Just a couple tips for anyone who might elect to flip the switch manually/without removing the panels and just flipping down the glovebox and reaching through the side: because of the location and small amount of space, you will not be able to fit a light and/or camera inside to see exactly what you're doing. I did it this way and once I gained enough access (I have somewhat large hands/long fingers for a lady) by way of dropping down the glovebox and reaching over behind the plastic panel, I couldn't quite figure out exactly where the lever was; so, I decided to crank the engine and turn the dial over to start up the clicking from the failure to engage. It was super simple to find by tracking the source of the noise and I was able to get it switched over in no more than 10 seconds. I probably fidgeted with it a good 2 minutes or so before deciding to try it that way but it was near instantaneous once it started clicking again. I would have removed the panels and placed a zip tie like the poster, but I was afraid that since the lever already wasn't working properly, and being a 15 year old vehicle, that I might accidentally snap off the lever, either partly or entirely, because of the direction it would be pulled (due to the console framing panels, it'd be pulled toward the side instead of straight down) and, if it did snap off, there'd be no getting around replacing then. That is unless I wanted to spend a North-Eastern winter as a popsicle! 🥶🥶😵 Thank you sooo much, @Eric Griffin, for making this video! You've definitely saved this chick and her family from needlessly suffering a Buffalo winter! Brrr! 🥶💙
I have 2010 explorer just started doing this and I'm on the tail end of winter in CO! I've been using my rear overhead heat! Thank you so much for an easy fix!
@@tambram4677 idk if this comment was meant for me of the original poster but I'm glad you're not freezing!! I still haven't fixed mine correctly, but have used this method for 2 winters now! I've also figured out that if the dials are left on the heat setting, on the defrost/floor setting, and turned up to max fan speed when I turn off the engine, it often stays that way when I crank the truck! That means no fishing behind panels worn frozen fingers every single time I need to go somewhere when it's cold! It doesn't _always_ work, but I'd say it working 4/5 times isn't that bad compared to having to do it every time! I've also got a second key so if I'm only stepping out (like to pump gas or whatever), I'll leave it running and lock the doors, particularly when I've got the baby or dog in the truck with me!
@@lcoq19 thank you. It was meant for the poster. I did find out on the 2010 the actuator is in a different spot. So not sure where the switch is now. Easier access to it but still nothing I want to take on lol. It's almost warm weather. I'll hold out and just replace it when it warms up. The overhead heat in the back is working.
I cannot even begin to explain how thankful I am that you made this video. I drive the exact explorer and haven't had heat since last winter. But thanks to you, me and my family no longer have to freeze cause I'm too poor to pay a mechanic. So thank you, seriously.
6 years later and this video is still blessing people! I saw it over a year ago was a little apprehensive to try! Worked like a charm and I’m grateful!
I bought a 2003 Ford Explorer for about 1500$ over a year ago, great SUV but the heat crapped out on me. Took it to a dealership to see if it could be fixed... I was quoted $201 for the part and $2275. for labor, w/tax a total of $2492. Your video was fantastic, it worked and saved me a big chuck of change. Thank you very much!
Thank you for this video. This has saved a dad and two kids from freezing during morning school runs. I've just temporarily fixed the heater for the winter season. My mechanic was tired of fixing stuff on my truck, so I decided to do this repair myself. It works.
Great video! I was looking for something more permanent, but this is great too. To those who might be mechanically inclined, the part that is broken is called a blend door actuator- $45 at AutoZone. Apparently, it's made of little plastic gears and can be broken by switching from hot and cold quickly, not the temp change, but the quick movement of switching. Anyway, I found some great videos, searching "blend door actuator". It's a very similar process, just on the other side of the dash.
This is because Ford uses a cheap, plastic gear, rather than a light, aluminium gear... Cheap products/parts.... big price. This is a PIA to fix the correct way, and is an enormous rip-off via a garage or a Ford dealer. It is an incredibly difficult part to get to. Thanks Ford! In truth, this should be labeled as a safety issue, and Ford made to do a recall for ALL vehicles with this issue, whether original owners or not because, if you cannot get your heat/defrosters to work in various weather conditions your vision is impaired by fogged windows
This worked perfectly...i didnt remove any of the panels...i simply pulled out the glove box and reached in thier and pulled the lever down. Thank you!
Winter is coming... gl guys! I still use this hack in 2019! This bad boy has 250k miles and has no signs of failure! Hoping to get another 100k out of it. We'll see 🤞😁
My '04 is less than 120 miles away from hitting 100k and it JUST started doing this on the way home from work! Buffalo weather you need heat in AM and AC in thr afternoon at this time of year! Turned from cold to middle temp and started getting that clicking and thinking "great, what did I break now?!" Quick Google search and I found your video so looks like tomorrow I'll be fixing it! Well..."fixing" it, not forking out $150+! Thanks!
