Actuator door control

CODYSMOM

MEMBER
2008 FORD TAURUS
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,500 MILES

I have the car listed above "X". I have a loud clicking noise behind the glove box when starting the car, switching on the recirculating air button and switching it to defrost. It clicks about 15-20 times and then stops. Heat and A/C work fine. It is dual climate control and rear air in the roof. I removed the glove box and found the actuator that was exposed. When the car made the clicking noise it came from that part and I can feel the clicking vibration when I touch it. I replaced it and it did not solve the problem. Any suggestions? The part was an aftermarket Dorman, not genuine Ford. Would that make a difference? Could it be something else? The original part did not have any worn or missing teeth but the clicking and vibration comes from the corner where the round peg with teeth is located. Help! Thank you.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Hi,

Dorman makes good replacement parts, so I don't think that is the issue. However, did you take notice if any teeth were missing from the door? The gear that contacts with the actuator may be damaged. If you did and it appeared good, see if you can move it manually. Something may have come apart.

Do me a favor. I attached a pic of the HVAC box under the dash. Take a look at it and let me know which actuator it is you replaced. I ask because I'm not sure if it is a fresh air or the mode door actuator. You indicated when you first enter and hit the fresh air and defroster you start to hear it. Let me know because that is two different actuators.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe

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Friday, March 27th, 2020 AT 6:30 PM

CODYSMOM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Here is a picture taken looking directly into the opening created by removing the glove box. The part I am replacing is the white part (black on reverse side -picture 2). This is the original part reinstalled as the Dorman part did not make any difference. Since the Dorman part lacked the raised curved cylinder on the top I wondered if perhaps it wasn’t the right part. In either case the noise is when I first start the car and then when I turn on or off the recirculating air button or defrost. I usually drive with the car set an A/C, recirculating air and vents directed to mid and floor. The noise goes away completely when this part is removed.

There is no apparent damage to any of the blades on the part or the slot it fits into. The receiving (female) part turns freely for about 3/4 of a turn and the it sounds like a vent door closes. The corresponding make part will not turn manually. Thanks again for your help.

Should I just go to the Ford dealer and get the Motorcraft part? I went on the Ford parts website last night and they showed three different parts, depending on which type of A/C unit your car has -manual, dual electronic or dual with rear. The guys at the auto parts store never asked which type of A/C unit I had Thanks again.

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Saturday, March 28th, 2020 AT 9:08 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Hi,

If you are certain the gear is properly aligned and the door moves easily, it doesn't make sense. Tell me, did you note there is one tooth missing in the gear? That has to align with the same spot on the door. If the door is in the wrong position, it will not properly seat. I hate to ask that because chances are you realize it, but that is the only thing that makes sense. If you aren't aligned, the gears won't properly engage.

Also, can you provide me with the Dorman part number so I can cross reference it to the OEM part? Or send me both numbers and I can check.

Let me know.
Joe

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Saturday, March 28th, 2020 AT 4:20 PM

CODYSMOM

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes, I had it all aligned. Thank you so much for all your help. I finally went to the Ford dealer this afternoon and bought the actual Ford part. It was only $15.00 more than the Dorman part. I just finished installing it and test driving it and it works perfectly! I think the problem was the half-round hump on the actual Ford part that the Dorman part was missing. I researched it on the Ford parts website and the one I needed had a BC after the part number. Forman only had one part available. I don’t have the Dorman part any longer so I can’t tell you their number. From my understanding there is a difference depending on the a/c system you have. Mine has dual temperature controls and rear vents in the rear roof.

The guys at the auto parts store were very nice and allowed me to return the Dorman part when they saw the difference. They said they never ran into this problem before so I guess we all learned something on this one. This time it paid to buy the original Ford part. Hope this saves someone else some time and frustration in the future. Thanks again.

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Saturday, March 28th, 2020 AT 4:39 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad you got it taken care of and, and I'm sure it will help others that you posted your fix. Like you said, something was different. I never had issues with Dorman parts, but there is always a first. LOL

You take care, stay healthy, and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe