1997 explorer EB, climate control-not working

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Dec 31, 2001 | 02:46 PM

myra101

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1997 explorer EB, climate control-not working

I have 1997 Ford Explorer EB edition. It has automatic climate control, however the heater does not adjust. I only get hot air or cool air at room temperature at the lowest temperature. Otherwise, no adjustment from 66-90'---only hot air. Any ideas?

Please help

Thanks

Jan 2, 2002 | 08:00 AM

FordFool

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From: Cedar Rapids USA

1997 explorer EB, climate control-not working

Do a search in this group using the word "blend". You'll see several threads on a blend door problem.

FordFool

Jan 2, 2002 | 10:50 AM

hank_48

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1997 explorer EB, climate control-not working

With the number of problems I've seen on this issue, I wonder why there isn't some kind of recall. It sounds to me like this is a manufacturer defect that should be covered by Ford. Has anyone had any experience in getting for to respond? When this happens and a dealer makes repairs, did you get any cost relief?

Jan 2, 2002 | 12:01 PM

myra101

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1997 explorer EB, climate control-not working

I am a service member and unfortunately live in Germany.
I emailed the Ford Motor Company and asked for help. At least guidance or instructions that I can give a mechanic here. The German Ford dealer bascially did not know how to fix the problem. I have not heard a reply yet from Ford.

Jan 2, 2002 | 02:44 PM

reberhardt

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From: Kelseyville, CA

1997 explorer EB, climate control-not working

Fixing it is easy. All it requires is the replacement of the heater blend door. Getting to it is another problem. It will take 8-12 hours of labor to remove the complete dash assembly. It isn't a recall since it is not a safety or emissions related defect. Those are the only two reasons that a recall can be forced. I have read about some sort of defect warranty. Basically it states that a manufacturer has to warrant their products that the product was assembled correctly and performs the function it was designed to perform, even if the problem doesn't show up until after the standard 3yr/36K warranty has expired. I would think Ford installing the incorrect blend door would certainly qualify for this type of warranty since the door that was installed was not the proper door that should have been installed. It might be a valid arguement, unfortunately I am not an attorney so I can't say what would happen if it wound up in court. I can tell you that of the 10-15 people that I have read that had this problem, I can't remember anyone getting satisfaction from Ford in the way of partial credit.

Jan 23, 2002 | 10:09 PM

Katzen

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From: Riverside, CA USA

1997 explorer EB, climate control-not working

It looks like I have the same blender door problem on my 96 EB. Does anyone know how to fix it? I don't want to have to pay a dealer.

Jan 24, 2002 | 03:20 AM

myra101

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1997 explorer EB, climate control-not working

I live in Germany and the ford dealer essentially did not want to fix the problem. "Too much work." I did find a mechanic who is working on it now. This appear to be no self-help job. I also called a few Ford dealer part departments and this is indeed a common problem. The part is relatively cheap about $150. The labor is what will thin your wallet. The whole dash and steering column needs to be removed.

Ford is indeed a "Fix Or Repair Daily" vehicle. I do not know what this job one quality junk is about. If Ford was noble the least they can do is recall this and admit it is an issue.