Eric, you did a great job photographing the blend door lever so that people can locate it. None of the other videos on UA-cam have a clear shot of it. And for those posters asking why not just replace the blend door actuator, it is a difficult 2-4 hour job on 2002-2005 Explorers requiring the proper tools and the flexibility of a contortionist. It became much easier on 2006-2010 Explorers when Ford added an access panel near the driver's right foot.
Yes Eric, you did a great job filming the actual problem, & creating the excellent smart work around. 1/31/20, 02-10 Explorer, Heater Blend Door Actuator, $14.99 Autozone, $16.99 Advanced Autoparts. UA-cam videos show how to easily replace the part. I have 61,120 actual miles on 2005 Explorer just bought in January 2020 & doing this, so guess it can happen any time. Over 271,000 views, I am sure this is not people just wasting their time, so that is a very lot of Explorers having this problem! Ford needs to make the gear, that the teeth break on, out of stronger material. It is ridiculous that Ford should keep making crappy parts like this.
Man I cant thank you enough for this video. Had the clicking noise and only blowing cold air. Found this video off from Google, and 10 minutes later. I got heat.
Thank you so much for all your help. We have had this problem for a week. My boyfriend just got a 2002 Explorer and it started not even a week after he got it. Merry Christmas. Thanks again.
I too have a 2004 ford explorer which had this very problem, I simply pulled out my glove compartment,( made sure the heat was on) used a little flashlite with my left hand so with my right hand I took a long flathead screwdriver located the lever & simply slid the screwdrver in & simply pushed that lever down!! BAM! I got heat!!all of 5 minutes! Thank You
I have 04 ford exp too. Same issue. Pulled down the glove box, stuck my head in and the back there looks completely different compared to the guys truck in the video. I cannot see that lever at all. When it's on heat it actually sounds further away then we're his was. So lost and so don't have the extra 600+ to spend on fixing it. Can't even put my kids in the car on extremely cold days
Thank you for saving a ton of money. I was able to fix the heater and defroster for a friend who was very appreciative. Shame on Ford for a part that could have been assembled with better quality. Metal gears instead of plastic should be a no brainier.
Thank youu! Was able to fix it while waiting in the school pick up line lol my son was so happy to get in and realize the heat worked again 😂 great detailed video!
My daughter & I used this method & it worked like a charm. The only thing is he said one of the screws was an 8mm but it is actually took a 10mm bit but other than that we got it done! Thanks for the video 😊
I opened the glove box door and thanks to you was able to see the actuator and turned up the air full blast and pried it open with the screwdrive and it slammed open and now i have heat! i took off the hot/cold knob so the kids won't switch back to cold. in summer i will pop it back for AC.
I gotta express my gratitude to you for posting this . I was imagining either taking the entire freaking dashboard apart or paying someone way too much to fix this problem. As soon as I saw No Heat/ Clicking I knew this was the video I needed. November and December in Indiana is no place to be without a heater/defroster. I got this truck for a song with only 78000 miles because the previous owners didn't have the wherewithal to look for a DIY video about how to deal with this problem and gave up on it. Now I have a great 4X4 SUV with plenty of life left in it and no bank note to pay . Thank you
I actually just bought a 2002. Same issue. I found some zip ties and went to do exactly what was shown here but as I sit down in the passenger seat I look down and see a few inches of black zip tie already sticking out of the console. Lol I pull it and BAM! Heat is back on. I guess the previous owner already watched your video. Thanks!
Worked like a charm. Simple Easy. Not paying someone to do the correct fix when this is just as good. If Ford thinks a metal driver on a plastic gear is a good idea, then I think a plastic zip tie is also equivalent.
Bless ya Sir ,auto repair place wanted $1,500 with no promises. And you did a great job of filming and explaining 👍👍👏👏👏👏✌🏻💚 I had to reach hand up to feel the clicking arm,pull it 1/2 way down holding in place and turn off ignition so I could loop zip tie over. Very little visibility ,but persistence pays 👍🏻👍🏻✌🏻
Thank you so much for posting this video! The first snow of the season was this morning and without a heater I was terrified for what was to come in the next few weeks. I was able to fix my heater, on my break and in less than 5 minuets! Thank you Ford Explorer man!!
Great video Eric - this helped us fix this issue with a 2006 Explorer. And we only had to remove the lower panel just below that switch. We even used the twist tie fix ! Thanks again !
