I did this yesterday. I have done a lot of work on cars through the years, pulled motors ,timing chains, and all matters of repair. This was one of the most frustrating jobs I have ever done. Be sure to pack your patience and get a small phillips bit "ratchet".

great video just changed my actuator, if you lay on your back, take off the bottom cover of the steering column, pull the knee panel down, get a thumb ratchet with a little Phillips bite, use your left hand and you can reach up their pretty good, laying on your back makes it easier

This actually worked for me and took about 90 minutes. Hardest part for me was getting the harness connector reconnected. Putting the screws back in wasn't too bad. There was another video where the guy completely took the entire car apart. I saw that and I was getting ready to just pay the Ford dealer. Came across your video and decided to give it a go. Thanks for posting this.

Very easy to follow, I had a 2017 fusion just a few extra screws but this video was perfect to get the task completed. Thank you.

Thank you so much for doing this video !! I just finished doing mine today on a 2014 Fusion. I will say this repair is a royal pain in the @$$ !! I took my old actuator apart and pulled the main gear and used it to hand rotate the air doors so that the missing slots were in the down position which is what matched where the new one was positioned. Once it id that I was easily able to slide on the new part. Hardest part for me was removing and replacing the 2 mounting screws. I also stuck my cell phone up there and snagged a few pics to confirm I had the alignment slots in position. This vid was a life saver for me and you saved me a ton of $$$$ I didnt have to pay the "STEALERSHIP" Thank you sir !!

MUCH RESPECT! Thank you for this amazing tutorial. My 2014 Fusion SE just failed (only 17500 miles!) and I was reading the horror stories about an 8 hour labor charge at the dealer. ($180 hr). I'm 71 years old but I am going to give this a shot.

Huuuge shout out to you, KayGan21, for making this video. I think I got lucky as the mode actuator in my 2014 Fusion Hybrid went out after 128k miles. The part failed on me during a roadtrip 3+ hrs away. Luckily my a/c was working but stuck on the floor vents only, so I had some kind of cool air. Bought my new replacement part for $57 online; local dealer quoted me $100 for same Motorcraft part. After finishing the project, I must say I can sort of understand why dealership charges so much to replace the small part. The job is tedious and there is not much room to work with behind the gauges. Removing all the things to get to the mode actuator is fairly straightforward if you follow this guy’s video. Most frustrating part for me was removing the top screw on the mode actuator as it was covered up by a wire loom that was not easy to maneuver with little to no wiggle room. I took advice of some others who removed the 4 long bolts on the upper steering column (along with the 4 torx screws to get to the sensor hidden underneath metal plate) so I could have better room to work with. I did not remove the lower steering column torx bolt behind the brake pedal (I would have, but I could not get my torx driver in the 2in space required). After removing failed mode actuator, I took the selector apart & used the large gear to rotate the hvac into the closest position I could to match the new-motorcraft mode actuator before mounting it into place. With little to no room to work with, I managed to get the actuator screwed into place. Putting the rest of it back together was not too bad. I waited to test my actuator until I had connected wiring for steering column & gauges into place. As soon as I pressed the start button to turn on the car for a test, ALL WAS GOOD. Cool air blew out of the dash vents again! I am no auto mechanic by any means, but I am somewhat capable on most medium level difficulty tasks. This may be one of the more annoying repairs I have done on my Fusion simply due to the fact I cannot shrink myself to the size of AntMan to easily get to the screws on the mode actuator. Overall, glad I tackled it now before summer, cause summers in OK/TX are unbearable without good hvac system. I’ll echo: Do not buy cheap hvac mode actuator; spend the $$ and get the motorcraft part (part YH2022). Remove bolts on steering column; don’t have to take it completely out of car but being able to move it out of the way was only way I could get my hands in to get to the hvac mode actuator. Going to have to get creative on the philips driver you use to remove the mode actuator. I used a combination of snake & various extensions to reach the screws. Good luck to others working up the confidence to knock this job out. You can do it!

I'm getting ready to do this today I really appreciate you video it gave me the confidence I needed to tackle it....wish me luck. Update I just did this same fix with the help of your video and it definitely helped. Once I got the old one off I connected the power supply first then seated it into position and screwed it back in. It made it a little easier otherwise you're fighting the angle blind with on hand almost and 3 fingers. I really appreciate your video I was able to follow along step by step and get everything put back together and this fixed my issue and saved so much. I got the part for under 40 at advanced auto parts. Take care and hope this helps others and helps your video get more views

This tutorial worked great for fixing the mode actuator in my 2016 ford fusion SE! Saved me at least $350 quoted from Ford Dealership in Ohio since I already had the part to replace it with. I did find a 1/4 ratchet useful and it did have 1 odd screw style under steering column plastic to get it off that I didn't expect, kind of star shaped, different from phillips. Total Job took 2ish hours. the upper screw on mode actuator is what took me the longest, it needed the ratchet to break loose and was doing it off of touch/feel. Everything was easy to put back together pretty quickly.

