AC air flow problem
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Magnolia
AC air flow problem
2000 Excursion, 7.3L Diesel. 4x4
AC started blow from the defrost yesterday. I've dealt with this before so today I started trouble-shooting.
Here's what I found:
Vacuum motor pulls 17psi.
Vacuum tank holds pressure--no leaks.
With vac gauge "T" into the system---holds 17psi steady. No leaks.
I had hoped I would find a bad actuator, but all three move correctly with corresponding movement of the dash controls.
I can get air to flow to defrost and to the floor, but never the panel.
I believe my problem is with the panel/defrost door on the driver's side under the dash. Because I can see the actuator moving the door arm back and forth under vacuum I am thinking the door itself has broken from the arm and is lodged in the defrost pathway.
Anyone else experience an actual broken door or have an idea about anything I'm missing?
thanks,
Greg
AC started blow from the defrost yesterday. I've dealt with this before so today I started trouble-shooting.
Here's what I found:
Vacuum motor pulls 17psi.
Vacuum tank holds pressure--no leaks.
With vac gauge "T" into the system---holds 17psi steady. No leaks.
I had hoped I would find a bad actuator, but all three move correctly with corresponding movement of the dash controls.
I can get air to flow to defrost and to the floor, but never the panel.
I believe my problem is with the panel/defrost door on the driver's side under the dash. Because I can see the actuator moving the door arm back and forth under vacuum I am thinking the door itself has broken from the arm and is lodged in the defrost pathway.
Anyone else experience an actual broken door or have an idea about anything I'm missing?
thanks,
Greg
More Turbo
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 633
Likes: 142
From: Staten Island, NY
Have you checked the 4x4 vacuum switch located on the passenger inner fender just behind the battery ( on gasser) That cracks and can cause the ac to default to the defroster. Are your hubs engaging in 4x4? Common problem.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Magnolia
yes, thank you. When I was checking the pump and the tank I unplugged the lines going to that solenoid and plugged the vacuum line running to it. I considered that the solenoid may have failed again. I replaced it about 2 years ago I think. Sadly, this isn't the problem. I have good vacuum, no leaks. much appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,096
Likes: 533
From: Rock Hill, SC
I was looking through my pics of when I replaced all the front A/C stuff, I don't see any pics that may help you verify if the door is broken. I remember having just enough room for me to fit my hand and a 1/4 ratchet and socket in there to remove the damper motor screws, that would allow you rotate the motor and door together, while rotating the 2 pieces you should reach a stop point in either direction if the door is ok.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 70
Likes: 2
From: Magnolia
I removed the actuator yesterday evening. I reach through the maze of wires and grabbed the door's arm. The arm would move, but didn't move the full range. By moving it back and forth I was able to free it up to move the full range. I don't know what caused the problem, maybe a kid put something down the vents? Either way it moved freely back and forth. I started the engine and ran the AC. While under the dash I moved the arm back and forth. I could hear and feel it close solidly in both directions with full air coming out the panel vents. All fixed.
Your suggestion saved me a ton of dash disassembly. Many thanks. Happy new year!
Your suggestion saved me a ton of dash disassembly. Many thanks. Happy new year!
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