The factory method requires removal of the dash and heater box to replace the plastic door with another plastic door. HeaterTreater has a new product to repair the 02-08 Explorer without removing the dash, and replacing the door with metal that will outlast the Explorer. Check HeaterTreater.net.
Do a Google search of Ford Explorer blend door , there are lots of articles and some videos
replacing 2003 fore explorer sport front wheel bearings
If the problem is lack of heat(not a physical heater core leak), the problem is more likely with the blend doors on the Explorer. This is a very common fail mode. HeaterTreater has a line of products to address the issue at a low cost. Follow my user name to my Bio Page for a pointer. ford4me
The cost to repair the brakes on a 2003 Ford Explorer depends on the brand of the brakes, and the person/shop doing the repair. It can generally run between $70 and $200+ depending on those variables.
Trying to repair a heater core can be a waste of time. Just replace it with a new one.
Ford Explorer Column Shifter Lever Bracket Repair
It does not use a cable. The heater blend door is operated by a electric motor. The complete dash assembly needs to be removed to gain access to the unit.
There are really only 2 electrical components to the heating system:Blower motorTemperature blend door actuatorFrom the Windstar OWNERS MANUAL...1995-1998 Heater control switch & blend door actuator - fuse #211999-2003 Front Heater control switch & blend door actuator - fuse #101999-2003 Rear Heater control switch & blend door actuator - fuse #81999-2003 - FRONT BlowerInside fusebox: relay #3Engine compartment fusebox: fuse #1201999-2003 - REAR BlowerInside fusebox: relay #6Engine compartment fusebox: fuse #1171995-1998 - FRONT BlowerInside fusebox: fuse #361995-1998 - REAR BlowerInside fusebox: N/AEngine compartment fusebox: fuse "E"See "Related Questions" below for more
The heater temp blend door and actuator are located behind the dash assembly on top of the HVAC box. Unfortunately the dash assembly needs to be removed to gain access to it.
It could be coming from your heater core, may need to repair or replace it.
the heater blower resistor is bad. located on firewall under heater hoses two 8mm bolts. about a twenty dollar motorcraft part. easy repair.
Haynes repair manual, Dodge Neon 2000 thru 2003. Book #30036