Ratcheting noise coming from dash at startup

[EcoBrick Bob]

I am getting a loud ratcheting noise for maybe 2-3 seconds, coming from the center of the dash at start up, and infrequently while driving.

Is this the blender door issue that others have experienced? My A/C seems to be working fine. Also switched over to full heat to see if I could duplicate sound. No sound and heat was strong. No sound when switching back either. We normally run our HVAC controls in dual zone, but mostly at the same digital temps, unless we are getting side sun.

So far, this is just annoying. Vehicle is out of warranty. Any ideas on how to fix without costing an arm and a leg?:thankyou:

 

[SHOdded]

BDA started out this way in my Gen 2 SHO. It will get worse over time. It does stay quiet when temps are cold, but as soon as the car warms up (becomes warm inside the dash/compartment), the sound begins again. A lot of man-hours for this job in my vehicle.

Gen 4's (and hopefully the Flex) seem to have been designed for easier servicing. I know there are writeups for the SHO ...

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

I remember someone claiming their warranty bill was around $700.

This just started when I got up here in IA... Was warm all winter in FL so not sure why this is happening now.

 

[EB_SHO]

Had similar sound on a 2010 SHO. Turned out to be a bad blend door actuator. If I remembed correctly, the part was less than $30. The tech didn't have to take the dash out, in our case it was accessible from below or by going through the glove box.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

I am hoping for the same result. I have manuals for my 2010 Flex. I would guess that it too is accessable one of those ways. I first thought it was only happening when I had the "dual T-stat" option on, but today it was making the same sound at startup with single setting option. Drove about 300 mi today, and only time it sounded was at each startup.

Thanks!

 

[RedCandySHO]

Blend door.

 

[lawyerdement]

I am having the same problem. Were you able to get it fixed? If so, how and how much?

 

[Calgary]

I got the same thing i dont know if id would call it a ratcheting sound but it almost like someone scratching dash. Im gonna get it looked at on my warranty as i saw the part is covered.

 

[lawyerdement]

I was able to fix the problem. It was super easy. It was the motor assembly for the blend door. The dealer had the part in stock. This must be a common problem. The part was $18.24 plus tax. The Ford part number is AA5Z-19E616-C. This was for a 2010 SHO.

I replaced the part myself. It is easily accessible behind the glove box. Two screws with 8mm heads and one wire assembly was all that needed to be disconnected after removing the glove box.

 

[Racer X]

I was able to fix the problem. It was super easy. It was the motor assembly for the blend door. The dealer had the part in stock. This must be a common problem. The part was $18.24 plus tax. The Ford part number is AA5Z-19E616-C. This was for a 2010 SHO.

I replaced the part myself. It is easily accessible behind the glove box. Two screws with 8mm heads and one wire assembly was all that needed to be disconnected after removing the glove box.

Glad Ford finally sorted out the engineering tomfoolery around replacing that part.

On the Gen 1/2 cars, that's an 11 hour job to replace, since you have to remove the dashboard, evacuate the A/C and disconnect the heater core to replace the part.

 

[sho/saleen]

My 2010 SHO started to have the same noise in the upper left part of the center console. Look like I'm going to have to purchase a blend actuator. By the way, I purchase all my Ford Parts from SILVER STATE FORDS PARTS. You also get a 25% or more for genuine Ford Parts. www.silverstatefordparts.com