2003 Ford Explorer temperature control

Tiny
NATHAN DETROIT
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 10,840 MILES
When I turn on my temperature control switch I get a "flapping" or "clapping" noise from behind the dash-in the area of the blower, control, air flow switch. It is a steady noise, which sometimes goes away after the a/c and blower are turned on but not always.
A friend says it is a opening, broken, on a fan or wheel.
Any idea on what the problem is and to repair will it require pulling the dash to get to it? Not an easy or cheap job.
Thanks!
Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 9:11 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
Your friend says the fan wheel. Does the noise change with blower motor speed?
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Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
NATHAN DETROIT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The noise does not increase with the fan being turned up to higher speeds. I did notice this morning that as I was testing for increased noise that the clapping. Flapping subsided somewhat as I turned the fan on high speed however once I turned the fan off, the noise was presnt as the temperature gauge was about 40 to 50% on-a steady noise just behind the controls(fan, temp, a/c)area.
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+1
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
If it is a rapid noise, your friend could be right. Also, when checking that, check for vent doors that are not working and flaping open and closed.
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Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 AT 12:56 AM
Tiny
NATHAN DETROIT
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  • 5 POSTS
The noise is not increasing, it is a steady, constant flaping as soon as I turn on/up the temperature knob.
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Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 AT 7:47 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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I think you have a vent door in the system that is disconnected or damaged.
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Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
NATHAN DETROIT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
If this is the problem, is it an easy fix? Will the dash have to be pulled to repair it? Will this be a costly repair?
Thanks!
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Thursday, August 19th, 2010 AT 7:38 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,055 POSTS
If I am correct, parts shouldn't be too expensive. However, yes, part of the dash needs removed, so labor may be expensive.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, August 19th, 2010 AT 9:10 PM

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