Heat/AC issues, codes B 10 81 07 and B 10 86 07

2016 FORD FUSION

78,000 MILES • 1.5L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

JCRAPO

MEMBER
2 POSTS
FOLLOW

No heat on driver side, and only blows air from the face vents on both sides. Will not switch to defrost or floor vents. Running the self-diagnostics yields two codes.
B 10 81 07
B 10 86 07
I pulled the driver blend door actuator, reconnected it and tested. The actuator moves back and forth with the driver temperature setting. Manually moved the baffle to the hot side, set the temperature to hot, and reinstalled the actuator. Hot air would blow out. Switched to cold, and cold air came out. Switched back to hot, and it's still cold air. Somehow, the actuator moves fine when uninstalled, but will only go from hot to cold when installed. Then gets stuck in the cold position.

Not sure where the distribution actuator is or how to remove/replace. Any help would be appreciated.

Oct 13, 2021 at 1:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CERTIFIED EXPERT
110,175 POSTS

Hi,

The codes are for the left temperature actuator and the mode door actuator. First, and I feel bad to say this, but the mode door requires the removal of the steering column to replace or inspect it. Also, if the vehicle has a heated steering wheel, that module will also need to be removed.

If you look at the first two pics below, they are for the mode door actuator. If you need help accessing it, let me know. Also, if you plan to replace it, make sure to get a quality actuator. Some of the less expensive ones will fail shortly after install.

As far as the blend/temperature actuator, remove it again and inspect the components for any cracks or damage. Also, using your finger, place a small load on it to see if it continues to move in both directions.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Oct 13, 2021 at 7:59 PM

JCRAPO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the info. I'm not going to attempt getting to the mode door actuator just yet. But I removed the blend actuator, and it moves properly with the temperature setting while uninstalled but sill connected electrically. I tried holding the gear while changing the temperature from cold to hot. It moved slightly before it stopped. But then reversed back slightly, and then went forward again and I could not hold it back. I did that twice with identical results. It moved from hot to cold without hesitation. I then placed the actuator back in place and just held it there with my hand while I changed the temperature from one extreme to the other multiple times. It moved the door just fine. So I put the bottom screw in to hold it in place and repeated the test. This time, as in the past, it would go from hot to cold, but was then got stuck in the cold position. And once it got stuck, it quit trying to move. I removed it again without turning off the ignition and the actuator would not move. I then cycled the ignition, and then it would move again. I did this twice. Then I gently stuck a flat blade screwdriver in the blend door gear and was able to move it between extremes with ease. But I did notice a fair amount of play in the mechanism when I rotated it. Not sure if that's normal or not. Obviously the gear wouldn't be moving around with the actuator installed, but using the screwdriver, it moved quite a bit.. For now I have left the door in the heat position and removed the actuator completely so I at least have some heat. Any ideas?

Oct 20, 2021 at 6:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CERTIFIED EXPERT
110,175 POSTS

Hi,

Just as a test, purchase a new actuator and without installing it, see if it reacts the same. If it does, return the part. Also, the idea that the problem starts when the actuator is installed. Double-check the wiring and connector to make sure nothing is causing it to lose connection to power. Also, when it's out and working, move the wiring around to see if it causes a change.

Let me know.

Joe

Oct 20, 2021 at 7:05 PM