Blend Door Actuator issue

I have a 2000 Windbag and amongst other continuing problems I (my wife) had the issue of not having any heat. After reading several threads, I quickly determined this was the blend door actuator. Here's the humorous part. Several people give advice of their expeirence's in either getting this fixed (ie. RAPED) or fixing it themselves. This was rather inexpensive ($48)and one of the most easiest parts I ever changed. After removing the lower cowel from the temp/radio segment of the dash(four plastic setscrews), the acuator was sitting right there on the heater core housing. Using a 1/4" drive ratchet and a 7mm socket (3 screws and a plug)this took me about 15 minutes to change. All this hype about removing the radio and temp control, glove compartment, ect., is hugwash. I'm not a contortionist nor a small guy and there was absolutely no problem getting at this part.
I've never owned a Ford in the past, and after purchasing this money pit, I don't think I will ever buy another. The first 100k wasn't bad but since about 118k, I've had to replace every damm moving part on the vehicle. On a positive note, there is very little rust on the undercarriage and the engine runs strong and burns next to no oil. I'm am off to get a speed control sensor before my wife starts racking up speeding tickets. Good Luck to all you do-it-yourself-mechanics.

Rob

Your vehicule is 8 year's old or so with bit more of 100 k mile. It is not so abnormal (compare to almost every other vehicule of this age and milage) to replace used or defect parts. You can look to the other automotive forum if you want to compare the Windstar with the other vehicule.

Thanks for the info, Rob. My actuator just went out this weekend on my 2000 Windstar. I have been reading a lot about removing glove box, radio, etc. I'll try just removing the lower console section first.

I have a driver door lock actuator that is not working also, guess I should work on that one too!

Lee

I changed out the blend door actuator motor on my 2000 SEL. The heat is working again, just in time for winter. I did have to remove all of the components that have been listed in other posts. I would not have been able to get the three screws out from just under the dash access. It made it much easier to get at the motor after removing the lower part of the console (CD Holder), cup holder, and radio. With the cup holder out, it is easy to pull the woodgrain trim piece and heater controls out forward. No need to disconnect, just gives room to reach through to R and R the motor. Removing the glove box served one purpose. My radio would not come all the way out until I cut one wire tie holding one of the wire groups. That wire tie was just to the side of the glove box.

I opened up the old motor and sure enough, some teeth were missing on the small drive gear. The new part cost me $44 with shipping from Team Ford Parts Online. I'd highly recommend doing this job yourself. Especially with all the help on this message board. Thanks everyone!