corresponding mark on the new motor and shaft. I plugged it in to the harness loosely and turned on the climate control. As it cycled I pulled the plug just as it hit the mark and was then aligned to the old one. You then have to pull the fuse #46 otherwise when you plug it back in it looks to reset position. Once installed you can put the fuse back in and you’re good to go. Part was $41 from the dealer.
This video was very helpful. I got it swapped right before a Colorado snow storm so my wife could use the defrost again. It took me about an hour for the repair. We ended up trading the Explorer in the next day lol. Nice video!!!
Thank you SO much for making this video! My wife’s 2015 XLT got stuck on defrost mode on Sunday. I found your video, ordered the part, it came in Friday and I was able to use your video to get it changed. Saved us probably $1000-1500. Again, I can’t thank you enough!
Hardest part was the back bolt. I made it more difficult than it should’ve been, though, because I was using a socket bit adapter on the 90 degree tool with the 5/16 socket and I simply couldn’t get it on the bolt with a harness in the way. I figured that something that fit the tool but was shorter was what I needed. I grabbed a 5/16 impact driver socket that fit into the 90 degree tool and it gave me an extra inch to work with and that’s all I needed. If I had used that to begin with it would’ve saved me a lot of time.
Glad I could help 👍
Thank you very much for taking the time to document this task ,this would have cost a fortune if the dealer had to do it and just some advise for anyone attempting to do this I was able to skip the manual adjusting of the actuator by plugging the new actuator into the harness and using the infotainment screen adjust the new actuator to the vent position from there it was smooth sailing
I just finished this! With watching your amazing video and some messing around I got this job done in just about 2 hours! The tool was definitely needed and was definitely easier from the bottom for the lower and back screw. Thank you a million times! I would pick up the tab after a long night at the bar for this guy! Thanks man!
Thanks for the video my man. Job completed in just under 2 hours. Lost one of the screws in the back somewhere but the part seems super secure with just two. Saved me a pile of money!
This is a terrific video! I have a Mercury Sable and looks almost identical behind the dash. I was not interested in removing the whole dashboard so I haven't fixed it yet. I'm game now after watching your video and will get the right tools. Thanks!
This was awesome, thank you! Some additional tips. I think you can use a u-joint instead of the flex head. Also you don’t need to crack the actuator. Just position it close and turn on your ignition. Put a little pressure on it while it turns and it’ll pop in place when aligned. I had to plug in the gauges to get the climate control to turn on.
I just used your video to replace the "Heater Blend Door Actuator" or "Heater Blend Door Lever" (depending on the manufacturer) in my 2013 Ford Explorer Limited. Our setup was a little different (a few extra connectors, a few more things in the way), but following your steps allowed my dad and I pull this off flawlessly. Thank you so much for posting this video; you just saved me $600-$800!
Glad I could help 👍
Just did this! I watched the video prior and was able to get it done in 45 minutes with a wobble and a few extensions. Great video with lots of good stuff, thanks.
absolutely amazing video, highly descriptive and accurate, what would've been a 6-10 hour job was completed in a little under 2 hours thanks to you. thanks for your help even 4 years later.
Thank you so much for taking the time to put this video together, it certainly helped me get in there very quickly because I was thinking I was going to have to drop the steering column I had it out in about 35 minutes..
THANK YOU! At some point this winter the heat in my 2015 Ford FLEX Limited got stuck on defrost only. It wouldn't change to vents or floor etc. After some research, I came across this video. Thank you for posting such a detailed and helpful resource. 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. Not to mention I’m pretty sure things were tighter and less visible in mine.
I did not invest in the Dewalt tool. Instead, I just used long extensions and a jointed swivel socket adapter. That thing might've help 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. Regarding lining up the gear. 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 another video of the same repair. He uninstalled his and reinstalled the same one because when it spun he assumed it was not broken. So, I just plugged the new one in.
It started spinning and I held it in place until the gear lined up and I just pushed it in flush. Then the motor stopped spinning.
Then I just had to struggle to reinstall the three screws.
Man, I can’t believe I pulled this off! Thanks SO MUCH for this video, it was exactly what you should do.
I lost one screw for the actuator but it seemed like it is held very securely with two, so I’m taking the risk. 🤞🏼
Also, one tip, don’t forget to grab your small flashlight before putting everything back together! 😆
I also lost a screw, does it hold pretty good?
Great video. Had mine go out on my 2016. Watched your vid twice. Took me about 2 hrs and done. Thanks for posting!
