Heat

TULPA

MEMBER
2005 FORD EXPLORER
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

The A/C heater door blend actuator went bad so I got a replacement from auto zone. The guy was not sure which model I needed so I bought both, planned to take whichever one did not work back. After I replaced it, I checked the heater and it was blowing hot air. The temperature gauge however never moved even after driving it. And now it is no longer blowing hot air. I am a little confused, did I use the wrong one perhaps? And why would it have any effect on the thermostat?

Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:49 PM

2 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,053 POSTS

It should not have affected the thermostat. However, they do go bad. As far as no heat again, make sure the coolant level is full. If the needle does not move at all, I question a coolant sensor issue because even without the thermostat, the engine will heat to a certain point. At least, it will heat so you notice a difference in the air flow temperature. First, make sure there is coolant. If there is, run the vehicle with the heat on high. Then, feel both heater core hoses. Both should be hot. If they are, I would say the new part has failed. If only one is hot, there is no flow through the heater core.

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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 5:27 PM

TULPA

MEMBER
53 POSTS

I tried the other one I bought, I noticed a small difference in the two, first one I put in was the wrong one. So now the heat works but when I switch it to A/C it still blows hot air. Also, the temperature gauge only moves a little even after driving around. Even dropped for a minute. Does that still sound like a coolant sensor?

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Tuesday, November 21st, 2017 AT 4:39 PM