e-man67

Hi All,

I have a 2003 Ford Explorer XLS 4.2L 4x4. The first thing I need assistance with is I went to lift up the tailgate while it was frozen and the plastic cover (license plate cover where the tail gate handle resides) snapped. I can't find a part number to order the part online anywhere. In 2003 this one did not have the Ford emblem on it...it is just the black piece of plastic. Any help on this would be appreciated.

2nd thing, this morning I noticed that my heater isn't working, the blower works but it doesn't put out any warm air. What could this be? A heater coil perhaps? Any help on this as well appreciated.

Thanks guys!

Bert

I don't know about the liftgate part but you can search here and see if it helps. Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

As for the heater, when the engine is hot, do both heater hoses feel hot to the touch? If they do, it's probably the blend door motor. You should also hear it, if you listen carefuly, with the engine off key on, if you turn it from warm to cool.

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Bert

e-man67

Cool, much appreciated. I will check it out when I get home and report back. Thanks!

e-man67

UGH! This morning my wife went to start the car and turned on the heater and there is a loud banging coming from the right of the drivers side. If you turn the heater off the thing still bangs! Could it be the actuator?

Bert

Never heard one bang. Does it do it even with the control off, or engine off and key on?

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Bert

ramacher

for the plastic (aplique) piece, this is a known issue. Its cracked on my 03 aviator and after it happened to me i've been noticing on a bunch of aviators, explorers, and mountaineers.

There is a TSB out there about it.

I haven't been able to find the piece by itself other than from ford themselves and they wanted $170 + $35 for the emblem + painting it. Also its the same piece, hasn't been changed to fix the cracking issue, so i'm willing to live with the crack rather than paying $200-$300 for something that can happen again.