Thank you so much for posting,,,,Very informative ,and worked like a charm, ,,,,My Mom won't be cold tonight when I take her shopping ,,,,God Bless you and your family,,,,,
Thanks you soooo much for your advice on how to fix this problem......I too followed Ro Ro's comment and only went thru the glove box - I used a long pen to push the mechanism down - I now have heat again
Wow man I am no mechanic and thanks to your video I was able to fix my moms explorer heater... i hope the fix lasts a long time but for now it is working awesome I didnt remove all the plastics but because you did I knew where everything was. Thanks a million
Thanks so much, you saved my ass I live in Maine and we have a bad storm coming. and she brings me to work with my two year old son I was so worried about my son being cold. Thanks again
Brother I just wanna thank you for this information! & also everybody in the comments! Y’all saved me money & worries! Thanks to the man recording I knew where to look! I have a 02 Ford Explorer. That lever was missing tho! So I kept over looking until I watched closely again & he pointed where it should be. I couldn’t use a zip tie(had some ready tho) I ended up using an Allen key to turn the lever down.. or where the lever would’ve been I used an Allen key. & just wedged it in place! Now I have heat again!!! It’s Oct 25 2021. Only video out of like 12 vids this ACTUALLY helped me. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the video! Mine wasn't clicking but i checked the same lever and it wasn't engaging... so now I have a zip tie to pull the lever and heat again
thanks dude. i just bought this truck during the summer and the air worked but when it started getting cold the heat wasnt working and i was pissed! I couldnt afford to take it to a shop so i am extremely happy that i saw this video!
dude you are genius. this happened in my moms truck and things are a bit tight on cash right now.. and everyone is saying get the part from the dealer and it is $100+.. so at least this will get her by for now.. i did this the other day. thanks for sharing.
Over time the wire ties break,I have 3 of them stuck around mine. Now I just push that handle down with my finger from the glove box with the blower on high..then I stick a heavy shop towel down in there to prevent the it from closing.just jam it in there and use a long screwdriver to push it in you can leave the screwdriver in there to lock it in place. This will work all winter every time you put the blower on high. Then take towel and screwdriver out for AC.😅
I followed the steps and I have heat!! The worst part for me was trying to find the lever. I kind of had to put me head in the glove box hole to see the lever (be careful! It's a tight fit!) but then I was able to do every thing else by feel. Thank you for this video!
I wanted to thank you for helping me with this winter storm had us out without heat in my Explorer XLT third row 2003 and you help me tremendously all I had to do was do it myself and save lots of money you have a blessed New Year my friend and thanks for saving us this guy is the best
Hi Keith, when you say to unplug the center switch, I think you mean the center dial, the hot/cold selector controlling the blend door position? I just tried disconnecting that on my 2003 Explorer, it did not work. With the dial unplugged (you have to pry the front bezel around the radio off to access it), the blend door will instantly snap back to AC as soon as I let go of it. It apparently needs the dial connected to hold the blend door in the heat position. One interesting development though, after disconnecting the dial and reconnecting it, the blend door will no longer snap back to AC when starting the car, it holds its position on heat now. Previously, I had to run the fan on high when starting to keep it from snapping back, now I don't. I don't know if this new development is related to unplugging the dial and reconnecting it and I don't know how long this will last but it is working well now. Thanks.
From watching your video, I saw u putthe phone thru the glove department to show it, I literally didn't remove anything butthe glove dep, reach in, felt the piece moving and pushed it down, working now, thanks
Great one way fix. I didn't need to fix my heater, I'm actually going to need a compressor, but it did help me to figure out how to remove the center console, thank you.
Thank you!!! This worked amazingly well on my 2002 Explorer. The only entrance I needed was thru the glove box hole -- the other console covering removals didn't help at all. I am a 5'3" female and I could barely get my head inside the glove box hole to follow the sound to see the clicking lever, using a flashlight. I could not reach it with my fingers to attach a twist tie. I could barely insert a long skinny slot head screwdriver and I was able to push it to the left, far enough away from the device with the button, so that it stayed put, and then we had heat. At first I only pushed it half way and it seemed to stop, but we didn't get heat. I pushed it farther and it stayed and -- Heat! The manual was no help. Another video on UA-cam about a 2001 Explorer went in from the pedals on the left, and was a white device that didn't look anything like this, so make sure to check thru the glove box hole and follow the clicking to see if this method works before you tear up all the consoles to go in the other side from another video. Since I couldn't attach a twist tie, I taped the temperature control on Hot. I'll remove it when summer is strong and dive in thru the glove box again when winter hits again.
Dude thank you so much for posting this! Mines been doing this since last year. I was fucking freezing today til i found your video and fixed it! Youre the man!
GREAT VIDEO THANKYOU AND I HOPE THAT IS THE FIX I NEED ! AC NOT ON BUT COLD AIR COMES FROM THE VENTS. WORTH A TRY BUT WINTER IS COMING ON STRONG AND ITS NOT WINTER YET!!!
