How to Reset the Ford Blend Door Actuator

The blend door actuator is a component of Ford’s Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system that is responsible for controlling the airflow in the vehicle. It is a motorized device that adjusts the position of the door based on input from the climate control system.

Whenever you are having trouble with controlling air circulation inside your Ford it may be a problem with the blend door actuator. You can reset it using a few simple steps.

To reset the Ford blend door actuator, start by removing the fuse that provides power to the HVAC. Then start the car and run the AC system for about two minutes. Doing this will allow the system to reset itself.

After two minutes, turn off the car and put the fuse back in place. Start the car again and check to see if the actuator is working properly. If it is not, then you may need to replace it.

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What Is a Blend Door Actuator

As we already mentioned, the blend door actuator is a component of the HVAC system. They are referred to as blend doors because they help to blend hot and cold air.

The actuator is responsible for opening and closing the door that controls the airflow in the vehicle. It is a small motor that is connected to the door by a linkage.

Actuators manage the mode settings for the HVAC system. The mode settings include:

• Vent
• Bi-Level
• Floor
• Defrost
• Panel

When you change the setting on your HVAC system, the actuator moves the door to the correct position. For example, when you select the floor setting, the actuator will move the door to the position that directs airflow to the floor vents.

How It Works

The actuator receives power from the fuse box. When you turn on the AC or heat, a signal is sent to the actuator telling it to move the door.

The driver or passenger can select the desired setting by turning the climate control knob. As the knob is turned, a small motor inside the actuator turns a gear. The gear is connected to the door by a linkage. As the gear turns, it moves the door to the correct position.

Location

It can be very difficult to identify the blend door actuator. There is usually one on the left in cars with two actuators, especially those with automatic temperature control. In some cases, the blend door actuator is located behind the glove compartment.

Most of the newer Ford models have the actuator located behind the glove compartment. You will need to remove the glove box to access it. On some models, you may be able to see the actuator through a small opening in the dash.

Causes of Failing Blend Door Actuator

Like any other mechanical device, the blend door actuator is also bound to malfunction. Several things can cause the actuator to fail including:

1. Broken Gear Set

An actuator consists of fragile plastic gears. Over time, these gears can break or strip. When this happens, the actuator will not be able to move the door.

2. Dirty Connections

The actuator is connected to the HVAC system with wires. If these wires are loose or dirty, it can cause the actuator to fail. Dirty connections have a higher resistance which can cause the actuator to overheat and fail.

3. Excessive Heat

The actuator is located in the engine compartment where it is exposed to excessive heat. Over time, this heat can damage the actuator.

4. Malfunctioning Electric Motor

The HVAC system is controlled by an electric motor. If this motor fails, it can cause the actuator to fail.

Signs of a Bad Blend Door Actuator

You can look out for the following signs to know if your actuator is failing:

1. Noisy and Repetitive Knocking Sounds

You may hear some noisy sounds in the glove box area when the actuator is failing. These sounds are usually repetitive and may be accompanied by a clicking noise. This noise is usually caused by a broken gear set.

2. Difficulty in Changing the Mode Settings

When the actuator fails, it can become difficult to change the mode settings of the HVAC system. The setting may get stuck in one position or may not change at all.

3. Inconsistent Temperature

The actuator is responsible for controlling the airflow in the vehicle. When it fails, you may notice that the temperature inside the car is inconsistent. The temperature may be too hot or too cold even when the AC or heat is turned off.

Resetting the Ford Blend Door Actuator

When you notice your Ford’s Blend Door Actuator is not working you may need to reset or recalibrate it before thinking of replacing it. This is a simple process you can accomplish using the following steps:

Step One: Remove the Fuses

Start by removing the actuator fuses(CJB fuse 5 and CJB fuse 13) from the fuse panel located in the engine bay.

Step Two: Start the Car

This step involves simply turning the ignition on for your car without actually starting the engine.

Step Three: Run the AC System

You should then use your climate control system to turn the AC and leave it running for about two minutes. You should notice the temperature gauge on your dash reading about thirty-eight degrees Celsius.

Step Four: Shut Down the Car

After the three minutes have elapsed, go ahead and turn off your car.

Step Five: Reinstall the Fuses

Now you can go back and reinstall the fuses you removed in step one. Your Ford Blend Door Actuator should now be reset and working properly. If you find that it is still not working after following these steps, then it may be time to replace the actuator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should You Do If the Reset Fails?

Sometimes you may have tried resetting the Ford blend door actuator but the problems with the HVAC system persist. In this case, you can:

• Diagnose the Air Conditioning Relay – The air conditioning relay is the component that supplies power to the actuator. If this relay is not working, it can prevent the actuator from getting power and cause it to fail. You can check if the relay is working by using a multimeter to test for continuity.
• Check the Wiring Harness – The actuator is connected to the HVAC system with a wiring harness. If this harness is damaged, it can prevent the actuator from getting power or cause it to fail. You can check the wiring harness for damage by visually inspecting it for any signs of wear or tear.
• Replace the Actuator – If you have checked the fuse, relay, and wiring harness and they are all working properly, then the actuator may be defective. In this case, you will need to replace it with a new one.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Ford Blend Door Actuator?

The cost of replacing a Ford blend door actuator can vary depending on the year and model of your vehicle. Generally, you can expect to pay around $200 for a new actuator.

How Do I Prevent My Ford Blend Door Actuator From Failing?

There are several things you can do to prevent your Ford blend door actuator from failing:

• Use the climate control system regularly to keep the actuator lubricated
• Avoid making sudden changes to the temperature setting
• Do not use the AC system when the outside temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit
• Do not use the heating system when the outside temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit

Conclusion

To reset the Ford blend door actuator, turn off the car and remove the HVAC fuse. Then start the engine and run the AC system for approximately two minutes. This will allow the system to recover on its own after two minutes.

After two minutes, turn off the vehicle and replace the fuse. Check to see if the actuator is working properly. If not, then you may consider other options such as diagnosing the Air Conditioning Relay, checking the wiring harness, or replacing the actuator.

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