Do i have remove the dashboard to remove the blend door actuator

Replacing the air blend door actuator (commonly known as the air blender) on a 2005 Lincoln Aviator is a moderately challenging task that requires some mechanical know-how and the right tools. The air blend door actuator is responsible for controlling the temperature of the air that comes out of the HVAC system by adjusting the position of the blend door. If you're confident in your abilities, follow these general steps to replace the actuator:
Note: Before starting any work, ensure the vehicle is turned off and the battery is disconnected to avoid electrical hazards.
Tools and Materials Needed:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head)
• Socket and ratchet set
• Trim panel removal tool (optional)
• New air blend door actuator
• Shop manual or repair guide for your specific vehicle (for reference)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Locate the Actuator: The air blend door actuator is usually located behind the dashboard, in the HVAC housing. Access to it may require removing some interior panels and components, so consult your vehicle's repair guide for specific instructions on gaining access to the actuator.
2. Disconnect the Battery: As a safety precaution, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid electrical mishaps while working on the vehicle.
3. Remove Interior Panels: Depending on the location of the actuator, you may need to remove portions of the dashboard or other interior panels to access it. Use a trim panel removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in cloth to avoid damaging the panels.
4. Disconnect Wiring Harness: Once you have access to the actuator, locate the wiring harness connected to it. Gently disconnect the wiring harness by pressing the release tab and pulling it away from the actuator.
5. Remove Actuator Mounting Screws: The actuator is usually secured to the HVAC housing with screws. Use a socket and ratchet or a screwdriver to remove these screws and detach the actuator from the housing.
6. Install the New Actuator: Position the new air blend door actuator in place and secure it with the mounting screws. Make sure it is properly aligned with the blend door and HVAC housing.
7. Reconnect Wiring Harness: Attach the wiring harness back to the new actuator, ensuring a secure connection.
8. Test the Actuator: Reconnect the negative battery terminal and turn on the vehicle. Test the new actuator by adjusting the temperature controls and checking if the blend door moves accordingly.
9. Reassemble Interior Panels: Once the actuator is functioning correctly, reassemble any interior panels or components you removed earlier.
10. Test the HVAC System: After reassembly, test the entire HVAC system to ensure everything is working correctly. Check for any unusual noises or issues with temperature control.

Always follow safety precautions and consult your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions and diagrams related to your Lincoln Aviator's model year. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this task, it is best to seek assistance from a professional mechanic.

1. Locate the blend door actuator. The actuator is located behind the dashboard, usually on the passenger side. It is a small, rectangular motor with a wiring harness and a linkage arm.
2. Disconnect the battery. Before beginning any work on the electrical system, disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical shorts or other accidents.
3. Remove the dashboard panel. In order to access the blend door actuator, the dashboard panel may need to be removed. Consult the vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions on how to remove the panel.
4. Remove the old blend door actuator. Disconnect the wiring harness and the linkage arm from the old blend door actuator. Remove any mounting screws or bolts that secure the actuator to the dashboard.
5. Install the new blend door actuator. Install the new blend door actuator in the same location as the old actuator. Secure the actuator with any mounting screws or bolts. Connect the wiring harness and the linkage arm to the new actuator.

They are usually near the fan in the fan housing under the bottom right of the dashboard. (Sometimes they are put in the ductwork near the center of the dashboard.) Just disconnect the wiring connector, and remove the blend door motor/actuator.

The actuator is located under the dashboard, usually on the passenger side. You will need to remove the lower dash board trim panel. I have attached a web link as a guide to replacing it.
How to Replace Blend Door Actuator in Under 15 Minutes

Right side or left ? Electronic Automatic Temperature Control or manual ? Temperature or mode door ?
Temperature Blend Door Actuator - LH Removal and Installation
NOTE: It is not required to install the new LH temperature blend door linkage parts included in the LH temperature blend door actuator service part kit if only the temperature blend door actuator requires replacement and the linkage parts are not broken or binding.
LH temperature blend door actuator and linkage

1. Remove the 2 lower steering column opening cover bolts.

1. Detach the lower steering column opening cover.

1. Disconnect the in-vehicle temperature sensor aspirator hose and electrical connector.

1. Position the instrument panel wire harness away from the LH temperature blend door actuator.

1. Remove the 3 LH temperature blend door actuator screws.

1. Disconnect the LH temperature blend door actuator electrical connector.

1. Remove the LH temperature blend door actuator.

1. Manually operate, and inspect the LH temperature blend door linkage for incorrect placement, binding or damage.

Temperature Blend Door Actuator - RH, Dual-Zone EATC Removal and Installation
NOTE: It is not required to install the new RH temperature blend door linkage parts included in the RH temperature blend door actuator service part kit if only the temperature blend door actuator requires replacement and the linkage parts are not broken or binding.
RH temperature blend door actuator and linkage