Thank you for your excellent video , I have a 2006 Ford Explorer XLT and I watched your video did it in 5 mins, mine was easier I only had to remove the side panel with the button and open the glove box , Saves me from this -1 weather thank you !!🙏🏼🤩
Thank you im having the same issue now i finally know what it is and how to fix it temporarily, who I'm i kidding is a permanent fix for me after all is an old car lol
Omg thank youuuuu!!!! And the people that commented, helped me out as well. It was hard at first bec I didn't know what I was looking for but was able to reach it from glove box.
Depending on the vehicle, it will sometimes snap back to cold when you start the engine or at other times. You would then have manually position the blend door lever back to heat whenever this happens. It can help to turn the fan on high before starting the engine and it will sometimes hold the blend door in the heat position when starting.
Why would u do that when u have it almost all the way apart to fix the part. Yes easy fix but I would fix the Actuator if I was that far along having things apart.
Hi and thank you for this video, it really helped me alot. I have a question instead of a zip tie can a screw or hook be used to block/prevent the lever from going back? 🤔
Poke your hand through your glove box with the zip tie. Make sure your zip tie is wide enough to get around the actuator lever then grab it from the bottom to bring it out of the direction you want to go.
Reaching into glove box and yanking it down will just revert back to knocking after turning the dial ...right?? Not permanent fix. YOu'd have to remove the glove box cover every time you go from cold to hot or reverse? Just asking.
Yes, if you turn the temperature dial counterclockwise so that the blend door moves back to the AC (cold) position, you would have to repeat this procedure to get heat again. But normally you would not do that until spring so you should just leave it on heat all winter. Also, sometimes the blend door will snap back to AC when starting the engine even though the dial is still in the heat position. If this happens, try turning the fan on high before starting the engine and the force of the fan draft should hold the blend door in the heat position until the engine starts.
I want to thank you for helping me. I am a old single grandma and I just fixed it all by myself with your help! Proud of myself.I have heat😀
Just a couple tips for anyone who might elect to flip the switch manually/without removing the panels and just flipping down the glovebox and reaching through the side: because of the location and small amount of space, you will not be able to fit a light and/or camera inside to see exactly what you're doing. I did it this way and once I gained enough access (I have somewhat large hands/long fingers for a lady) by way of dropping down the glovebox and reaching over behind the plastic panel, I couldn't quite figure out exactly where the lever was; so, I decided to crank the engine and turn the dial over to start up the clicking from the failure to engage. It was super simple to find by tracking the source of the noise and I was able to get it switched over in no more than 10 seconds. I probably fidgeted with it a good 2 minutes or so before deciding to try it that way but it was near instantaneous once it started clicking again. I would have removed the panels and placed a zip tie like the poster, but I was afraid that since the lever already wasn't working properly, and being a 15 year old vehicle, that I might accidentally snap off the lever, either partly or entirely, because of the direction it would be pulled (due to the console framing panels, it'd be pulled toward the side instead of straight down) and, if it did snap off, there'd be no getting around replacing then. That is unless I wanted to spend a North-Eastern winter as a popsicle! 🥶🥶😵
Thank you sooo much, @Eric Griffin, for making this video! You've definitely saved this chick and her family from needlessly suffering a Buffalo winter! Brrr! 🥶💙
I have 2010 explorer just started doing this and I'm on the tail end of winter in CO! I've been using my rear overhead heat! Thank you so much for an easy fix!
@@tambram4677 idk if this comment was meant for me of the original poster but I'm glad you're not freezing!! I still haven't fixed mine correctly, but have used this method for 2 winters now! I've also figured out that if the dials are left on the heat setting, on the defrost/floor setting, and turned up to max fan speed when I turn off the engine, it often stays that way when I crank the truck! That means no fishing behind panels worn frozen fingers every single time I need to go somewhere when it's cold! It doesn't _always_ work, but I'd say it working 4/5 times isn't that bad compared to having to do it every time! I've also got a second key so if I'm only stepping out (like to pump gas or whatever), I'll leave it running and lock the doors, particularly when I've got the baby or dog in the truck with me!
@@lcoq19 thank you. It was meant for the poster. I did find out on the 2010 the actuator is in a different spot. So not sure where the switch is now. Easier access to it but still nothing I want to take on lol. It's almost warm weather. I'll hold out and just replace it when it warms up. The overhead heat in the back is working.
I cannot even begin to explain how thankful I am that you made this video. I drive the exact explorer and haven't had heat since last winter. But thanks to you, me and my family no longer have to freeze cause I'm too poor to pay a mechanic. So thank you, seriously.
6 years later and this video is still blessing people! I saw it over a year ago was a little apprehensive to try! Worked like a charm and I’m grateful!
I bought a 2003 Ford Explorer for about 1500$ over a year ago, great SUV but the heat crapped out on me. Took it to a dealership to see if it could be fixed... I was quoted $201 for the part and $2275. for labor, w/tax a total of $2492. Your video was fantastic, it worked and saved me a big chuck of change. Thank you very much!