Yours was the most helpful video that I could find. Mine had minor differences, but nothing significant.

BEST video on the net!!! Thanx,.. A friend has a 2105 Fusion.. symptom.. won't go to defrost I told him you get the part we'll take care of it (Mode Damper Actuator) .. Today we tackled it.. 1st I'll say I was leery about un-snaping the (speedo bezel) seemed on the verge of breaking but I got it out, with no breaking.. I have a plastic tool that makes disassembly less scary as it bends and doesn't scratch anything like I fear a screwdriver might. Next: I just couldn't believe they used Philips screws but they did, (there were hex screws on my '02 explorer when I did a similar job.) The only thing I can figure is that is to prevent them from being too tight from the factory.. but reaching and breaking them loose was quite difficult.. Next I have an assembly TIP: I disassembled the old actuator and pulled big gear (shaft) out and used it as an indexer to 1) make sure the damper was free and 2) position the damper so the new actuator went on easily. The new actuator (as found out of the box) was in the 210.2 degree position, I painted white out on the old gear such that when it was @ the same position (210.2 deg) the white out was at 12 o"clock. I positioned the damper, the new actuator slipped right on perfectly with the alignment pin no fuss no muss no problem. Comedy (aka modern technology) When I unplugged the connector for the headlights (to get it bettor out of the way) the headlight chimer chimed?? I got out and looked.. the headlights are ON!! so I disconnected the battery.. That there is some goofy logic

I just did this the other day on my 2015 Ford Fusion se. Everything In this video is correct. I would like to add: If you take out the steering column completely, it makes everything extremely easy. To do that it is 4 hex bolts behind the steering wheel and a tourques bit on the bottom behind the brake. Once the column is loose don’t pull on it but take the metal plate off on the top which houses the sensor . The plate has 4 screws I believe or 5 . Once that comes off just lift up in the sensor , it is not mounted or anything and then you will be able to pull the whole steering column out which makes this job way easier you can fit what you need in there with ease to get the actuator out. It is a extra 10 mins to do this. Once putting the steering column back in, there’s only one way it sits back in so you can’t mess it up it’s bulletproof. Now to line up the gear was even easier then what people are saying. Take your new actuator and put it in keep turning it until it clicks into the gearshaft of where it’s going to sit in the car, now it probably won’t be aligned in the right position but once you have it in, turn the actuator until it goes into the right position and then you can screw it on. Super easy to do. I thought this was going to be a nighmmare and it took me about a hour and half. Taking my time to. If I had to do it again I could probably do it in 35 mins. I hope this helps people out

This was well explained and clearly showed me how to replace this part. I have to note that before going though this process. Try selecting/pairing each vent option to see what it offers you. Example: for my 2015 Fusion Defrost = Main Vent Main Vent = Main Vent Defrost + Main vents = Defrost Foot Vent = Main Vent Foot Vent + Defrost = Foot Vent Just a possibility before you spend the money and the time. Still a great video. After the 50min it took me to change it. I’m just going to leave it in there.

Thank you, this video was great! I had to drop the steering column like the other comment said in order to get at it. I also had to remove a steering heat module + mounting bracket which was in the way.

I had the same problem with my 2015. That actuator must be a trash part. No wonder the Ford place charged me almost 500 bucks. After watching this, I’m glad I didn’t try it. Great vid!

Saved me a trip to the stealership, thanks!

Okay so this has been an AWESOME help, I had that exact part go bad, I do want to leave a couple of notes for anyone who is going to do it themselves like we did: 1.) Take the extra time and pull out the 4 bolts and 4 T26 torx screws and drop the steering column. You don't have to detach it, but dropping it makes it LIGHT YEARS easier to get to the part to change it. Be sure and remove the small plate at the top of the steering column with the torx screws to remove the steering position sensor, or you might pull the wires out. When you drop the steering column it makes it to where you can reach the screws more easily. There's a cross-member inside the dash that can make the top screw a little difficult, but it's not too bad as long as you're careful. I promise you, this step will save you loads of trouble (and scraped hands). 2.) When making sure that the actuator has the same alignment as your existing one you get, the easiest way is to GENTLY un clip and pull the top off the actuator with the gear facing down. Just lift the gears out and line them up with where the old one was, then replace them and clip it back together before inserting the new one. The clips are super fragile, but don't require much other than a gentle twist and push of a small flat head screwdriver.

Awesome, Thank you for this video! My Mode actuator died at 120K miles for my 2016 ford fusion. part costed closer to $60 in 2023, thank you inflation. Either way cheaper than the dealership!

Thank you for the video it was really helpful, just completed this project however I did not take the dashboard cluster out just the bottom of the Dashboard under the steering wheel did it all by feel it was a pain but worked out

This was really helpful, you save me alot of money and time!

Thanks for the video. I’m going to be attempting this soon.

Thank you for excellent video! It's work! But is easiest to do this by 2 persons. 👍🤝

Thanks for sharing this video mine's actually just went out I think a week ago i got my Cabin filter change though that was my issue the frost still doesn't work I'm glad I Google this and found you but I have no one to put it in for me so just my luck I have to go to the Dang dealershipIs not happy about it now I am out of money just for the labor I no that part isn't that expensive

I am having this same issue right now. Mine is stuck on defrost and feet and I was hoping that since we just had a big winter storm heavy ice and snow that maybe it's just cold and got stuck in place because it's in single digits here and I don't have a garage. But I do have heat so I am ok and can wait for warmer weather to change this out. I just wanted to thank you for you video because I much rather spend 40.00 vs. 1,000 just to have it diagnosed

Awesome video, very well done. Thanks.

This is a great video but I just worked on my 2016 ford fusion SE 1.5 L and I followed the exact same steps with one more additional video. Just to realise that actually I messed up wrong actuator which was at the same place this video shows. I was able to fix it right away but I still couldn’t find the mode actuator under dashboard. My biggest learning is first just disconnect the connector and try AC with all functions to make sure you are not messing up the incorrect actuator. Looks like not every model year fusions are the same..

Looks intimidating but I'm definitely not paying dealer prices. I'd rather pay the $40-$50 for the part get my son out there with me teach him a few swear words & call it a day 😂 thanks for posting.

Great tutorial, thanks!

May God bless you thanks man so much for the video such a big help man you know what they say KZfaq university guy told me $1000 as well you made it look so easy

Nice work 👏 Thank you!

thanks for what you do.

2015 Fusion SE All I did was: - drop the panel below the steering wheel and left it atatched and flapping. - remove the lower steering column housing From there I could see it and had access. Unplug the wire before you remove the part. Mine had a red locking clip that slid completely out. Then, you still have to push the tab to release wire connector. It wasn't too difficult. When it is still statched, you can pull on it. ***Important finding: I used a long, 6 inch or so, flexible screwdriver attachment with with a philip bit on a regular type screwdriver handle to the get the top screw. I could use two hands. One to hold the bit on the screw and the other, from the other side of the steering column, to turn. I was able to partly put the new part on and turn the mode door to the correct alignment (before plugging in the wire). I atatched the wire before screwing in the part.

would I be able to go in from the bottom and not have to remove the entire Op panel? just remove the covers under the dash and the steering wheel.

Once you put on the new part, do you have to line anything up at all? Like to make sure that defrost is lined up with the knob for defrost? Or will it auto align on it own? I’d hate to install this and my main knob controls my feet. Feet knob controls defrost, etc

I have the heated steering wheel option and that module totally blocks access to the mode door actuator. I pulled the steering column and then it wasn't too bad to get the hsw module unbolted and get to the mode door actuator. My dealer would have charged $600 for the repair. I was confused at first by the decoy blend door actuator.

I found it easier to drop the steering column just by removing the 4 bolts and just lowering it down. Otherwise great video thanks

Hi sir thanks for your video, I’m hoping you can help me out.. I’ve replaced the blend mode actuator on my 2016 fusion. I’ve confirmed that I put the right part in (yh-2022) and my car is still stuck on defrost. I’ve reset the climate control via disconnecting the battery, resetting the fuse and another reset method I found online which is press the power and defrost button at same time. Still no luck. Any suggestions as to what the problem may be ?

So are there 3 actuators in total? 1 for selecting direction and 2 for controling temp of driver and passsanger?

Got every part out. But the only thing that is troubling me is the screws. Got the bottom one out, but the one across it on top it’s a mission. My screw is tight on, the screw driver I used can’t fit up top and I tired using a head of a screwdriver and that didn’t work too. Need a screwdriver with a small enough handle to fit up there.

Did you end up taking all 3 screws from the bottom? Bc In the video seems like you were going to take the 2 from the top, then u switched to the bottom view saying “this is the only way you can get them out?” Kinda got confusing for me

i think this is my problem, its stuck on defrost. however it blows cold no matter what temp i set as well. could it be the mode actuator is also stuck on sucking in cold air or something.

Where you get that screw driver from?

Where’d you order the part!

Where did you find that screw driver? I ended up welding a thumb screw onto a phillips head to make my own. It didn't fix the problem, but I think I may have to pull it apart and align the gears.

Thank you!

anyone have a good place or site to buy this part. link it plz.

Your hands must be very smart and small- I can't even come close to getting the acuator out!

Are there any other steps involved, or switches to remove with push button start. I’m going to attempt this on a 2017 Fusion. Thank you in advance.

Do you have a link to the part or a part number, I have the same issue on my 2016 Ford Fusion but I'm unable to find a diagram or the correct part, I keep getting the HVAC Blender which is not what I need.

Does anyone knows how much it would cost to repair at a garage?

You mention the actuator was “in a position that the dial wouldn’t turn”. Was the actuator actually defective or maybe the dials just “unable to rotate”? Did you attempt to run the defrost when the dials were able to rotate freely? Thank you.

Where did you choose to purchase your part? Do you happen to have reference to the part # still?

I went from no defrost to only defrost after putting in new actuator. And the temperature only goes to 30°

I see two actuators on the driver's side. One by the brake pedal arm and one upper. I believe the problem shown on this video is for the upper. My issue is that the driver's side only blows cold and the passenger side works normally,

I have the same problem, i have plenty of air coming out of the vents only. The windshield and the floor doesn't work. you think it can be the same part?

Replaced the mode door actuator, and it did not fix the problem. Air only flows through the front vents!! Any suggestions?

How do you remove the red tab on the connector.? Tabatha would have been great to see!

Is the mode actuator on top of the blend door actuator?

Ditto on my 2014 Fusion SE. They tried to tell me that the entire center had to be replaced - a $500+ part + labor. I can do this. Thanks.

Does anyone have the part number ?

How long did it take you total?

What the part number for the actuator

I was hoping these new style Fusions would be good cars! I have a 2014 with 45K on it and have this problem. Not good!

My 2015 only blows from defrost. Front vents don’t blow at all. Gets hot and cold so I probably have the same problem. I will be trying to fix it myself. Not wanting to spend $500+ to have someone do it.

I'm here because heat will only blow out of the dash vents and not the floor or defrost on my 2016 Fusion and it's negative temps now. Absolutely absurd problem.

heat on driver side ac on passenger. Will this fix it?

Two hours later I still can’t get close to reaching the screws to take out the bad actuator. I feel like this video is missing a lot at 12:27. Anyone want to help me finish this? I’ll pay you $180

HEATED STEERING WHEEL WARNING: Don't bother with this if you have a heated steering wheel, you (and i) are going to have to go the long way. The "module" for the heated steering wheel sets right in the way of accessing the actuator. Also to note that my light switch (and trunk release) assembly had screws holding the bottom portion on - the panel was still able to be pried loose from the top, simply not entirely separated from the dash. Doubt it is necessary to remove those thinking back on all the fun i have had trying to accomplish this so far, but just don't try to force the whole thing off without checking first... The next day... I learned from kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qp6kaqh3s9mZpps.html (worthwhile watching the first part that is here - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/edWSo5qLysfLZGQ.html) that instead of removing the dashboard (which is an incredibly larger job than any of you will imagine - if you don't already know what is necessary on this idiot piece of "engineering", you have to remove the doors and it comes out as one single huge assembly) - a variation that worked for me is what is shown in this video AND removing the steering column, which is so much easier than i thought (WARNING: there is one little electrical connector you will see cited in the other "Conclusion" video that WILL break from the simple shifting of the column when unbolting. Do NOT fully unbolt - loosening is OK to give a couple inches of movement, but don't press your luck unless you have some Super Glue handy - until you have either disconnected it or opened the top cover and removed the sensor that is attached thereto!!!). The Heated Steering Wheel Module was still a bitch, but now i could get at what held it in place. It might be possible to do so without taking out the steering column, but i had no clue as to how to attempt. The internal gear was not aligned to how the gear protruding from the replacement actuator was, so i took a hint from one of these three videos and inserted the gear partially then twisted the actuator box into bolt alignment. This had me rather nervous that i might have messed it all up, but the light shined on me and once that i had everything back together, the dang thing actually worked! The entire job took me three hours. As to embarrassments, in my half-blind fumbling around, when the old actuator wouldn't first release after removing the two screws, i felt around and found one more screw and despite great trouble with the steel that goes down to the brake pedal, removed it. Then i looked at everything and found that screw had nothing to do with the actuator. I just needed to wiggle the actuator to get it off. The other was once i got everything put back together and the moment of truth, i turned the key. Nothing. Now i was panicking. I tried to start it a couple more times when i realized this was a damn electric hybrid and it was "ready to drive". I'm getting old.

I have a 2015 fusion A thousand times easier to do it with dropping the steering wheel. The hardest part is the top philips screw on the actuator I had to use just a small bit and my finger tips .

why tear it all apart if u cant access from the Top anyways...? : If SOMEBODY has an easier way to Get To this frig'n PO.S. sure would be nice! ; Ford plastics & parts are CRAP & they should be forced to fix this kind of stuff for their customers....... it's THEIR faulty crap parts that keep going out!!! should be Recalled & fixed!!!

These cars have actuators in different places…mine have 2 on the driver side down by the break pedal…2014