HVAC Plenum door actuator issues

[Dirt]

Not sure if this same question has been asked. I searched it and found nothing. so here goes, my HVAC has quit about 3 years ago, no clicking or weird noises, it just up and quit one day. I run a scan and my diagnostic tool states it is the plenum door actuator on the driver side. This is the hardest one to replace. I replaced the other two on right side. Then I disconnected the one on driver side and plugged a new one in without removing the old one. hoping it would at least turn on and show me it works. but nothing. So my question is has anyone found a simple way of replacing it? I know some have drilled a hole in the metal bracket. and I will try that if it comes to that. another question is there a way to bypass the system, to get it to work? Thank You in advance

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[Dirt]

Note, all door actuators move back and forth as I turn controls.

 

[RangerBill]

Not sure if this same question has been asked. I searched it and found nothing. so here goes, my HVAC has quit about 3 years ago, no clicking or weird noises, it just up and quit one day. I run a scan and my diagnostic tool states it is the plenum door actuator on the driver side. This is the hardest one to replace. I replaced the other two on right side. Then I disconnected the one on driver side and plugged a new one in without removing the old one. hoping it would at least turn on and show me it works. but nothing. So my question is has anyone found a simple way of replacing it? I know some have drilled a hole in the metal bracket. and I will try that if it comes to that. another question is there a way to bypass the system, to get it to work? Thank You in advance

Can you describe what you mean by that it doesn't work? Heating, cooling, fan?

 

[Frenchy]

Time to replace the entire HVAC box! It has warped and that is the only true fix. Welcome to Ford Ranger!

 

[airline tech]

Yes - more details on - what is not working correctly and the specific code you pulled.

 

[Dirt]

Can you describe what you mean by that it doesn't work? Heating, cooling, fan?

All doors open and close as I switch from heat to defrost or AC. but the AC compressor won't turn on. I have checked freon and it has plenty. so AC is the only issue I have. according to my diagnostic equipment, It states that the Driver side plenum door actuator isnt working. I'm just hoping for a more simple repair without replacing the whole Heat system.

 

[airline tech]

So, you are getting a code - for (Left Temperature (Damper Motor) - Actuator) ?
Code (?) not posted.

The only issue you have is - No AC (Operation) - the AC Clutch will not engage? and you do not have any AC at all - both sides?

How did you check Freon Charge?
We have a variable compressor, you cannot rely on the (Low Side) reading only via the store brand cans - you must also view the (Hi-Side) pressure.
The PCM uses the (Hi-Side) readings for control along with various other inputs and there is a long list of (True/False) PIDs available for (AC Clutch Inhibited) reasons that may help in pinpointing why the AC Clutch is not engaging.

You state the actuator is moving - but is it moving full travel?

Here are (2) Threads that may help you-

The 1st link - breaks down normal AC Pressures via - Live Data (Recording)
The 2nd link - breaks down (operation) door travel (Percentages)

How cold A/C? | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

HVAC / Climate Control- Issues - Operation - T-Shoot and Breakdown | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

So we need some more detailed information on what is not working and also what scanner are you using.
You may need a better scanner that can view (ALL) related PIDs in the PCM & FCIM mainly to view by your posted (issues) - Left Temp (Door Motor) - actual position (%) - AC High Press (PSI) - Evaporator Temp (Reading) along with the Panel & Floor discharge temps plus clutch engagement (PID) as a base look at what it actually happening.

 

[RangerBill]

All doors open and close as I switch from heat to defrost or AC. but the AC compressor won't turn on. I have checked freon and it has plenty. so AC is the only issue I have. according to my diagnostic equipment, It states that the Driver side plenum door actuator isnt working. I'm just hoping for a more simple repair without replacing the whole Heat system.

The doors not working won't keep the AC compressor from operating. I would download Forscan and get their recommended OBDII adaptor and check for codes. Your code reader may not be able to pick up all modules in the truck. If the AC clutch won't engage, you should have a code for the reason.

https://forscan.org/home.html

 

[Dirt]

So, you are getting a code - for (Left Temperature (Damper Motor) - Actuator) ?
Code (?) not posted.

The only issue you have is - No AC (Operation) - the AC Clutch will not engage? and you do not have any AC at all - both sides?

How did you check Freon Charge?
We have a variable compressor, you cannot rely on the (Low Side) reading only via the store brand cans - you must also view the (Hi-Side) pressure.
The PCM uses the (Hi-Side) readings for control along with various other inputs and there is a long list of (True/False) PIDs available for (AC Clutch Inhibited) reasons that may help in pinpointing why the AC Clutch is not engaging.

You state the actuator is moving - but is it moving full travel?

Here are (2) Threads that may help you-

The 1st link - breaks down normal AC Pressures via - Live Data (Recording)
The 2nd link - breaks down (operation) door travel (Percentages)

How cold A/C? | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

HVAC / Climate Control- Issues - Operation - T-Shoot and Breakdown | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com

So we need some more detailed information on what is not working and also what scanner are you using.
You may need a better scanner that can view (ALL) related PIDs in the PCM & FCIM mainly to view by your posted (issues) - Left Temp (Door Motor) - actual position (%) - AC High Press (PSI) - Evaporator Temp (Reading) along with the Panel & Floor discharge temps plus clutch engagement (PID) as a base look at what it actually happening.

Thank you for all this information. It was very helpful. I will look into it this week and see what I can find. I personally don't want to do the R&R of the complete system. And trusting someone else to do it correctly doesn't thrill me either. I have had bad luck with dealers.

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