The gremlin strikes again

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Jul 26, 2005 | 11:27 AM

copper_90680

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From: Southern California

The gremlin strikes again

We were gone for two weeks on a 4000-mile round trip into the Canadian Rockies on our '93 3.0L. Uneventfull trip even with two adults, 4 kids and lots of camping gears. Even the top luggage rack was full of camping gears. Anyway, nothing serious happens except that, halfway through the trip, one of the vacuum motors in the HVAC gave up (I guess). So now, we have air blowing out the defrost all the time, not through the front panel as usual. This occurs at any A/C setting. The A/C works fine even then since the air is cold, but it's just blowing out the wrong place.

I checked the vacuum lines from the intake manifold into the HVAC and all seem to be fine. So I'm inclined to think it's one of the vacuum motors. The problem is I don't know which one as there are 3 of them (I think). Can anyone who has gone through the same thing tell me which vacuum motor and where I should be looking. I don't want to be looking under the dashboard if it's not necessary.

Thanks

Jul 26, 2005 | 11:39 AM

bertha66

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From: Central Oregon

My 90 dose this from time to time, the vacum valve in the dash sticks. It is on the passenger side, close to the speaker. To get to it I pulled the top off the dash, top of the gages and then the top of the dash. The valve that sticks on mine is around black valve. This valve directs the air flow from the dash, floor and defrost. I pulled the screw out of the top, pulled the top offand greased the shaft. I have had to do this 3 times in the 13 years that I have had this van,

Jul 26, 2005 | 12:03 PM

copper_90680

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From: Southern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by bertha66

To get to it I pulled the top off the dash

Is this the metal cover that sit on top of the front speakers and held by a couple of screws?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bertha66

top of the gages and then the top of the dash

There are no gages on the passenger side? And how do I remove the top of the dash board? Would you mind elaborating a little more.

Thanks Bertha66. It sure is a lot of work to get to a lousy vacuum motor. But at least I know where the beast is hidden now

Jul 26, 2005 | 01:03 PM

Dracoscott

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From: Alabama

I had similar symptoms in my 96, 4L and I tracked it to a disconnected vacuum coupling that was easily accessable by removing the glove compartment. . . I found it after I had removed many other dash parts.

BTW, I believe that Bertha66 has a different dash board in the 90 than you have in the 93.

Jul 26, 2005 | 01:09 PM

bertha66

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From: Central Oregon

The gage top on the 90 Aero is on the drivers side, but has to come off to get the top of the dash off. Mine has screws around the edge of the winshield and under the gage cover.

Jul 26, 2005 | 01:12 PM

copper_90680

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From: Southern California

Thank you very much Dracoscott and Bertha66. I appreciate the tips.

Thanks again.

Jul 26, 2005 | 03:30 PM

aerocolorado

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Copper,
Failed vacuum motors are rare but split vacuum lines under the hood are common, especially those hard, off white lines that feed the vacuum reservoir. Might want to look under there first before trying to crawl through the glovebox door opening.

My, how I can remember similar long road trips with our kids in the Aerostar. Those were great times. Sounds like a trove of family memories were created on your trip - welcome back.