2003 Windstar HVAC Actuator

midnight rumbler · 10-26-2009, 10:15 AM

I started to hear a clicking sound under my dash and realized I had no heat coming from my vents. I pulled a portion of the dash apart to gain access to this noise and found that it is a square white box with a motor in it that switches a flap within the main HVAC box beside the blower motor to control either hot air or cold air.

Anyone had the same problem as this and what exactly is this motor called?

midnight rumbler · 10-26-2009, 10:49 AM

Ok so I have found out the actuator is called a BLEND ACUATOR and I tested the actuator with a 9 volt battery and the motor and gears seem to be working fine in both directions to control the belnd door open or closed. The gear that controls the movement of the door inside the blend box will move freely and stops in the areas where it is meant to. I can also move the flap inside the box freely as well so this indicates no binding issues causing the clicking sound within the actuator. My local ford dealer wants $87.00 for the Blend door actuator and I would like to make sure first this is the culprit.

Could it be the signal within my vent controls causing the actuator to not function properly? How can I test these to see if they are putting out the proper voltage to the actuator.

Thank you

phantom_smack · 10-26-2009, 11:18 AM

The clicking is cause by the blend door trying to reach an end point,the blend is probablystopping before the actuator has reached its stopping point internally so it keeps trying to achieve its goal and clicking as it slips a tooth.Will it stop if you set the temperature cooler or hotter depending on which way its making noise?

midnight rumbler · 10-26-2009, 11:24 AM

It did not matter if it was cooler or hotter or at a different vent setting such as defrost or foot vents

Cuda_Jim · 10-26-2009, 11:30 AM

If there is voltage at the connector you removed from the the Blend Door Actuator (BDA) when the temperture knob is moved then the BDA is bad. Fairly common failure.

You can get an aftermarket BDA cheaper. Not sure about their quality though.
DORMAN Part # 604203 $32.00 @ rockauto.com

midnight rumbler · 10-26-2009, 11:55 AM

Well here in Canada we seem to have a lack of quality aftermarket components. Everything that is beyond a parts store we need to go directly to the Stealerships.

Thanks for the suggestions but I am not about to pay $32.00 US plus shipping and Duty fees and then wait 1-2 weeks for the part

TMD · 10-26-2009, 11:59 AM

I have about two years on a DORMAN actuator with no problems.

Since I said this, I will probably have to replace mine next week.

midnight rumbler · 10-26-2009, 12:32 PM

I guess my next question would be what other ford applications have this same style of actuator?

I looked at some BDA for the F-150's and Exploer' online and the unit appears to be the same. Would be nice to find out what years and applications these were generic to just incase my local wreckers does not have an '03 windstar.

taz4x4150 · 10-26-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midnight rumbler

I guess my next question would be what other ford applications have this same style of actuator?

Any good salvage yard will be able to cross-referance parts. Alot of yards I deal with also have a computor multiple listings of other yards that will have the part if they don't.
GOOD LUCK

Cuda_Jim · 10-26-2009, 03:59 PM

Another nice feature on the rockauto website. Lots of extra info..... DORMAN Part # 604203 fits 1999-2003 windstar only.
oem# XF2Z19E616FB