Explorer/Mountaineer Center Console Removal and HVAC Blend Door Actuator Replacement (2002-2005)

How to remove and reinstall the center console on a 3rd gen (2002-2005) Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer. I also show how to fix a broken HVAC blend door actuator, often diagnosed by a clicking or thumping in the dash when adjusting the temperature setting.

[@ToddBenjey]

Thank you for doing this video....helped me tremendously!

[@darkhorseautoanddiesel]

You're welcome. That's why I make these videos!

[@danielmiller2886]

This is BY FAR, the most helpful video on the internet for this job. Thank you!
You can buy a replacement gear for a lot less that replacing the whole unit.

[@danielmiller2886]

And wobble sockets are worth their weight in gold.

[@darkhorseautoanddiesel]

Glad it helped! That's why I make these videos. I wondered if one could buy just the gear, I never looked into it. If it was mine I probably would have but it was a customer vehicle so experimenting wasn't really an option.

[@verinb9]

Wish you would've showed it working/running smoothly but other than that great informational video. 🐐

[@BCVS777]

Awesome video! I worry that the reason it failed is that something is blocking the gate that it actuates, causing the gears to strip. I wonder how that could be checked?

[@camronbland607]

Video definitely helped. Just next time come do it for me instead😂😂

[@ericdifalco3854]

I have an 05 explorer xlt. My blend door actuator just went. I got everything out. The only issue is i am having trouble getting the old actuator out! I can start to pull the old one out, but I am having trouble wiggling it to get free. So i just disconnected the wores and manually move the lever with a zip tie to get heat.

[@nicolegerkens3818]

I replaced this actuator and it fixed the heating issue. Now once the engine is warmed up ac blows warm to hot, compressor works, gauge said has enough freon. Any suggestions?

[@darkhorseautoanddiesel]

As far as suggestions, first I have to ask what kind of gauge you used. In order to get the whole story, we need to see both the high and low sides of the system. The can mounted ones only tell you the low side, which won't tell you much. If you used the dual gauge set, then I need to know what the high and low side pressures were, along with the ambient temperature at the time.
I have a video that might help, where I diagnose the weak/failing compressor on my truck. It may give you some insight. Not saying yours is failing, although it could be, but either way the video does give an idea how to interpret the gauge readings.