Sir, with all seriousness... you’re my hero today!!! I literally fixed this problem in 4 mins! $ 0.82 fix thank you for taking the time to make the video
Sir: I would like to thank you for this information! I had this problem with my 2008 Ford Sporttrac. I took it it 2 places to get an estimate to repair it! To show you how crazy things are in our world today, 1 quoted me $1200.00 to fix it and the other quoted me $89.00……After you video I fixed it for 6 cents! The price of 2 zip ties! Thank you again for saving me a bunch of money! Awesome!
This is brilliant! I've seen several different ways of fixing this problem but this is the best. It's easy, fast and I think will last longer than those fixes that try to screw or glue a piece to the arm. Wire ties are tough and the attachment is adjustable and flexible so no excess strain on the parts. I used a hot center punch to melt a hole in the arm, used two pairs of needle nose pliers to thread the wire tie thought the holes and in less the half an hour my HVAC works perfectly. Genius fix Michael!
Thank you Michael! I was able to fix my 2010 Ford Explorer with this repair in 15 minutes! I have been living with problem for years and now I can enjoy air blowing on me again.
Thank you so much, it worked. Took my boyfriend an hour and a half but he got it working. He tried zip ties but ended up using using #12 copper wire because it's all he had but said #14 copper wire would be perfect. Car engineers are the worst when it comes to making things easy to fix. He said they should have just kept using cables like in the old days and don't get me started on how much he complains about how they weave hoses, wires, etc through an engine, I've heard a million times that "if they would just have spent one cent more to make a wire longer it would have made a lot more sense, cheap asses." 😂👏
Dude....I would like to buy you an ice cold beer! Thanks for the quick fix and a cool grand still in my pocket! Shit worked like a champ, and I left 2 extra zip ties and the cutters in the glove box for future A/C outages. You sir, are a super-genius! Thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had my expedition for 6 yrs and just drove it while broken. I came across your video while replacing the a different part under the dash. After watching you video, I looked under the dash and found out that the previous owner already Jerry rigged it... I wish I had known this when I bought it off the lot... Many thank yous. !!!
Dude....You just saved me $1000. This is exactly what was wrong with my 2010. I fought with trying to thread the actuator for an hour due to the tight space but finally got it and it worked. Thank you so much.
Thank you! Helped me tremendously! Used a normal 1/8" drill bit in a Dremel to give the added reach needed to get past the metal brace. Was surprised at how thin the plastic was. Most difficult part was threading the six inch zip ties. Put the vent selector in the off position to extend the actuator shaft. In the vent positions, it withdraws up into the dash. You may have to start the engine for a few seconds to get enough vacuum to move the actuator. There is a reserve that will move it with the engine off for about two-three movements. I cut off the extra zip tie lengths so it wouldn't rub against the metal brace or other plastic parts. It does take a few seconds to actually move, but once it does, cool air is flowing through the dash vents again, something essential here in Phoenix!
You are doing the lord's work, brother. My 2008 Ranger was blowing cold but only like 25% capacity. Took your trick and removed the glove compartment and voila, a huge napkin clog. Now the AC blows like new. Keep fighting the good fight and keeping dealerships out of people's pockets.
You just made my day. My dash vents would close on their own and I was about to spend a weekend tearing apart my dash. Pin was still there. Just need to be moved a half inch and IT WORKS! Thanks so much
Thank you SO MUCH!!! I'm so glad good men like you know how to look at these things, think about them, and come up with intelligent, inexpensive and legit solutions. We probably couldn't have afforded the cost of a professional repair- and now my family will be soooo much happier when we drive across the Oregon and California deserts next week (July.) Very best to you! Cheers!
@@kinwetumpka I just poked the end of a normal drill back there, but I remember leaving the bit a little farther out than usual so it would be longer. Good luck!
Michael, I have a 2010 Ford Explorer. Scheduled a visit with the dealership in 2 days. But after watching this video, you are absolutely spot on! I do need to drill the hole, wire tie it, test it. But again, you nailed the problem. Thank you!
Yup wife's 06 if blowing out the defrost vents with cold ac but not out the right vents. Wouldn't pay a bunch to fix it I don't use defrost here so I permanent attached it to vents.
your video was AWESOME, I fixed my 2010 Ford explorer with 165,000 miles with your advice. wasn't really too easy, but knowing what to do sure put me on the right track. Thank You....