Did this today and it worked great! I searched many videos before I found this one. This is the best, most informative video!
Thank you for this video. This has saved a dad and two kids from freezing during morning school runs. I've just temporarily fixed the heater for the winter season. My mechanic was tired of fixing stuff on my truck, so I decided to do this repair myself. It works.
Great video! I was looking for something more permanent, but this is great too. To those who might be mechanically inclined, the part that is broken is called a blend door actuator- $45 at AutoZone. Apparently, it's made of little plastic gears and can be broken by switching from hot and cold quickly, not the temp change, but the quick movement of switching. Anyway, I found some great videos, searching "blend door actuator". It's a very similar process, just on the other side of the dash.
This is because Ford uses a cheap, plastic gear, rather than a light, aluminium gear... Cheap products/parts.... big price.
This is a PIA to fix the correct way, and is an enormous rip-off via a garage or a Ford dealer. It is an incredibly difficult part to get to.
Thanks Ford!
In truth, this should be labeled as a safety issue, and Ford made to do a recall for ALL vehicles with this issue, whether original owners or not because, if you cannot get your heat/defrosters to work in various weather conditions your vision is impaired by fogged windows
my dodge does the same thing
Thats my problem I can’t see out my window in the morning.
This worked perfectly...i didnt remove any of the panels...i simply pulled out the glove box and reached in thier and pulled the lever down. Thank you!
Ro Ro Did the exact same thing, lol.
Thank you so much! Would have never occurred to me
How did u do that? I cant see it from the glove dept?
I’m trying to get it from the glove box and I’m unable to. How did you find it?
I'm about to try that too! That was a very smart idea!!👌
Winter is coming... gl guys! I still use this hack in 2019! This bad boy has 250k miles and has no signs of failure! Hoping to get another 100k out of it. We'll see 🤞😁
My '04 is less than 120 miles away from hitting 100k and it JUST started doing this on the way home from work! Buffalo weather you need heat in AM and AC in thr afternoon at this time of year! Turned from cold to middle temp and started getting that clicking and thinking "great, what did I break now?!" Quick Google search and I found your video so looks like tomorrow I'll be fixing it! Well..."fixing" it, not forking out $150+! Thanks!
Eric, you did a great job photographing the blend door lever so that people can locate it. None of the other videos on UA-cam have a clear shot of it. And for those posters asking why not just replace the blend door actuator, it is a difficult 2-4 hour job on 2002-2005 Explorers requiring the proper tools and the flexibility of a contortionist. It became much easier on 2006-2010 Explorers when Ford added an access panel near the driver's right foot.
Yes Eric, you did a great job filming the actual problem, & creating the excellent smart work around.
1/31/20, 02-10 Explorer, Heater Blend Door Actuator, $14.99 Autozone, $16.99 Advanced Autoparts. UA-cam videos show how to easily replace the part. I have 61,120 actual miles on 2005 Explorer just bought in January 2020 & doing this, so guess it can happen any time.
Over 271,000 views, I am sure this is not people just wasting their time, so that is a very lot of Explorers having this problem! Ford needs to make the gear, that the teeth break on, out of stronger material. It is ridiculous that Ford should keep making crappy parts like this.
Man I cant thank you enough for this video. Had the clicking noise and only blowing cold air. Found this video off from Google, and 10 minutes later. I got heat.
I had doubts at first, but it actually works. I just fixed my heat. Thanks a million . . . !
Thank you so much for all your help. We have had this problem for a week. My boyfriend just got a 2002 Explorer and it started not even a week after he got it. Merry Christmas. Thanks again.
Thanks for the tip. Now I have heat too. Took me about 45 mins and it was easy. I'm not a mechanic just a 60 yr old farm wife.
Its December 2018 yesterday mechanic told me 387 dollars to fix i just did this step by step in 20 minutes and it worked for me thank you brother
They quoted me 600+
I too have a 2004 ford explorer which had this very problem, I simply pulled out my glove compartment,( made sure the heat was on) used a little flashlite with my left hand so with my right hand I took a long flathead screwdriver located the lever & simply slid the screwdrver in & simply pushed that lever down!! BAM! I got heat!!all of 5 minutes! Thank You
I have 04 ford exp too. Same issue. Pulled down the glove box, stuck my head in and the back there looks completely different compared to the guys truck in the video. I cannot see that lever at all. When it's on heat it actually sounds further away then we're his was. So lost and so don't have the extra 600+ to spend on fixing it. Can't even put my kids in the car on extremely cold days
Thank you for saving a ton of money. I was able to fix the heater and defroster for a friend who was very appreciative. Shame on Ford for a part that could have been assembled with better quality. Metal gears instead of plastic should be a no brainier.
