No Heat (ongoing)

Re: 98Mark - Had it checked out at my local Ford dealer. They said a new "heater plenum" (heater box???) was needed. They went on to explain that the heater box was warped which prevented the blend door from opening. Yikes! Est. Cost labor was $1,200 (two days) and parts at $460. I am skeptical about their conclusions. Also would not let them do the job anyway since the only Mark8 they see is mine and don't have the expertise for dealing with something this complicated. I know the whole dash has to be removed to do the job. Had a blend arm put in two years ago at a cost of $900 from a Lincoln dealer (Parts and Labor). Any suggestions. I live in Phila and its starting to get cold.

Well, you arent going to be able to wait til spring are you? If this were me, and it was 3 weeks ago, I think I would go ahead and replace the blend door arm and actuator, but make sure to reinforce the blend door arm as shown in the FAQ,s. IF in fact the plenum needs to be changed, sell the car. I know it is a smart a$$ answer, but I cant imagine replacing the plenum, the door actuator arm was bad enough. Too bad you arent closer, we could help. The directions are very good and I think most anyone with any mechanical ability can do it if you dont get in a hurry.

yeah i just put a blend door in last week, took a little less than 4 hours and $25, my cost for the door, but the hardest part is talking about it

I would not pay a penny more than $400 for someone else to do this...

Or do it yourself for under $50... I have my money on the fact the arm (blend door) broke again...

how much does this ususally cost *part wise* and whos got the best deal? Ill check my dealer but i just ask for the blend door arm?

The arm is not sold separately. You will need to buy a "blend door actuator". Any FLM dealer should have one or try torrie at fastpartsnetwork.com.

I work at a Dealership *Dodge* and can get the part very cheap if someone can give me the part # of what i need. I have the parts diagram here in my hand... and i could send it to someone if they knew what part i need so i can order it. Also i hear a Sqeeking noise coming from that area when i try and turn on the heat or shut it off. sounds like a old wooden creaky door. Thanks in advance. I need this done before thanksgiving so i can goto maine so please all the help would be apreciated.