Thank you so much for this video! This very minute I am holding a little plastic piece identical to the one you show. Mechanic said I would need to take it to Ford, and that it would cost $400 to fix it. You just saved me loads of money!
With your help I was able to see that I had a broken piece that controls the door and manually move it into the right position. It's 110° in az right now and the AC needs to be blowing out the vents. I can address the broken piece in the fall prior to needing the defrost. Thank you soooo much!!
I was trying to g to figure this issue out, checking wires and vacuum line and all that mess. I had already opened up the glove box and found a little plastic piece and thought I just broke part of the snap in connectors for the panels lol. As soon as I saw the piece on the thumbnail I knew this was the video for me! Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I live in Southeast Georgia where it's been getting really HOT out..! You saved me a ton of money, and I am forever grateful..! Take care and stay safe Sir.
Thank you!!!! I looked at so many videos but yours was the first that actually explained what went wrong, why and how to fix it. You are awesome! I hope others find you. #FordExplorer #NoAirThruPanelVents
Thank you my kind sir. This video saved me a lot of time and money and it wasn't too hard to do. Good video and to the point with clear instructions. Thanks again.
Thanks for this video!! It helped me to find the actuator. Luckily, the actuator tab was not broken. I did find one of the vacuum lines disconnected and melted. This video helped me get to that point. Problem fixed and ops checked good for now.
Thank you for posting this very helpful video. I had the same problem with our 2007 Explorer and tried your techniques with success. I know now why you needed two cable ties. Glad to save the money of not needing to go to the dealer.
That's pretty slick. I did the fix about 5 years ago by using a flat tooth brush handle. I cut a short piece off and fashioned it to connect similar to your fix. But yours looks way easier. Mine now has a lot of air leakage through all vents so I think the connection has loosened up. Time to contort my body and scrape up my hands again. Sigh....
Thanks so much for this video! U just helped me diagnose the issue and my husband fix it! U just saved me alot of money cause we cant go without ac in this Texas heat!
In some cases its not the actuator arm but the actual vacuum control Switch. You can test this by stopping the flow of air on the red vacuum tube. Once its blocked the actuator will work and redirect the air. If not this video will help you.
How about a loosely installed pop rivet through the hole instead of wire ties? It would mimic the original movement of the actuator and arm more accurately.
I got a quest, I have 2006 explorer but need to know does this vehicle come with cabinet filter?? I checked car kiosk website it says no. I feel like acnvents need to be cleaned like a blow doesn't not feel strong as used to be, I am confused
Haven't actually checked but I suspect this is what's going on... Just replaced 4x4 module which fixed my erroneous door ajar warning light and the 4wd. 👍
That controls the air coming out the front panel but the one to turn the defrost on/off is on the drivers side up where you can't get at it unless you drop the dash. I have no defrost so I'm trying to find a way to fix that. (Unless I didn't understand what you were saying)?
Does this work for both sides. I only have problems with drivers side. Any quick way to access that side? Or does the passenger side actuator do both. Thank you in advance while I go putz with it.
Mines isn't working, I had to push in the door arm with my finger and then the air comes thru the vent. Any on how to fix it suggestions or should i just try and replace it.
my 2007 explorer sport trac seems to be different behind the glove box. I can't find the thing that is broken. I have more stuff in between, different from yours. Any tips?
2006 Explorer (Same exact issue) No offense, but no video on how a grown man can get the zip tie through the two holes is infuriating. Did you have a kid do it or what? Also the actuator arm (Plastic piece) was hard to get a drilled hole into without slipping around. I heated the end of a Phillips screw driver and made a sort of pilot to start. We still trying to connect the ends of the zip tie right now. Thanks for the direction, it did help a lot!
Trick I have used is hook 2 zip ties together. Then the actuator arm spins so put one of the two zip ties locked together thru the arm then spin it to get it back to where you can reach the end.
@@haddontraditions We ended up using the two and got it connected finally, working great. I inserted ONE through the two holes, and then placed the second one on the other side with the extra length we were able to get the loop connected. But man.. it was very close quarters for that kinda work ;0). Better anyway than the alternative.
