My problems w/'03 ATC solved! Had only defrost and no response to other commands to regulate air flow, 99% of people insisted prob was vac related under hood.(wasn't) remainder faulted control in dash, I checked cost at Ford. Most quotes equalled GNP of small African countries! Disassembled control module into 2 parts, found voltage at pins to vac actuator valve. Made up jumper hose and cross -checked vac pull to flap door valves, all operated. Went back to actuator solenoids,carefully disassembled, replaced o-rings and lubed lightlyw/plumbers silicione. Presto!! good as new!!! Impetus for this action was rec'd directly from forum members!!! thanks guys, great work!!!

 

I love when people make the stealership eat hot dogs instead of steak.

 

Can you give a little more explination of the fix. My friends truck, who I do a lot of work on, has the same problem. My 97 does not have the ATC so I am not very farmiliar with the system.

Where are the actuator solinoids for the system that you replaced the o rings in?

Any other explanation of the fix you did would be great!!

Thank you

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The ATC system in my '03 is similar in concept to that which is in my '99 merc GM. I believe the Atc is only in the Lariat and up, but not 100% certain. In other models the flap doors are moved via a rotary hand control on the dash , which simply changes the directional flow of vac and operates the required door. The ATC system utilizes a micro-processor that registers outside temp, allows the setting of a constant desired cabin temp, or allows the manual setting of air flow via a row of push buttons. these individ buttons send a pulse to a solenoid to operate and create a path for vac flow and direct the heated/cooled air to the desired area.
The control module mounts in the same dash area and when removed and disassembled has two (2) parts, the motherboard and the vac/solenoid actuator section connected with a mini plug. Ford quotes on this unit ranged from $450. to 572. Enough to make a heart skip! In these forums is a discussion ranging over the past year or so on this subject,including photos of the solenoid valves. The comments are random and can easily be taken out of context, as not all problems are similar,close but not exact, but gives an inquiring mind various avenues to explore. In fact (my wife found this site) when she downloaded the pic of the valve with the text, I ignored it. I was certain I had nothing like it, until I opened my own and found it to be exactly what I had and was ultimately my problem. This forum spared me a ton of grief not to mention some big bucks! Hope this helps, If not, hollar back and I'll try to clarify.