1. Disconnect the glove compartment damper from the glove compartment.

1. Remove the glove compartment.

1. Remove the RH lower instrument panel insulator.

1. Remove the RH lower floor console trim panel.

1. Remove the 3 RH temperature blend door actuator screws.

1. Disconnect the RH temperature blend door actuator electrical connector.

1. Remove the RH temperature blend door actuator.

1. Manually operate, and inspect the RH temperature blend door linkage for incorrect placement, binding or damage.
2. Mode Door Actuator - Defrost/Panel/Floor Door
3. Removal and Installation
   NOTE: The defrost/panel/floor mode door actuator can be accessed from below the driver side of the instrument panel.
   NOTE: It is not required to install the new defrost/panel/floor mode door linkage parts included in the defrost/panel/floor mode door actuator service part kit if only the mode door actuator requires replacement and the linkage parts are not broken or binding.
   Mode door actuator and linkage
   1. Remove the 3 defrost/panel/floor mode door actuator screws.
   1. Disconnect the defrost/panel/floor mode door actuator electrical connector.
   1. Remove the defrost/panel/floor mode door actuator.
   1. Manually operate, and inspect the defrost/panel/floor mode door linkage for incorrect placement or damage.
   Mode door actuator linkage only
   
   1. Remove the mode door linkage.
      1. Depress the tab and remove the panel door lever.
      1. Remove the floor/defrost door intermediate lever screw and floor/defrost door intermediate lever.
      1. Pull straight outward to remove the floor/defrost door lever.
   Mode door actuator and linkage
   
   1. NOTE: When installing the mode door actuator, make sure that the panel door lever and floor/defrost intermediate lever are correctly aligned with the mode door actuator cam.
      To install, reverse the removal procedure.

removing the heater a c box from under the dashboard

You need to google 2001 f150 blend door actuator replacement. It is slightly right of center above the plastic duct work for the floor area. All lower dashboard plastic is removed to get at it.
Then the ducting is removed.
http://www.autozone.com/repairguides/Ford-Pick-Ups-Expedition-Navigator-1997-2000/Heating-and-Air-Conditioning/Blend-Door-Actuator/_/P-0900c152801e55ed

You need to google 2001 f150 blend door actuator replacement. It is slightly right of center above the plastic duct work for the floor area. All lower dashboard plastic is removed to get at it.
Then the ducting is removed.
http://www.autozone.com/repairguides/Ford-Pick-Ups-Expedition-Navigator-1997-2000/Heating-and-Air-Conditioning/Blend-Door-Actuator/_/P-0900c152801e55ed

I'm having the same problem except on mine it's the driver's side that's blowing cold. Do you have the pictures in a finer resolution? I can't make them out and when I zoom, they are too grainy. Does the replacement require removing the dashboard? What's the general cost of the acuators? Are they readily available at like NAPA or other parts stores?

Sounds like the blend door actuator. It separates the driver and passenger side from getting air on the AZC system. Here are some instructions on replacing it:
The passenger side blend door actuator is used on all models equipped with Automatic Zone Control (AZC). This actuator is located on the front of the HVAC housing to the right of the floor panel transmission tunnel and cannot be removed from the passenger compartment without instrument panel or HVAC housing removal.

NOTE: This procedure is for AZC Systems (Passenger side only).

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the glove box door. See: Body and Frame\Interior Moulding / Trim
3. Remove the lower I/P glove box door surround panel.
4. Remove the dash assembly. See: Body and Frame\Interior Moulding / Trim\Dashboard / Instrument Panel\Service and Repair\Instrument Panel Assembly
5. Remove the HVAC assembly. See: Housing Assembly HVAC\Service and Repair
6. Unplug the wire harness connector from the blend door actuator.
7. Remove the 2 screws that secure the blend door actuator to the HVAC housing.
8. Remove the blend door actuator from the HVAC housing.

INSTALLATION - AZC (Passenger side only)

1. In stall the blend door actuator on the HVAC housing and tighten the two mounting screws to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.).
2. Plug in the wire harness connector to the blend door actuator.
3. In stall the HVAC unit into the vehicle. See: Housing Assembly HVAC\Service and Repair
4. Install the instrument panel assembly into the vehicle. See: Body and Frame\Interior Moulding / Trim\Dashboard / Instrument Panel\Service and Repair\Instrument Panel Assembly
5. Evacuate the HVAC system.
6. Recharge the HVAC system.
7. Connect and the battery negative cable.

Hope it helps! If you need more, just send me an email at familyguy77351 at yah I wil be glad to finish helping you with more detail.