Cindy if it's only during a celebration most likely it's a engine vacuum leak overall it has nothing to do with the little actuator down there so you'll need to take it to a shop and have them look for a vacuum leak
I was hoping this was the problem with mine...but I got in there and mines not broken where I can just put a zip tie on it it's still connected but doesn't move when I turn the vent selection switch. I guess it's the switch itself? If anyone knows what it is I'd appreciate it if you could please let me know. Thanks.
Man I already went and bought the vacuum solenoid and was walking out to the truck to put it in when I went to look up the video on what screws to take out and I'll be damned if that exact same piece didn't fall out of my glove box as soon as I dropped it down
*I cannot for the life of me figure out how to could fit a drill into that tight spot (I am having a friend with smaller hands to help me). I am thinking about trying to loop a zip-tie around the broken arm and then loop another zip-tie into the arm and hopefully that will work good enough. In a pinch, you can manually open the vent doors with like a straw and reach in a manually turn the broken arm if you need the defrost vents. Edit, I found a DEWALT Right Angle Attachment; this might be the best way to drill the hole.*
This fix doesn't resolve the issue of "No air thru vents". It's the recirculation intake door. When open it adds outside air flow into the fan system. When closed it doesn't allow outside air into the mix. The only way this will prevent air from flowing thru the vents is if the door drops off the hinge inside the fan box blocking the fan intake. Just making the door open and close won't fix "No air from vents" so beware. Those that are agreeing probably opened the fan box and put the door back into the hinge or saw all the leaves sucked in from outside blocking the intake screen and cleaned them out.
Hi Michael H. Are you the person that works at Charlie’s Trailer? I get my gas tanker worked on there and I think I have talked to you. I have this exact problem with my 07 Explorer. Could you please reply to this comment? Thanks!!!!
Sir, with all seriousness... you’re my hero today!!! I literally fixed this problem in 4 mins! $ 0.82 fix thank you for taking the time to make the video
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You saved me about $1200 in repairs for a 5 minute fix. I truly appreciate you taking the time to make this video!
Sir: I would like to thank you for this information! I had this problem with my 2008 Ford Sporttrac. I took it it 2 places to get an estimate to repair it! To show you how crazy things are in our world today, 1 quoted me $1200.00 to fix it and the other quoted me $89.00……After you video I fixed it for 6 cents! The price of 2 zip ties! Thank you again for saving me a bunch of money! Awesome!
Sir my a/c is finally fixed and it costs me a whole $.25! You are the man! Thanks a million!
I'm 68 years old and I was able to fix this in less than 1/2 hour!!! Thank you for saving me $1,100..
A hook and forceps helped alot
This is brilliant! I've seen several different ways of fixing this problem but this is the best. It's easy, fast and I think will last longer than those fixes that try to screw or glue a piece to the arm. Wire ties are tough and the attachment is adjustable and flexible so no excess strain on the parts. I used a hot center punch to melt a hole in the arm, used two pairs of needle nose pliers to thread the wire tie thought the holes and in less the half an hour my HVAC works perfectly. Genius fix Michael!
Thank you so much for making this video
Thank you Michael! I was able to fix my 2010 Ford Explorer with this repair in 15 minutes! I have been living with problem for years and now I can enjoy air blowing on me again.
Thank you so much, it worked. Took my boyfriend an hour and a half but he got it working. He tried zip ties but ended up using using #12 copper wire because it's all he had but said #14 copper wire would be perfect. Car engineers are the worst when it comes to making things easy to fix. He said they should have just kept using cables like in the old days and don't get me started on how much he complains about how they weave hoses, wires, etc through an engine, I've heard a million times that "if they would just have spent one cent more to make a wire longer it would have made a lot more sense, cheap asses." 😂👏
Dude....I would like to buy you an ice cold beer! Thanks for the quick fix and a cool grand still in my pocket! Shit worked like a champ, and I left 2 extra zip ties and the cutters in the glove box for future A/C outages. You sir, are a super-genius! Thank you!
*You can manually push open the vent door through the front vents with a straw in a pinch.*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had my expedition for 6 yrs and just drove it while broken.
I came across your video while replacing the a different part under the dash. After watching you video, I looked under the dash and found out that the previous owner already Jerry rigged it... I wish I had known this when I bought it off the lot... Many thank yous. !!!
Dude....You just saved me $1000. This is exactly what was wrong with my 2010. I fought with trying to thread the actuator for an hour due to the tight space but finally got it and it worked. Thank you so much.
Thank you! Helped me tremendously! Used a normal 1/8" drill bit in a Dremel to give the added reach needed to get past the metal brace. Was surprised at how thin the plastic was. Most difficult part was threading the six inch zip ties. Put the vent selector in the off position to extend the actuator shaft. In the vent positions, it withdraws up into the dash. You may have to start the engine for a few seconds to get enough vacuum to move the actuator. There is a reserve that will move it with the engine off for about two-three movements. I cut off the extra zip tie lengths so it wouldn't rub against the metal brace or other plastic parts. It does take a few seconds to actually move, but once it does, cool air is flowing through the dash vents again, something essential here in Phoenix!
You are doing the lord's work, brother. My 2008 Ranger was blowing cold but only like 25% capacity. Took your trick and removed the glove compartment and voila, a huge napkin clog. Now the AC blows like new. Keep fighting the good fight and keeping dealerships out of people's pockets.
You just made my day. My dash vents would close on their own and I was about to spend a weekend tearing apart my dash. Pin was still there. Just need to be moved a half inch and IT WORKS! Thanks so much
Thank you SO MUCH!!! I'm so glad good men like you know how to look at these things, think about them, and come up with intelligent, inexpensive and legit solutions. We probably couldn't have afforded the cost of a professional repair- and now my family will be soooo much happier when we drive across the Oregon and California deserts next week (July.) Very best to you! Cheers!
How did you get a drill back there? I can't get my hand in there?
@@kinwetumpka I just poked the end of a normal drill back there, but I remember leaving the bit a little farther out than usual so it would be longer. Good luck!
Michael, I have a 2010 Ford Explorer. Scheduled a visit with the dealership in 2 days. But after watching this video, you are absolutely spot on! I do need to drill the hole, wire tie it, test it. But again, you nailed the problem. Thank you!
Yup wife's 06 if blowing out the defrost vents with cold ac but not out the right vents. Wouldn't pay a bunch to fix it I don't use defrost here so I permanent attached it to vents.
your video was AWESOME, I fixed my 2010 Ford explorer with 165,000 miles with your advice. wasn't really too easy, but knowing what to do sure put me on the right track. Thank You....
I literally just fixed my ac after watching the video. Life saver. Thank you for the awesome video
Thank you so much for this video! This very minute I am holding a little plastic piece identical to the one you show. Mechanic said I would need to take it to Ford, and that it would cost $400 to fix it. You just saved me loads of money!
With your help I was able to see that I had a broken piece that controls the door and manually move it into the right position. It's 110° in az right now and the AC needs to be blowing out the vents. I can address the broken piece in the fall prior to needing the defrost. Thank you soooo much!!
Wow! After a million videos, I finally found this one! Thanks. It is finally fixed!
Fixed my problem. Turning the selector to off position makes it much easier to thread the zip tie as you show in the video. Thanks so much!!
Thank you very much for this DIY. I have been dealing with this $1500 problem for almost a year. This was AWESOME
Thank you Michael for this video. I fixed my 2007 Sport Trac after watching. Again, thank you. Saved me time and money.
Brother, you are a savior! I fixed this in 10 minutes!!! And i think the wire tie linkage is a better solution. Thanks for this
Thank you for posting this! Finally got it figured out after months of no air.
I was trying to g to figure this issue out, checking wires and vacuum line and all that mess. I had already opened up the glove box and found a little plastic piece and thought I just broke part of the snap in connectors for the panels lol. As soon as I saw the piece on the thumbnail I knew this was the video for me! Thanks!
Thank you. My wife and I just did the repair. Your explanations and video showing how to do the repair are spot on. 😃🎶
Thank you so much for sharing this. I live in Southeast Georgia where it's been getting really HOT out..! You saved me a ton of money, and I am forever grateful..! Take care and stay safe Sir.
This was exactly my issue. Hands are cut up, a lot of screaming but finally got it done! Thanks!
