Originally posted by TSS]There are other threads discussing this, but I thought a dedicated thread with instructions might help others. I have received so much help here that it is payback time, finally, with me posting info that may help others (versus the other way around).
I did this last night in my MKS, and I have a 3 out of 10 skill level. The whole procedure took me about 15 minutes thanks to tips from others on this forum (particularly Jack Skellington and crash712us ).
The symptoms: Clicking/tapping noise coming from the dash area near the passenger side when the car is on and the climate control system is on.
The Part: Door blend actuator (part number: AA5Z-19E616-C) . I got mine on ebay for $19.00 shipped. It is a genuine Motocraft part. Here is the link to the part and a photo I took of the part.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-FORD-LINCOLN-MERCURY-OEM-BLEND-DOOR-ACTUATOR-AA5Z-19E616-C-/280886764325?forcev4exp=true&forceRpt=true
Directions:
Fully release your glove box door so it "hangs" down. There are two clips/bumper stops on the right and left side, towards the rear of the glove box interior that need to be removed to do this. It is the identical first step you take when changing the in-cabin air filter. Once the door drops, you will see this:
You will clearly see the white part. There are 2 clearly visible hexagon head screws holding it in. Remove them. Then, undo the electrical clip fastener. The part will now be free from the car.
Connect the electrical connector to the new part and try to insert the white gear shaft (attached to the rear of the actuator part) into the opening in the car to re-secure the part, using the 2 hex head screws, to the car.
In my case, the gear shaft was not properly lined up. You will note from the photo below, there is a small flat area on the gear shaft - it is not perfectly symmetrical, so it can only go in one way. If it does not line up, start the car and fiddle with the temperature control (hot/cold) , as that will turn the gear shaft clockwise and counter clockwise. Play with it until it is in the right position to insert with the 2 hex head screws lining up. This is very easy, but takes a minute or two to fiddle with to line it up. See non-symmetrical gear shaft below - the "flat" area is facing you.
Once it is lines up, inserted, and the screws are back in, simply put the glove box back into position and re-insert the two rubber bumpers/stoppers. And, you are DONE!!! $19.00 and 15 minutes or less with nothing more than a hex head driver saves you a trip to the dealer.
P.S. If you have not changed yourecabin air filter in a while, You might want to do that before re-securing the glovebox, since the filter door is completely accessible.
The Culprit:
I opened up the broken actuator and the photo is below. You can see some inner gears are work down and broken in the center of the photograph.
Hope all of this helps a fellow member!
TODD
