Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Ford Focus L4-2.3L VIN ZFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Air Distribution Cable Control Assembly
AIR DISTRIBUTION CABLE CONTROL ASSEMBLY
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the radio/cassette unit and the CD player (if equipped).

3. Remove the bezel with heater/air conditioning controls.

4. Remove the bezel with heater/air conditioning controls (continued).
- Pull off seven electrical connectors (six shown).

5. NOTE: To remove the Bowden cables, turn the rotary switches as far as they will go to the left.
Remove the bezel with heater/air conditioning controls (continued).
- Unclip the Bowden cables.

6. Remove the lower driver's side footwell trim.

7. Unclip and remove the air distribution Bowden cables.

8. Unclip and remove the temperature control Bowden cables.
- Unclip and remove the temperature control Bowden cables.
INSTALLATION
1. NOTE:
- Route the new Bowden cables without kinks and check for easy accessibility.
- To install the Bowden cables, turn the rotary switches as far as they will go to the left. The mechanism engages easily in this position.
- The Bowden cables are identical for RHD and LHD vehicles, although they are fastened to the air flap operating mechanism with the reverse side of their connectors.
Install the components in reverse order.
2. Check operation of the Bowden cables.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Remove the radio/cassette unit and the CD player (if equipped).
3. Remove the bezel with heater/air conditioning controls.
4. Remove the bezel with heater/air conditioning controls (continued).
- Pull off seven electrical connectors (six shown).
5. NOTE: To remove the Bowden cables, turn the rotary switches as far as they will go to the left.
Remove the bezel with heater/air conditioning controls (continued).
- Unclip the Bowden cables.
6. Remove the lower driver's side footwell trim.
7. Unclip and remove the air distribution Bowden cables.
8. Unclip and remove the temperature control Bowden cables.
- Unclip and remove the temperature control Bowden cables.
INSTALLATION
1. NOTE:
- Route the new Bowden cables without kinks and check for easy accessibility.
- To install the Bowden cables, turn the rotary switches as far as they will go to the left. The mechanism engages easily in this position.
- The Bowden cables are identical for RHD and LHD vehicles, although they are fastened to the air flap operating mechanism with the reverse side of their connectors.
Install the components in reverse order.
2. Check operation of the Bowden cables.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