Same 😂
Perfect video and yes, I have the exact problem. 2008 Sport trac. Found the broken arm and now in process of fixing it. THANKS big time.
20mins and 2 zip ties, $1100 saved! Thanks brother!
Thank you!!!! I looked at so many videos but yours was the first that actually explained what went wrong, why and how to fix it. You are awesome! I hope others find you. #FordExplorer #NoAirThruPanelVents
Thank you my kind sir. This video saved me a lot of time and money and it wasn't too hard to do. Good video and to the point with clear instructions. Thanks again.
Hi, what kind of tools you used?
Thanks for this video!! It helped me to find the actuator. Luckily, the actuator tab was not broken. I did find one of the vacuum lines disconnected and melted. This video helped me get to that point. Problem fixed and ops checked good for now.
Thanks so much for helping others like this ... Hats off to you ..
Thank you for posting this very helpful video. I had the same problem with our 2007 Explorer and tried your techniques with success. I know now why you needed two cable ties. Glad to save the money of not needing to go to the dealer.
Thank you !!!! You just saved me $800 !!! Working perfectly 👌
That's pretty slick. I did the fix about 5 years ago by using a flat tooth brush handle. I cut a short piece off and fashioned it to connect similar to your fix. But yours looks way easier. Mine now has a lot of air leakage through all vents so I think the connection has loosened up. Time to contort my body and scrape up my hands again. Sigh....
Thanks, easy to understand, informative and short.
Thank you for sharing this knowledge with us. Very good
Thank you from So. Illinois, works perfectly. I was going to trade it off rather than take the dash out.
OMG. I just done this today on my 2003 before seeing this video. Gotta love Ford.
Thanks so much for this video! U just helped me diagnose the issue and my husband fix it! U just saved me alot of money cause we cant go without ac in this Texas heat!
Thank you for the quick fix. I just used the same technique last night and it worked!
Thanks for putting out a video on this. Just fixed mine the same way.
I’m about to do it to my ‘04 Explorer right now!
This was very helpful sir. I had same issue on my 2007 Explorer and I spent time looking for or solutions. Thanks a lot
Thanks man. I have this problem in my 08. Now i know what to look for.
Nice tips.. I am adding it to my playlist of hacks, fixes, tips for my 2005 Sport Trac
Thank you so much. I got my problem fixed. Appreciate it a lot.
Thanks! This was the fix I needed for my father in laws truck.
Thank you so much for that nice hack!. God bless you!
This video worked like a charm and exactly the way you say in the video. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!
Thanks!!! This saved me a lot of time and money 👍
In some cases its not the actuator arm but the actual vacuum control
Switch. You can test this by stopping the flow of air on the red vacuum tube. Once its blocked the actuator will work and redirect the air. If not this video will help you.
This just solved everything, no wonder I couldnt find air leak
Good on you, sir!! Thank you for sharing!
OMG!! that's awesome dude!! Thank you!!
Looks good. Would like to see how u drilled hole and put ties on
Hey thank you for sharing. GRACIAS AMIGO. 👍
Legendary 🏆
Thank you Mike! Let me ask… why the need for 2 zip ties?
How much did Ford Motor Company save when they changed these arms from steel to plastic? Thanks for this video. It saved me about 2 years ago.
Perfect video! Solved the problem!
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 you rock. Thank you!!
Nice job thank you .
Better than what Pine Hollow did .
Thank you so much!!
Only the plastic pin sheared off on mine. Was about to drill it and stick a machine screw through, didn’t think of the zip-tie option...
How about a loosely installed pop rivet through the hole instead of wire ties? It would mimic the original movement of the actuator and arm more accurately.
Thank you.
Thank you sooooo much!
I saw that broken black pc on my passanger floor and said wth is this? Later to find out my front vents not working… but you sir are a life saver 🛟
Very helpful appreciate you
I got a quest, I have 2006 explorer but need to know does this vehicle come with cabinet filter?? I checked car kiosk website it says no.
I feel like acnvents need to be cleaned like a blow doesn't not feel strong as used to be, I am confused
Haven't actually checked but I suspect this is what's going on... Just replaced 4x4 module which fixed my erroneous door ajar warning light and the 4wd.
