'95 ATX - Replace Blend Door Actuator

[n2soccer21]

Hi,

I'm looking to replace my blend door actuator, and I understand this means removing the dash, which is about an 8-hour task. Are there any good guides out there on how to do this? Is it a difficult task or just a long task?

Does anyone know of any mechanics in the DC area who would be willing to do this work? If so, I'd also consider having the headliner replaced, as well as my rear struts and front control arm bushings. Any ideas on how much all of this would cost?


Thanks!
Nick

 

[sperold]

Try this for the dash:
http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=44695
Check the Gen 1 & 2 Guides - "How To" part of the forum for other things.

 

[itsstan]

You don't have to remove the whole dash, you can swing it away from the firewall as if it were hinged on the drives side. http://rockledge.home.comcast.net/~rockledge/RangerPictureGallery/SHO/BDA_Repair_SHO_Specific.pdf
With power tools it's a 4 hour job. Get a box of ziplock sandwich bags and a sharpie so you can keep track of all the screws.

 

[n2soccer21]

Thanks guys!

 

[n2soccer21]

I very much appreciate the guide, but I went ahead and got a mechanic to do this work.

He's doing the work right now, and he tells me that it's not the blend door actuator that's broken because it's still not working. He's a mobile mechanic and doesn't have his diagnostics gear with him, but he plans to come back on Thursday to give it another go. Any ideas what it could be?

My heater/AC used to make a ticking noise, and my previous mechanic said the blend door actuator is going out. He showed me a temporary fix by unplugging a connection under the glove box to keep it in heat or cooling. I believe I plugged it back in over the summer (I looked and I don't see any plugs unattached now), and it makes no noise now, but only stays in cooling. Could there be something else wrong now? The climate control unit appears to operate properly (based on the display only).


Thanks!

 

[n2soccer21]

The mechanic says it may be the control head. Does that sound right? I don't see that Rockauto carries that part; does anyone know where I can pick one up at a good deal?

I'm also having my rear struts replaced. He says there's a lot of rust at the knuckle/spindle. I also don't see this part on Rockauto. Does it go by another name? Any other place I can find this part?

Thanks!

 

[FamilySHO]

In the rust belt there will always be rust on the rear spindle. It's a Ford part, probably obselete and unavailable at Rockauto. I doubt very much it will have to be replaced although rust does make removing the pinch bolt difficult and subject to snapping. I find if you apply heat and work it in and out it comes out without breaking. it should be replaced. One source is a Monroe AK50.

 

[algae]

Did you run the diagnostics on the climate control? If there's something amiss it will let you know.That's what I used to find the blend door motor had packed it in. That and follow the diagnostics in a service manual, if you have one.

 

[n2soccer21]

So it's about 3 weeks later, and my car is in pieces and my mechanic keeps finding parts that I need to replace...

He had me buy a replacement climate control head unit, and now he says he needs to open the A/C system to install the blend door actuator, and that the dryer/accumulator needs to be replaced when that is opened. Is that right or is he just trying to prolong this work for some reason?

Thanks!!

 

[BaySHO Performance]

The dash itself needs to be swung out of the way to access the plenum behind it (what carries the blower motor, heater core etc., but the AC lines don't have to be disconnected to that point. However, to get at the actuator, the plenum needs to be pulled out some, which requires disconnecting the AC lines and recharging the system once back together.

No need to replace the dryer/accumulator unless it's badly rusted, although if replacing the AC compressor, the dryer/accumulator also has to be replaced, or the compressor warranty will be void.

 

[SHOtimer]

It sounds like you might be getting taken by someone who doesn't quite know what they are doing.

Doug

 

[kevinspann]

I didn't think you needed to pull the plenum to get the actuator? I got the one out of my parts car, and don't recall ever doing that...

 

[n2soccer21]

Thanks so much for all the help so far! unfortunately this mess isn't over yet.

My new mechanic took a look and told me that the new blend door actuator is broken because the previous mechanic must have plugged it in before installing it (which he said he did). The new mechanic says that will break the part. Is that true?


Thanks!

 

[sperold]

Doesn't sound right to me.
Is it new to you or new out of a box from the parts store? It might need to be in a particular position to install (the rotating part) which would be the only reason I would leave it alone until installed. But that is just me.
The ticking noise you mentioned originally, indicates it is the blend door actuator, and it sits on top of the plenum, not inside. You don't need to disconnect the plenum if you get the dash out of the way (enough). If you are doing the heater core, the plenum must come out, so in that case, the AC needs to be disconnected.

 

[n2soccer21]

Does anyone else have any ideas, before I confront him on this?

Thanks

 

[kevinspann]

I don't really understand how plugging it in can break it, if there is no power going to it (key off). Has he even tried to install it yet?

 

[n2soccer21]

I think there must have been power to it, that it only had the electrical connection attached and that it was not attached to the A/C system. I can't be sure though... He says he checked with Ford mechanics and they told him this. What makes me suspicious is that no one here has confirmed it.

 

[n2soccer21]

Apparently there's a tiny diode inside the heater blend door actuator that will break if it's plugged in before installed... He swears by this... I'll give him one more shot.

 

[jmpSHO2nd]

I would find a new mechanic or put the car back together yourself giay cong so nam. There are plenty of write ups on here to guide you and if you get stumped on something you can always post a question on here.

 

[ShadetreeSHOguy]

Find a different mechanic. You're being had right now.