[DiamondB]

Hi,

2008 FEH owner here..I recently replaced the front mode door actuator on my FEH after the old one had failed (clicking noise and not switching modes from blowing through front vents to floor to windshield etc) After replacing it with new Motorcraft YH-1770 Blend Door Motor it worked fine, and continues to work BUT I'm getting B12A5 and B12A6 errors in FORScan (no CEL).

B12A5: Mode Door Actuator, Feedback Circuit Open or Shorted to Battery Voltage
B12A6: Mode Door Actuator, Feedback Circuit Shorted to Ground

I've tried disconnecting the connector to the actuator, checking it visually and reconnecting it ...checked for loose wires but it looks ok. Full disclosure ..I could not get the top screw to go in but the actuator is very secure - I wonder if that is something to do with the issue and I'm also wondering if this can cause significant battery drain.

I'm also confused about the part itself. It works BUT are blend and mode door actuators different on these? Pretty sure I even checked the part number with Ford. Could it be that I installed the wrong part but it's working regardless?

Thanks for any tricks, tips/advice. I'm ok with using a multimeter if someone can tell me (politely) what to do with it

Cheers,
Cam

 

[tomw]

The errors are indications the ECM is not aware the actuator is connected... I think you may have an incorrect replacement part. I did a quick search for 2008 ford escape hybrid mode door actuator.
There were multiple models and part numbers returned. A lot looked the same but had different part numbers.
If you look at the connector and count the terminal pins, do the original and replacement have the same pin count? Did you get an OEM part or generic replacement? My first thought is the hybrid uses the A/C to keep the battery from getting too hot, and may monitor the passenger compartment HVAC settings more closely and may use the open/shorted information to get into some sort of 'limp home' mode when there are problems in the HVAC components.
Unless the pins are there but not connected, or there are internal parts that the ECM can monitor to determine open/short, I think your part may not be correct.
tom

 

[dwightbresemann]

Agree, wrong part. PCM thinks 'short to ground or open circuit' for both codes.

 

[DiamondB]

Oh man, thanks! This was a pig to install too but this makes sense and maybe the right dang part'll be easier. It actually works really well too, which kinda blows my mind! I don't notice any difference in performance (since the old clicky one was on there) I'll definitely swap it out with the right part once confirmed.
Here's the part I got: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B004A2IJAW - Motorcraft YH-1770 Blend Door Motor
I'll try to dig the old one up and compare pins.

Cheers!
Cam

 

[dwightbresemann]

The PCM is not happy about the 'feed back' it received from the actuator. The signal was not as expected. As the actuator travels, it sends a signal back to the PCM how far it traveled.

 

[DiamondB]

Welp..I bought the wrong part and that likely explains it all. Thanks for your help. I found the original and plonked the part number into fordparts.com https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/c...parts/motor-assy-7850879-1#/partMatched?pdp=y

I bought a Motorcraft Part#H-1770 Blend Door Motor when it looks like I should have bought an HVAC Defrost Mode Door Actuator Part #: YH1881

Remarkable how similar they are in terms of connectivity and functionality. That must be it. I'll plug the old one into the connector and make sure the error goes away before I do this.....just in case it's something else.

Cheers!

 

[DiamondB]

Ok, I connected the old one, cleared codes and the error went away after re-reading DTCs. I've ordered the YH1881 now. I noticed that the terms "Blend Door Actuator" and "Mode Door Actuator" seem to be used interchangeably..that's where some of the confusion was, I think. Oh well. Ya live n learn. Thx to @tomw and @dwightbresemann !!