Thank youu! Was able to fix it while waiting in the school pick up line lol my son was so happy to get in and realize the heat worked again 😂 great detailed video!
Bro you posted this in 2014 and it's still helping out now😌😌😌 thank you you saved me time and money. 👌💯
2019 and it's helping me
January 2020, and still helping people, like me.
@@billstaff4655 just had this happen on my 05 mounty
Thank you so very much! Mechanic wanted to charge me $ 350.00 😢😮 found your video and am grateful, grateful! God bless You!!!!
My daughter & I used this method & it worked like a charm. The only thing is he said one of the screws was an 8mm but it is actually took a 10mm bit but other than that we got it done! Thanks for the video 😊
I opened the glove box door and thanks to you was able to see the actuator and turned up the air full blast and pried it open with the screwdrive and it slammed open and now i have heat! i took off the hot/cold knob so the kids won't switch back to cold. in summer i will pop it back for AC.
Don't you love it when a video actually fixes your problem. You're a Saint
I gotta express my gratitude to you for posting this . I was imagining either taking the entire freaking dashboard apart or paying someone way too much to fix this problem. As soon as I saw No Heat/ Clicking I knew this was the video I needed. November and December in Indiana is no place to be without a heater/defroster. I got this truck for a song with only 78000 miles because the previous owners didn't have the wherewithal to look for a DIY video about how to deal with this problem and gave up on it. Now I have a great 4X4 SUV with plenty of life left in it and no bank note to pay . Thank you
I just completed this project! Thank you for the step by step instructions! Took me 2 hours and works great.
Thank you! Saved a ton of $$$.
I actually just bought a 2002. Same issue. I found some zip ties and went to do exactly what was shown here but as I sit down in the passenger seat I look down and see a few inches of black zip tie already sticking out of the console. Lol I pull it and BAM! Heat is back on. I guess the previous owner already watched your video. Thanks!
God bless you Eric you just saved me $700 and a brutal winter thanks
Worked like a charm. Simple Easy. Not paying someone to do the correct fix when this is just as good. If Ford thinks a metal driver on a plastic gear is a good idea, then I think a plastic zip tie is also equivalent.
Bless ya Sir ,auto repair place wanted $1,500 with no promises. And you did a great job of filming and explaining 👍👍👏👏👏👏✌🏻💚
I had to reach hand up to feel the clicking arm,pull it 1/2 way down holding in place and turn off ignition so I could loop zip tie over.
Very little visibility ,but persistence pays 👍🏻👍🏻✌🏻
Perfect! I didn’t even have to take all of the paneling off. Just the glove compartment and I reached in around where the flap is. Warmth!!!
I'm with you Ellie !
Thank you so much for posting this video! The first snow of the season was this morning and without a heater I was terrified for what was to come in the next few weeks. I was able to fix my heater, on my break and in less than 5 minuets! Thank you Ford Explorer man!!
Just wanted to say your a life saver came out of work freezing rain no heat watched your video and bam heat again thanks so much
thank you soooo much you just saved me $550 dollars.......and my wife is happy again...thank you GOD BLESS
$55 if you do it yourself. I used this method and the lever final snapped.
$14.99 Autozone. Excellent youtube Videos show the very easy fix.
Great video Eric - this helped us fix this issue with a 2006 Explorer. And we only had to remove the lower panel just below that switch. We even used the twist tie fix ! Thanks again !
Thank you so much for posting,,,,Very informative ,and worked like a charm, ,,,,My Mom won't be cold tonight when I take her shopping ,,,,God Bless you and your family,,,,,
Thanks you soooo much for your advice on how to fix this problem......I too followed Ro Ro's comment and only went thru the glove box - I used a long pen to push the mechanism down - I now have heat again
Wow man I am no mechanic and thanks to your video I was able to fix my moms explorer heater... i hope the fix lasts a long time but for now it is working awesome I didnt remove all the plastics but because you did I knew where everything was. Thanks a million
Thanks so much, you saved my ass I live in Maine and we have a bad storm coming. and she brings me to work with my two year old son I was so worried about my son being cold. Thanks again
"Dude ur fucking awesome life saver " I never comment on nobody's videos but now I could have my son come with me and my explorer thanks for the video
Brother I just wanna thank you for this information! & also everybody in the comments! Y’all saved me money & worries! Thanks to the man recording I knew where to look! I have a 02 Ford Explorer. That lever was missing tho! So I kept over looking until I watched closely again & he pointed where it should be. I couldn’t use a zip tie(had some ready tho) I ended up using an Allen key to turn the lever down.. or where the lever would’ve been I used an Allen key. & just wedged it in place! Now I have heat again!!! It’s Oct 25 2021. Only video out of like 12 vids this ACTUALLY helped me. Thanks a lot!
Thank you !!!