Burn 1327: awesome job on the video. I bought the right angle tool and removed actuator but kept it plugged in. I then changed the settings on the dashboard and the actuator gear wheel moved to different positions on its own. I removed the center bezel and stuck a prybar inside the vent and it was really hard to move the damper. I sprayed white lithium grease in the pivot points and again with the pry bar, then moving much easier. Re-installed the same actuator and working fine. Thanks for the video.
Awesome man! Glad you fixed it.
Just replaced mine on a 2016 explorer. Same part number. Thank you for the video. I did not use the dewalt flex 90. A 1/4" long extension with a 1/4" swivel at the end worked just fine on all 3 screws. To put the screws back, I taped the screw to the 5/16" socket with masking tape.
This is one of the best videos on RUclips. Did the job today in 3 hours with about 45 min of breaks through out. He wasn’t kidding about those 90degree screws being a pain. Dorman part number DA1149 works instead of the OEM part.
This video just saved me a sizable amount of money. Thank you for the very detailed video and it truly was an under two hour job because of you. Can’t thank you enough.
Glad I could help 👍
Burn - you are the man! The 90degree tool worked a charm and there is no way to do it without this tool or removing much more of the dash.
Thank you for your detailed tutorial - I was able to get it replaced in about an hour thanks to watching your video first.
I was lucky my actuator died in the natural place of the new one so I was able to skip the step of turning the gear. The default place is the top vents by the way.
Wow, and hour is pretty good!
Great Video, I was able to replace this part in under two hours. You did such a great job explaining every step of the process.
Took me 3 hours start to finish on my 2017 explorer. Hardest part for me was the bottom bolt behind the wire harness, I could feel the bolt but had a hard time getting the socket on it both off and on. All hood now, thanks for the video.
Hey same just did mine too. Crazy world
Thank you so much for posting this video. It was such a big help for the same fix on a 2015 Taurus. God bless you and you family.
Glad to help 👍
Just did this on my 2016 explorer platinum. Worked like a charm. Have full vent control again. Thank you so much for this video.
Great to hear! Glad I could help
2015 retired police explorer here. Process worked and the parts were the same! Definitely more of a chore with the drive mechanism and all the stuff internally but I just got it done ( about 4 hours total and I broke the red clip 😅 ) but it is all functioning and I really appreciate the video!! You are a Rockstar and a lifesaver
Glad I could help 👍
Just followed the instructions in your video for a 2015 explorer. Ordered the tool and the part. In total took myself and my son about 3 hours in total. Just need to be patient with the bolt at the back. Great video. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER
Great news! Glad I could help.
@@burn31 Only thing we did different was we disconnected and reconnected the harness once we'd dropped it down. Really appreciate you doing this as I wouldn't have known where to start. Great learning experience for my kid who just bought an ex police explorer where everything is broken!
You sir, are a hero. Did this today on my 2015 XLT. Had some interruptions and took my time Overall it took about 6 hours. Used the DeWalt extension and didn't end up with any extra screws. Finally decided to hold the new actuator in place and let it run till it slid into place. That was only after trying a couple other methods I read in these comments - hence the 6 hours. There was a wire harness in the way of that top back screw, but I was able to pull the clip and that made the difference I needed. Only thing I wish I did was put the red clip in before everything I listed above. I wasn't able to get it in after installing the actuator and then I lost it. Couldn't find it anywhere. But it fell out as I was hitting the clips into place under the steering column! I'll deal with that another time. Few clips and 4 screws, maybe in the warmer weather and better light I'll be able to clip it in.
Just did the swap out on the wife's Explorer. This video was invaluable. Couple notes, the bottom plastic under the steering column does have two screws that need to be removed. I was able to do the job with 1/4" extensions and a universal joint for the actuator's top two screws. I didn't need the DeWalt tool. Would've made it easier though. For me, the bottom actuator screw was the hardest putting back in. All in all, a $30 part and a couple hours!! All good now. Great video.
Thank you. Just followed your video and it worked perfectly. I have one additional improvement to add. At the end when you have the new one in place pressed up to the shaft just cycle the settings while pushing them together and the actuator will drop in and be aligned. I started with yor suggestion and then after getting frustrated just pushed them together while cycling the settings and they came together and aligned. I was able to do this while holding the actuator from below as well as reaching in from the top. Once aligned turn the ignition off and put the screws in.
