my 2002 F150 crewcab will no warm up interior. Heat running full blast set on 90 degrees and only blows slightly warm air. Any suggestions on a fix? Would a new engine thermostat help? Engine is operating at normal temperature so termostat is not stuck closed. All help appreciated.

 

Blend door, common problem

 

Thanks, I saw a post with description of servicing the blend door. Question, is it necessary to replace it or can it be repaired? If replacement required, where do I get one? Your help is greatly appreciated!

 

You need to replace it. There's a company called "Heater Cheater" or something like that, they butcher the heater box by cutting it open. Ford service procedure calls for dash removal but you really don't have to completely remove it. There's a few threads that show the shortcuts but make sure you replace your heater core at the same time as you're right there and its all labour. I can do them in about 3 1/2 hours but I've done a few of them.

 

I did this recently on a 1998 Explorer, which I then traded for my new F-150. Do a lot of research first. What I found were pics and videos showing me how to diagnose what it was. My experience was that I was getting hot air instead of A/C, and of course hot when I called for heat. The blend door pivots, and eventually breaks the pivot point. Usually it's the top of the door that breaks, not the fixed pivot point. That SHOULD cause the door, when the fan is turned on, to flop all the way over, which resulted in all heat for me. Regardless, on the Explorer you lifted out the glove box and could then put your fingers on the top by the pivot point and watch it.

Note there are MULTIPLE fixes out there. Ford does remove the entire dash and it costs like $1,000. Some fixes cut open the top of the vent system and put in metal pieces to replace the pivot point.

I was able to find a video that showed me exactly where to cut. I cut down by the floor in a triangular shape to get to the bottom of the door, and up on the top in a big rectangle, to the left of the heater core (so you don't cut it). A linoleum knife cut through everything like swiss cheese.

I found a replacement door kit for like $30, and another for $10 and change. All you need most likely is the door. I got mine at Advance Auto. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...hedFrom=header

You also need metal air conditioning tape to seal everything back up, i.e. it's foil and adhesive backed.

And I needed a very small ratchet because the clearance to get to the bolts on top that are easy to remove is very tight, then I needed a magnetic tool to retrieve the bolts that fell behind...

The key is finding model-specific pics/videos that you can watch and find that they tell the same info, i.e. you see 2 or 3 people do it exactly the same. I felt very comfortable when I knew where the heater core was and how easy this would be.

Good luck!

 

Very helpful feedback! I did find the replacement door at a few on-line sites. Noticed how they priced a "repair kit with door" for $12 and then priced the door alone at $39. May attempt this repair over the weekend. Thanks!

 

Also, when I cut behind the glove box I cut on 3 sides making a flap. Bent it backwards, did my work, then bent it back and taped the cuts. If you cut on all 4 sides it's harder to re-attach.

 

I wouldn't cut the heater box. Say what you want but I'm just not a fan of cutting something apart when you can spend a few hours fixing it properly. Buy a new heater core and a new blend door, google the shortcuts on how to replace it and fix it right. You don't have to pull the steering column and the drivers side of the dash pretty much stays put. You can get it to a point where you pull the passengers side out enough to get in there. There's something about fixing it properly and knowing it'll be good for ten years. You have to due it properly if your heater goes anyways.