Blend door problem or something else?
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Senior User
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From: North Alabama
Blend door problem or something else?
Last winter, I noticed that the heater on my '97 Expedition XLT was not getting very hot. Then, this summer, I noticed that the air conditioner does not blow as cold as it used to.
I've researched this forum thoroughly, & it seems that several people have experienced problems with a blend door. I am not very familiar with exactly what a blend door is.
Here is a picture of the heating/ac controls on my '97 Expedition XLT:
Is my '97 EXpy XLT equipped with the same type of blend door that others have experienced problems with.
If not, how would you all suggest I proceed in diagnosing the reason for my heater not getting hot enough.
Thanks in advance,
wavinwayne
I've researched this forum thoroughly, & it seems that several people have experienced problems with a blend door. I am not very familiar with exactly what a blend door is.
Here is a picture of the heating/ac controls on my '97 Expedition XLT:
Is my '97 EXpy XLT equipped with the same type of blend door that others have experienced problems with.
If not, how would you all suggest I proceed in diagnosing the reason for my heater not getting hot enough.
Thanks in advance,
wavinwayne
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 459
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From: st.louis, missouri
Your truck is constantly pumping hot water through the heater core. The blend door directs the air over either the heater core or the evaporator for the air conditioning. If your heater is not operating properly it could seriously affect the output of the heater core. If your antifreeze has not been replaced in sometime, you may want to consider flushing your system and replacing the antifreeze. If the problem still exists then check your controls for the blend door. You may have a vaccum leak. Just my 2cents...
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Joined: Dec 1999
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From: San Antonio, TX USA
Blend Door Issues
I just spent all day Wednesday doing the "blend door" replacement (now known to me as the Expedition nightmare) on my 98 EB. Took me 8 1/2 hours. ALLDATADIY is an absolute necessity to do this yourself.
When my blend door failed I had hot air only. If you can change the temperature from cold to hot with the temp control I would investigate other possible culprits first. Does the engine temp guage show the engine is coming up to the proper operating temperature? Have you had the refrigerant checked in the ac system? It could also be the blend door actuator which is a much easier repair. Read the various threads to see how to differentiate between the two.
Having just gone through it, my hope for you is that it's something else besides the blend door. Not a fun project.
When my blend door failed I had hot air only. If you can change the temperature from cold to hot with the temp control I would investigate other possible culprits first. Does the engine temp guage show the engine is coming up to the proper operating temperature? Have you had the refrigerant checked in the ac system? It could also be the blend door actuator which is a much easier repair. Read the various threads to see how to differentiate between the two.
Having just gone through it, my hope for you is that it's something else besides the blend door. Not a fun project.
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From: North Alabama
Thanks. I'll try to address both of you's guys comments:
I recently changed the anti-freeze. This didn't make any difference at all with the heating/cooling problem.
I can change the temp from hot to cold with the temp control ****.
I have no idea how to check for a vacuum leak. Are you referring to a vacuum leak directly related to the blend door controls?
I recently changed the anti-freeze. This didn't make any difference at all with the heating/cooling problem.
I can change the temp from hot to cold with the temp control ****.
I have no idea how to check for a vacuum leak. Are you referring to a vacuum leak directly related to the blend door controls?
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I had a similar problem on my '98. I couldn't get really hot air in the winter or really cold air in the summer. On mine, the temperature control **** didn't turn smoothly, so I took the **** off and discovered that the back part of it that that slips over the potentiometer stem was cracked. The internal part of the **** was just spinning around on the potentiometer stem. I put some superglue on it, clamped it together, waited for it to dry, then slipped it back on. Works like new. Might be worth checking before spending any major time or money on it.
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From: North Alabama
Thanks for the info, Machek. Is there any special trick to removing the temp. control ****, or does it simply pull off?
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From: North Alabama
Checked the ****; It is intact.
If my problem is related to a broken vacuum line, as some have suggested, where would these particular vacuum line(s) be?
Thanks in advance,
WW
If my problem is related to a broken vacuum line, as some have suggested, where would these particular vacuum line(s) be?
Thanks in advance,
WW
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I have the same problem on my 2002 Navigator, but it has the automatic climate control unit. The vehicle is still under warranty, I just haven't had the chance to go see the dealer. I did find that if I turn on the rear AC, the front AC will start to blow colder. Strange... I also hear intermittant noises coming from the passenger dash area while I'm stopped at a light. Maybe vacuum related...
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From: North Alabama
Can you guys please tell me how to diagnose a possible vacuum leak in the heater controls? Do I have to remove the dash?
For now, I'm ruling out the possibility of a broken blend door, & will focus on the other possibilities first. But, I need help, so if you guys can chime in, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks,
wavinwayne
For now, I'm ruling out the possibility of a broken blend door, & will focus on the other possibilities first. But, I need help, so if you guys can chime in, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks,
wavinwayne