👍
That controls the air coming out the front panel but the one to turn the defrost on/off is on the drivers side up where you can't get at it unless you drop the dash. I have no defrost so I'm trying to find a way to fix that. (Unless I didn't understand what you were saying)?
Thank you very much!
After watching your video I opened up my glove box and looked up and sure enough mine had broke off in the same place thanks for making it easy for me
Does this work for both sides. I only have problems with drivers side. Any quick way to access that side? Or does the passenger side actuator do both. Thank you in advance while I go putz with it.
How did you drill the hole bro?? (I know with possibly a drill bit) but was it difficult to do it ? Dealing with the same problem.
Mines isn't working, I had to push in the door arm with my finger and then the air comes thru the vent. Any on how to fix it suggestions or should i just try and replace it.
Awesome.
i have a 2010 mountaineer, same problem, i cant reach the spinning piece from the glovebox opening
Preciate that boss
my 2007 explorer sport trac seems to be different behind the glove box. I can't find the thing that is broken. I have more stuff in between, different from yours. Any tips?
What is that motor called . The Silver thing you connected the zip tie too
Actuator
Okay I have a 2005 Taurus with the same problem. Same fix?
Excellent trick
2006 Explorer (Same exact issue) No offense, but no video on how a grown man can get the zip tie through the two holes is infuriating. Did you have a kid do it or what? Also the actuator arm (Plastic piece) was hard to get a drilled hole into without slipping around. I heated the end of a Phillips screw driver and made a sort of pilot to start. We still trying to connect the ends of the zip tie right now. Thanks for the direction, it did help a lot!
Trick I have used is hook 2 zip ties together. Then the actuator arm spins so put one of the two zip ties locked together thru the arm then spin it to get it back to where you can reach the end.
Now the whole I used a dremel with flex shaft but a heated nail or what is a great idea if you dont have the dremel with a flex shaft.
@@haddontraditions We ended up using the two and got it connected finally, working great. I inserted ONE through the two holes, and then placed the second one on the other side with the extra length we were able to get the loop connected. But man.. it was very close quarters for that kinda work ;0). Better anyway than the alternative.
I have an explorer 2008 and it is presenting that problem and when it accelerates it cools very little
Cindy if it's only during a celebration most likely it's a engine vacuum leak overall it has nothing to do with the little actuator down there so you'll need to take it to a shop and have them look for a vacuum leak
Nice. I poke a long skinny piece of plastic into my vent to push that door open.
I was hoping this was the problem with mine...but I got in there and mines not broken where I can just put a zip tie on it it's still connected but doesn't move when I turn the vent selection switch. I guess it's the switch itself? If anyone knows what it is I'd appreciate it if you could please let me know. Thanks.
i don't see the actuator arm tho :( or even where it would go to
THANKS PAL!!!
Man I already went and bought the vacuum solenoid and was walking out to the truck to put it in when I went to look up the video on what screws to take out and I'll be damned if that exact same piece didn't fall out of my glove box as soon as I dropped it down
thank you
Hi, how you put the tide? Which tools I need? Thank you.
*I cannot for the life of me figure out how to could fit a drill into that tight spot (I am having a friend with smaller hands to help me). I am thinking about trying to loop a zip-tie around the broken arm and then loop another zip-tie into the arm and hopefully that will work good enough. In a pinch, you can manually open the vent doors with like a straw and reach in a manually turn the broken arm if you need the defrost vents. Edit, I found a DEWALT Right Angle Attachment; this might be the best way to drill the hole.*
Get a demel tool I bought one from harbor freight for 8 bucks and used the biggest bit
This fix doesn't resolve the issue of "No air thru vents". It's the recirculation intake door. When open it adds outside air flow into the fan system. When closed it doesn't allow outside air into the mix. The only way this will prevent air from flowing thru the vents is if the door drops off the hinge inside the fan box blocking the fan intake. Just making the door open and close won't fix "No air from vents" so beware. Those that are agreeing probably opened the fan box and put the door back into the hinge or saw all the leaves sucked in from outside blocking the intake screen and cleaned them out.
2002 till 10010 ?
Hi Michael H. Are you the person that works at Charlie’s Trailer? I get my gas tanker worked on there and I think I have talked to you. I have this exact problem with my 07 Explorer. Could you please reply to this comment? Thanks!!!!