I’ve had this problem for over two years now and finally decided to look into fixing this......
Again thank you for this video !!!
Idk if your still seeing this comments but thank you bro that's one hella of a
Life Hack...
Dude, you helped me and my daughter from freezing up here as we start winter in Oregon. Much appreciated brother
youre a genius! i went to auto zone and they saidd i had a thermostat issuse indefinitely trying this!life saver! im excited😄😄😂
Thanks! My daughter and I fixed the heater in the '05 Exploder! She has heat driving to school and work in our Idaho winter.
Heard the Exploder nickname couple years ago. Funny to hear you say it too.
What is that part called ?
Thanks I'm a lady an I fix the problem with this video, we can do it
Eric, thank you we have over 200,000 miles on our 2005 Explorer, this Sir, was a Huge help!
Thanks for the video! Mine wasn't clicking but i checked the same lever and it wasn't engaging... so now I have a zip tie to pull the lever and heat again
thanks dude. i just bought this truck during the summer and the air worked but when it started getting cold the heat wasnt working and i was pissed! I couldnt afford to take it to a shop so i am extremely happy that i saw this video!
Dec 2016-awesome awesome-thank you! I clicked on any and all ads I could. Tomorrow I will refresh page and click some more! THANK YOU!! Life Saver!
dude you are genius. this happened in my moms truck and things are a bit tight on cash right now.. and everyone is saying get the part from the dealer and it is $100+.. so at least this will get her by for now.. i did this the other day. thanks for sharing.
Over time the wire ties break,I have 3 of them stuck around mine. Now I just push that handle down with my finger from the glove box with the blower on high..then I stick a heavy shop towel down in there to prevent the it from closing.just jam it in there and use a long screwdriver to push it in you can leave the screwdriver in there to lock it in place. This will work all winter every time you put the blower on high. Then take towel and screwdriver out for AC.😅
Great advice, thanks. It’s the easiest, fastest way to solve this problem. I previously did the twist tie repair, but as you said it eventually broke.
Thank you this was an awesome video and helped me do just what my Mechanic charged me $65 to do you are truly a life saver
I followed the steps and I have heat!! The worst part for me was trying to find the lever. I kind of had to put me head in the glove box hole to see the lever (be careful! It's a tight fit!) but then I was able to do every thing else by feel. Thank you for this video!
Thank you sooooo much!!! The shop i took it to was going to charge me an obscene amount of money to fix this.
First video I've seen that describes my problem perfectly. Thanks.
Will try it this weekend.... Looks good, thank you for letting me see how it looks in there!
My Shit broke wtf😷
@@death2yourtruth lol Same here smh
Never comment on these but have to make an exception... Thank you, you just saved my butt!
ty Gregg! Glad it worked out 😁
@@ericgriffin5929 worked but is it the blend motor or actuator?
@@ChrisB-cx6td actuator
I wanted to thank you for helping me with this winter storm had us out without heat in my Explorer XLT third row 2003 and you help me tremendously all I had to do was do it myself and save lots of money you have a blessed New Year my friend and thanks for saving us this guy is the best
You can also unplug that center switch and your head will come on that is what I had to do but you have a great idea thank you
Hi Keith, when you say to unplug the center switch, I think you mean the center dial, the hot/cold selector controlling the blend door position? I just tried disconnecting that on my 2003 Explorer, it did not work. With the dial unplugged (you have to pry the front bezel around the radio off to access it), the blend door will instantly snap back to AC as soon as I let go of it. It apparently needs the dial connected to hold the blend door in the heat position. One interesting development though, after disconnecting the dial and reconnecting it, the blend door will no longer snap back to AC when starting the car, it holds its position on heat now. Previously, I had to run the fan on high when starting to keep it from snapping back, now I don't. I don't know if this new development is related to unplugging the dial and reconnecting it and I don't know how long this will last but it is working well now. Thanks.
From watching your video, I saw u putthe phone thru the glove department to show it, I literally didn't remove anything butthe glove dep, reach in, felt the piece moving and pushed it down, working now, thanks
Great one way fix. I didn't need to fix my heater, I'm actually going to need a compressor, but it did help me to figure out how to remove the center console, thank you.
Thanks very much Eric. Just rode an hour and a half, and was very cold the whole way, then saw your video, and now the problem is solved.
Works like a charm. Took a max of 45 minutes and that was just taking my time. Thanks for the info !!!!
