Second Row Vent Lock 3D print

[GixxerJasen]

I got tired of listening to my second row passengers complaining about the vents slamming shut if the fan goes over 4 bars. Totally understand the need for hard blowing A/C as we are in the dead of summer here in Texas. I sat down and created a 3D printed part that locks the vents in an open position. It works pretty well as long as you are able to accept that you won't be shutting them anytime soon and cannot adjust them. They are designed to install with the vent in place because removing it was a pain and I didn't want to do it again. They are semi-permanent once installed.

I shared it over at makerworld and figured I'd share it here too. I modeled it for the 2019 but don't know what other years it'll fit.

Makerworld link -> https://makerworld.com/en/models/1688933-ford-expedition-second-row-vent-lock#profileId-1790126

This is what it looks like printed. It's in green because it's easier to see and I was trying to use up the green on my prototypes. I printed in black PET-G for my final prints.



This is what they look like installed.





Black version installed in the vehicle.



So many freaking prototypes trying to get it right.

 

[Benztech]

Nice work around. We've had that issue too on our 18. So far our 23 hasn't done it that I've noticed.

 

[JAMADOR]

Different vent style to our 2018.
Our 2013 Flex had the same round vents, similar to our 18 Exped. The Flex had a bad habit of forcing the vents shut on high.
Luckily, the Exped doesn't do it.

 

[GixxerJasen]

I've got the round ones on the third row, but these are on the second row, strange they changed them for one year.

 

[zeecarr]

Nice job. I love designing and 3D printing things like that. I haven't noticed this issue on my 2023, but then again I don't have rear passengers except the dog. She's almost smart enough to talk but hasn't complained about the a/c.

 

[GixxerJasen]

Yea, I got my P1S last fall around black Friday. It's been fun solving various problems with it. I'm still very low on the 3D design skills, but am learning as fast as I can, which isn't very fast.

 

[5280tunage]

That's really cool, but sheesh, i'm not sure I've ever experienced this issue. Maybe my messy kids have stuffed gum in there or something.

 

[Fizzy]

This doesn't happen on our 2020, so I assume the part was redesigned.

 

[JAMADOR]

A Bambu is on my wishlist, too many other priorities getting in the way.

 

[zeecarr]

A Bambu is on my wishlist, too many other priorities getting in the way.

I have had Anycubic and Creality printers. While they served their purpose, there were a lot of headaches and had to use 3rd party software. Once you go Bambu, you never go back! Not only is it a better printer with none of the usual headaches, the whole software integration is amazing.

 

[GixxerJasen]

Yea, I wanted a 3D printer for a long while. Based on reviews that all read like zeecarr's, I jumped in with Bambu and haven't looked back. P1S with AMS bundle was a very nice acquisition. Delving into gridfinity and taking care of organizing stuff for the wife eased her discontent over the purchase price and now she comes to me asking for certain things to be printed. Fixing the car and making our son and her dad happy is icing on the cake.

 

[duneslider]

This doesn't happen on our 2020, so I assume the part was redesigned.

Doesn't happen on our 2020 either and in fact ours are what I would say is extremely difficult to move/adjust.