Hi all,

I have a 2008 F150 - defroster quit working. Air comes out dash vents OK but not up on windshield. Figured it was whatever actuator directed air flow. Went surfing and found your site.

Thank you very much wildcard30 for your exploded diagram of the critter - just what I was looking for!

Bought a new motor from Ford for $20. Make sure you get the right one - there are 3 different actuator motors on heater. Performed with key off and out - heater switch on dash in off position. Was able to get at it without removing dash - crawled in driver's footwell. Took off panel below steering wheel to let in some light 2 screws on bottom 2 clips on top.

3 metric screws hold motor on and 1 wiring clip. Had to pry motor off with small screwdriver. Removed red locking clip on wiring connector but still would not come loose. Broke clips holding old motor housing together - opened up like clamshell. Guts fell out so could remove wiring connector without damaging it. Used old dive gear/output shaft to position keyed heater mechanism to line up with new motor shaft for installation. Noted moved freely which was reassuring. Motor and wiring connector went back together really easy. Screws were a pain to get started - used small magnet to hold in socket.

Checked operation - praise God it works!

Hope this was helpful - thanks again.
Leonard

 

There's a reason (or many reasons) you got rid of your Chevy.

I'd be willing to bet there is a Ford guy on the "bow tie" forum saying the same thing in regards to a problem he has with his Chevy.

 

I have not had this problem for a while. I do this each time I turn the defrost on. Make sure all vents are open, turn fan to 1, turn to defrost, wait for things to stop moving inside(makes a creaking sound), turn fan up. Has worked for me every time. Maybe this summer I'll try replacing actuator.

 

I just fixed this issue n my 06, it was the mode control motor, not the blend motor. above the gas pedal, it is held in by 3 screws, a pain to get at but half hour re&re. I paid 45 bucks for mine.

 

same problem, I wasted 80 bucks at dealer getting it diagnosed only to be told it was the mode control motor and costs another $700 to replace on a 2008 FX4 F150. Anyone have more info on the easiest way to replace it? its still working but makes a very loud and annoying clicking sound.
Thanks

 

The mode motor is is pretty easy to change, read my last post, you should be able to do it yourself. I could see the blend door repair costing 700 but not the mode motor.

 

Sad to say, but I have run into lots of problems with Ford dealers and their mechanics not doing their work properly or charging correctly. Had problems with my explorer previously, had to get Ford customer service involved and to their credit, they straightened out the issue.

On another note, my mode control motor noise sounds like it is near the upper driver side dash, by the instrument cluster, does that sound correct?

 

Wildcat30 has a picture of the mode motor and how to change it, it may sound like what you say, mine made no noise, just stopped working. Look back on page one and check Wildcats postings.

 

Shovelhead, thanks for all your help and replies. I have the same exact problem you did, the only issue looks like access, but should only take half hour like you said. The last question I have is as you pull out old actuator motor does the new one line right up?

 

After I removed mine I pulled the second half off as well, that is the part that covers the actuator cam and arms just to make sure there were no other issues, I also put power to the old motor to see if it moved which it did, but not enough to move the cam. You can stick your fingers into the slots in the cam cover and manualy move it if needed, I would think that it wont line up, they should default to defrost I believe but you will have to check, there is a locating tab on the motor so it can only go in one position. You may have to play with it to line it up.
Here is a link that may be of some use.
Mode door problem, help - F150online Forums

 

Let be bring this full circle. I called Ford Customer Service for assitance on this issue. A truck with a sticker price of $40K shouldnt have recurring problems with blend door actuator motors. They agreed to assist, but I first had to take it into dealer for diagnosis (even though I knew what the problem was). They indicated it was the the blend door actuator motor on the top of the plentum and would cost $780.00. Ford said they would assist by paying 60% of the cost and my part would be $330.00. I crawled under the dash, and verifed it was the motor on the Left side of the plentum, that could easily be reached with minimal disassembley. Knowing this, I marked the bad part, to see if it was replaced. Turns out, the dealer indicated that it took less time to fix than anticipated. Their reasoning was a new book came out indicating it took less time to replace the part, but it was still the motor on top of the plentum that was replaced. The final reciept did not contain any numbers on cost, only the final charge. I asked them to give me a full accounting, and they indicated it took 1.2 hours, so i walked it down, ok, 1.2 hours at labor, the part cost $30, why do I have to pay $180 and Ford another $288. They acknowledged oh yeah, it was incorrect, and reduced it to the diagnostic fee of $80 which I already paid. In the end it cost me $80 which is reasonable, and by the way, they did replace the part on the left side of the plentum. Just reinforces my distrust of dealers. I am sure if I didnt question the bill, and mark the part, they would have charged me the full $780.