Thank you!!! This worked amazingly well on my 2002 Explorer. The only entrance I needed was thru the glove box hole -- the other console covering removals didn't help at all. I am a 5'3" female and I could barely get my head inside the glove box hole to follow the sound to see the clicking lever, using a flashlight. I could not reach it with my fingers to attach a twist tie. I could barely insert a long skinny slot head screwdriver and I was able to push it to the left, far enough away from the device with the button, so that it stayed put, and then we had heat. At first I only pushed it half way and it seemed to stop, but we didn't get heat. I pushed it farther and it stayed and -- Heat! The manual was no help. Another video on UA-cam about a 2001 Explorer went in from the pedals on the left, and was a white device that didn't look anything like this, so make sure to check thru the glove box hole and follow the clicking to see if this method works before you tear up all the consoles to go in the other side from another video. Since I couldn't attach a twist tie, I taped the temperature control on Hot. I'll remove it when summer is strong and dive in thru the glove box again when winter hits again.
Dude thank you so much for posting this! Mines been doing this since last year. I was fucking freezing today til i found your video and fixed it! Youre the man!
GREAT VIDEO THANKYOU AND I HOPE THAT IS THE FIX I NEED ! AC NOT ON BUT COLD AIR COMES FROM THE VENTS. WORTH A TRY BUT WINTER IS COMING ON STRONG AND ITS NOT WINTER YET!!!
I'm going to try this today. Was quoted $1,500.00 too fix this. This granny cannot afford this.
going out to try this right now..will let you know how I made out....Thanks for the video
Thank you for sharing this video. It helped me to fix a problem that I had for 2 years
Thank you for your excellent video , I have a 2006 Ford Explorer XLT and I watched your video did it in 5 mins, mine was easier I only had to remove the side panel with the button and open the glove box , Saves me from this -1 weather thank you !!🙏🏼🤩
Thank you! You helped me fix my explorer this winter!
The best video i seen regarding this topic, thank you
Thank you so much! You totally saved my family and I from the cold this year! Thank you thank you!
I had a hard time hearing you but I am going to try this mine is doing the same thing. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much that's the exact problem i have and the cold weather is on the way so this video is right on time for me!!
Thank you im having the same issue now i finally know what it is and how to fix it temporarily, who I'm i kidding is a permanent fix for me after all is an old car lol
Thank you so much. I ordered the motor already but this will definitely help in the meantime
Thank you for posting this video. It took me maybe 25 minutes to do this and I really appreciate it.
Omg thank youuuuu!!!! And the people that commented, helped me out as well. It was hard at first bec I didn't know what I was looking for but was able to reach it from glove box.
Thank you I didn't even need the zip tie I went in with a flat head your way and just pushed the clicking part down I have heat thanks.....
Did it last? Mine reverted back to cold later in the day.
Depending on the vehicle, it will sometimes snap back to cold when you start the engine or at other times. You would then have manually position the blend door lever back to heat whenever this happens. It can help to turn the fan on high before starting the engine and it will sometimes hold the blend door in the heat position when starting.
Oh thank you so much for this video I can't even tell you how you saved my butt and my sanity!!
Hillbilly ingenuity at its finest, thank you sir for your help.
heehaw, see ya at the family reunion.
thank you for this video...I HAVE HEAT NOW!!!!
Thank you so much brother you have saved me and my kids for the winter ❄️
What do I do if the piece of plastic broke off that opens the door? Any advice would help!
Why would u do that when u have it almost all the way apart to fix the part. Yes easy fix but I would fix the Actuator if I was that far along having things apart.
The part is literally 15 bucks on Rock Auto!
Best vid I've seen on this. Thanks.
Hi and thank you for this video, it really helped me alot. I have a question instead of a zip tie can a screw or hook be used to block/prevent the lever from going back? 🤔
Thank you for the info this is exactly what's happening to my truck this video is great. Louis
I want to Thank You so much I went through the glove box with a screwdriver with my head in it lmao but hey I got heat your amazing
It doesn’t show how you actually got the zip tie on it. I have mine tore apart but no idea how to get the tie on the part??
Poke your hand through your glove box with the zip tie. Make sure your zip tie is wide enough to get around the actuator lever then grab it from the bottom to bring it out of the direction you want to go.
Watched many videos but this one did it , ! Thanks
man thank you, thank you,thank you! I was freezing but your trick worked out for me!
My explorer had the same problem! Awesome help. Thanks!
Thank you so much for posting this video. Just fixed my 2002 and feeling pleased as punch!
Reaching into glove box and yanking it down will just revert back to knocking after turning the dial ...right?? Not permanent fix. YOu'd have to remove the glove box cover every time you go from cold to hot or reverse? Just asking.
Yes, if you turn the temperature dial counterclockwise so that the blend door moves back to the AC (cold) position, you would have to repeat this procedure to get heat again. But normally you would not do that until spring so you should just leave it on heat all winter. Also, sometimes the blend door will snap back to AC when starting the engine even though the dial is still in the heat position. If this happens, try turning the fan on high before starting the engine and the force of the fan draft should hold the blend door in the heat position until the engine starts.
This video gets an A ➕ it worked indeed heat feels grate thank you brother