I get a feeling it's some type of door that either wants to open or shut but it takes a few times to do it. It doesn't always do it too.

2011 XLT 28k on it.

 

So after reading it's the blending door motor. Found a video that had a same sound. Actually there were several videos on it. They all were replacing the same motor located behind the radio. Is there only one motor or is there another one somewhere? Doesn't look very hard except that one bolt. Of course watching someone do it is easy then actually doing I guess.

 

Mine failed about 57K miles. The dealer told me that it's a common issue on the F-150's. Not sure how common it really is. Not sure if it's the only blend door actuator or not, I believe it is.

 

Google this problem and you'll see a lot of it. Most of all because of a plastic little gear wearing out. I don't have a dual zone so I'm guessing from what I read there is only one. Just trying to avoid any problems diving into the dash.

 

My fathers 150 does this popping sound. The deal with it is this, it's too expensive to fix, it will fail again after you fix it, so it's a waste of money and time to fix it. Just have to put up with it.

 

Actually after looking around there are a lot of videos on this. One in particular from what I gather is a Ford tech and I think he is member here. The part is about $25. Labor wise doesn't look too bad except one bolt on the actuator. The back one. He did a good job explaining step by step. I'm sure it will fail at one point and the dealer soaking me for hours and hours for labor, well provides for enough reason to give a shot. As far as failing again, it's a Ford. 20+ years of owning Fords I've got use to the feeling.

Mine is 4x4 and has the trailer brake and single zone but this is close.

 

That's cool, obviously I was just going off the dealer service tech cost.

And I have nothing but respect for service techs/mechanics. It's just whether or not the repair is important enough to an owner to be willing to fork out a few hundred dollars. For some, it's worth it, for some it's not.

 

Putting up with it isn't a very good option because when it fails, it fails in place and air can only be directed the way it fails and the popping is still there.

 

Our 2010 Flex had the same issue with a blend door actuator. There are three in that car, with the dual zone climate control. One was for defrost and floor if I remember correctly. They aren't expensive parts, just a PITA to access. Obviously, Ford buys these things for next to nothing and it bites us all. Gotta love corporate sourcing practices. Lowest price wins...

 

I agree. There are some things I'll just take the hit if I'm not comfortable doing them. I put in the firestone air bags recently as I tow a heavy horse trailer with a load in the bed. Dealer wanted $300 to install. I watched a couple of videos and 2 hrs later (including some time locating miss placed tools) it's done and works great. I'm looking at this the same way. It's a shame the part is made cheap to even go through this.

 

Anyone actually replaced the blend door actuator?
I watched the video and was surprised to see the tech install the actuator through the glove compartment access (intent was to show install more clearly).
It caused me to wonder whether or not the entire repair could be done that way.
Anyone got an opinion?