Ford Explorer heater problem

[roscoe]

Ok guys, found and purchased a Ford Explorer.
1998 4dr XLT v6 4x4
Just drove it home, a 200 mile run.
It was a little "dancy" on the interstate, so I lowered the pressure in the GY Wranglers to 40 psi, condition remedied.
200 miles at 67 mph, 21mpg :%


Can only find 2 things wrong with it.

Problem 1- air diverter directs air to floor/vent/defrost, etc.
But the temp dial does not change the temp when it is turned.

Likely causes?
What's involved with the repair?
I know, get the manual, and I will.

Problem 2- It's a Ford


Thanks guys.

 

[DJ]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

Problem 2- It's a Ford

Why did you buy it if you already hate it?

40 PSI (cold) is too high. Look at the label on the door, or door jamb.

Listen for vacuum leaks (whistle/hiss), under the dash. You should be able to see the blend door on the right side, under dash. Does it move? Is the line going to it intact.

If it has an aftermarket radio, I'd be looking at the control head. Some of those radio installers are butchers.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

I don't hate it, but will have to face an onslaught of ridicule from my friends and relatives.

Sticker on door says 26 psi.
But after the Firestone delams/rollovers/deaths, Ford recommended going with the max rating on the tire, which is 44 psi.

I have the same tire on my Blazer and had all kinds of issues till I got the pressure down to 36 psi.

I will lower them on the Explorer also, but just wanted to get it home tonight.

Haven't heard any hissing, but will look into it tomorrow, hoping its just a vacuum leak.

It does have an aftermarket stereo, installed about 10 months ago.

I will ask the seller if that is when the problem started.

Thanks.

 

[DJ]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

Ford recommended going with the max rating on the tire, which is 44 psi.

You might want to check that with a dealer. It was revised but I do not believe that high. 44 PSI will beat the daylights out of you and the truck.

I will ask the seller if that is when the problem started.

Good idea but I wouldn't take their word for it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

I read the revised Ford psi recommendation some time ago, in a news article.
Seemed kind of strange to me, so I read it a few more times.
I have also read some articles about Fords original door stickers applying to "p" rated tires which came on the Explorer, and that a "LT" tire requires at least 36 psi to carry the load.


Anyway, first order of business is to get it registered, then work on the heater.
Good thing it is stuck in the heat position, and not the AC position.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

Roscoe, try posting at this site. Lot of good Explorer help there....

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

Ford had a lot of problems with heater doors coming apart in those years. Seems like moisture accumulation in the system wreaked havoc.

I have a '97 E150, that had problems shortly after warranty. I squawked real loud about how the heater doors in a 1956 Ford still worked and they gave me a reduced repair rate.

 

[ED21]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

I keep my tires at 30 psi for the same year & model. The tires wear evenly at that pressure.
21 mgp is good. Mine get 17 or 18 all around.
Gotta second the explorer forum.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

Think this will help check it out below
http://www.conceptualedge.com/blend-door/

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

Great site dolluper, thanks.

I had found some other sites with repair info and part numbers, but nothing as in depth as that one. Great photos too.

Plan on tackling this project in the next couple of weeks.

 

[jimr]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

does that have a dial for the heat and position? if so pop the dial off the heater control they have a habit of breaking inside and just spinning on the shaft

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

So far I have troubleshot the control switch.
It is fine, as is the actuator, as I can hear it operating as I turn the control switch.
Now I just have to find the time to do the fix.

 

[Drybo]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

I bet its the blend door, had 2 exploders do that. The link in Rick 1's post has lots of info on fixes (other than $1200 Dealer fix).
You can use max a/c in summer and get cold air, the other settings stay on hot in the I have now. The fix at the ford owners site looks like a good way to go.

 

[erniex]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

My son just had the same problem on his 95. The vacum line that runs from the actuator that controls the flow of hot water through the heater hoses to the heater core had "melted". It runs from the vacum actuator under the hood down under the A/C evaporator and through the firewall. Had broken or melted. Follow the hose and see if its connected.

HTH

Ernie

 

[jtexas]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

jumping in kinda late, but here's another good blend door tutorial - same basic concept, additional photos

http://www.blenddoorfix.netfirms.com/

the forums at http://www.ford-trucks.com are pretty darn good, too.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

Thanks guys.
I haven't had time to tackle this yet, been working too many hours.
Maybe Christmas week.

Took the glove box door off and it appears the actuator is working.
So it looks like its the blend door.

Will have to get the flexible attachment for the Dremel tool, so I can reach in and cut a neat access hole.

Will update if I ever get it done.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

Hmmm, I'd do as suggested and use a mirror and flashlight to inspect the blend door connection to the actuator. You may have to just drill and pin the actuator (white pin) without opening the plenum.

 

[Aquaman]

Re: Ford Explorer heater problem

If your blend door and actuator are working it's either the heater control valve or a stopped up heater core.

DO NOT look in the door jamb or ask your neighbor's friends cousin what PSI he runs....look on the side wall of the tire, make sure the tires are of the correct load range and aired to the tire manufactures specs.