2003 Rear A/C Problem (Thumping)

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

mmears1

New Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2010
Posts
4
Reaction score
0
Location
SC
The rear A/C unit on my 2003 has FAILED now for the 5th time. That "thumping / clicking" noise. The 30 cent actuator unit (which the dealership happily charges $400 to fix) has broken for the FIFTH time. It's a cheesy plastic part where the small gear teeth break and, well, you're done. This is CLEARLY something Ford should stand behind but doesn't. Love the Expedition, but this is about as frustrating as it gets and always seems to screw up at the worst possible times .... like family trips. The part actually costs about $35 but the dealership will make it sound like technical rocket science and charge between $400 and $600 depending on what they think they can get away with. This has been my personal experience at Palmetto Ford in Charleston, SC on 2 separate occassions....as in, before I figured it out. Buy the part at the local NAPA store then talk a reputable service shop (NOT the dealership) into replacing it. Takes about 45 minutes....tops.
 
OP
OP
M

mmears1

New Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2010
Posts
4
Reaction score
0
Location
SC
2003 Expedition - Sideview Mirror

My '03 Eddie Bauer Expedition has a passenger sideview mirror with a mind of it's own. I've long ago given up on using the "reverse" function where the mirrors are supposed to adjust downward when backing up. They NEVER return to there correct position. For several years now, the passenger window will have it's own nervous breakdown when you unlock the doors with the key fob. I almost always have to readjust the mirrors when I start the car. Asked the dealership about it. Their answer..... "We can do a download and see if that helps. That'll be $160." Can't make this stuff up. Anyone have a similar experience and figured out a "fix"? Please let me know.
 

ELVATO

Full Access Members
Joined
Nov 25, 2006
Posts
2,634
Reaction score
34
Location
Orlando, FL
For the thumping: http://expeditionforum.com/showthread.php?t=2324

It is a rather common problem. What I just do is go to the junkyard and take the gears out, since that's all that needs replacing. They will usually give you the gears, or charge you a dollar or two for them.

If it's the position actuator that fails (roof/floor selection), you can change it in 10 mins. Having someone with smaller hands helps. The temp selection actuator is a little more involved since you have to take out off the rear panel (which involves take a couple other panels and seatbelts off.)

As for the mirrors, I don't have the back up thing where they automatically go down. Mine don't work, but I know it's because of the switch. In the end, I don't mind too much since I'm the only one driving it, so they never need adjustment. The switch itself is like 15-20 dollars.

If you're the only one that drives it, I'd consider just disconnecting them and setting them where you want manually.
 
Last edited:
Top