Just wanted to say thank you! Without your video I would have been lost. A couple things...I was able to do the job without the special tool, used 1- 6" extension and 4-3" extensions with a swivel under the socket. When I first mounted the actuator it went right on the gear, but as you said the mounting bolt holes need to align and they didn't. So, with the electrical connected to the actuator (and the Speedometer plugged in, so the "My Ford Sync" would work) I put the actuator on with light pressure on the gear, holding it in position for the bolt holes to line up, I selected between the different modes ie. defrost, face, floor until it slid right in. Thanks again, I'm sure you saved many people from paying a lot of money for a mechanic.
Success! Dealer quoted me $500-$1,200 this morning and said they would need to take the whole dash off. Thanks to your video, I was able to do the repair in about two hours. Hardest part for me was reconnecting the wiring harness and inserting that red clip back in. I actually had to remove the new actuator after I installed it in order to get it plugged back in. Thank you so much for posting this. I wouldn't have figured it out myself!
Awesome! Glad I was able to save you some money!
This video saved me a ton of time and money. You were about spot on with it taking about 2 hours. I actually got it done in just over an hour but the little red clip was kind of a pain getting back in. I used a long screw driver and taped it on the end with masking tape and kind of wiggled it back in place. I must’ve got lucky lining up the plastic gear. I did the same as you and turned it with the old one and it lined up perfect the first time. So I could see it taking quite a bit longer if you don’t get everything lined up right away or have trouble with the screws.
Hardest thing was getting that back screw and the bottom one back in. The bottom one is a pain with that harness in the way and trying to do it all upside down in such a tight space. Then for the back screw I looked at the old one to help me figure out exactly where to poke the screw back in because you can’t see it at all. The trick with the plastic in the socket worked great.
Can’t thank you enough for the video! I tried for a long time to prove you wrong; I failed. I couldn’t get the job done without the right angled driver. Once I got it the job was a breeze. haha. Bless u man!
Haha I'm the same way. Don't know if I'm a determined person or just a cheap ass. Either way, glad it helped.
So grateful for this video and the man that took the time to record it! Saved us hours of frustration. I was able to get the tool from Harbor Freight for about $12 and we were done in less than 3 hours. Ford Motor Company should be ashamed of themselves for the junk that they are putting their $35,000 + vehicles together with.
Thank you! Glad the video helped.
Just replaced mine today 1.5 hours n now it’s working fine. Thank you so much for your video no other video made it simple n easy.
Great to hear!
Brilliant Burn! Just took me 1 1/2 hours to complete. I used a 12" Craftsmen extension and a quarter coupler. A head light is really helpful. Couple of procedural comments 1) Start w/ 3 - 7mm screws below steering wheel first and work your way to metal bracket then proceed to instrument panel. This is important in separating bottom plastic panel under steering wheel and top plastic panel (with clips) that trims out instrument cluster. Careful with the clips behind steering wheel so as to not break. 2) Remove electrical connector to actuator once it's dropped down 3) Hot melt glue is a good idea, as commented by another tuber, when starting screws back into holes - head light really helpful here. Burn, you're the Man!
Thanks for the video! I was able to do the major part in under an hour but that last screw is kicking my butt!!!! Still saved me a ton of money with this video.
Followed your instructions and got the job done in less than 3 hours. Part of the time was finding the socket and two screws I dropped in the area behind the center console covers. After getting the main three screws out and removed the bad part, I thought there is no way I'm getting those screws back in. It was easier to put them in than get them out.
Thank you for this video, it was perfect.
Glad I could help 👍
Thanks for this video. I did it in 1:30 hrs. I confirm the most difficult part is to put it on back again in the same position you put it out the damaged one.
You are the Man!!! Worked great... Took me 2hrs.. Upper Back screw was tough like you said but a little pressure on the cables back there to keep things straight worked out...Thanks so much for your post.. Saved me $1400 like you said...
Great news! Glad the video helped you out.
Thank you for making this video and suggestion of the right angle attachment! The newer dewalt tool isn’t as compact but it still helped! Took me about 1.5 hours taking my time! Thanks again!
Great video. I completed the replacement this weekend on my 2015 Explorer. It is a challenge to get the actuator off and only slightly quicker to reinstall. I did buy the 90 degree flex drive. It was useful for the 2 top screws. Burn_1327 great job. Thanks for posting this video!!
Glad to hear the video helped you out.
Thank you so much for taking the time to create this video. You saved me over 1k in repairs. And as a female I was able to get it done same day. Everything put back in place as if I never took it apart. That 1 back top screw messed me up for a bit and rotating the key slot. Other than that. Got it done in less than 5hrs on my 2015 Ford Explorer.