Air Conditioning Selector
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New User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15
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From: Davidson USA
Air Conditioning Selector
I've got a '96 Bronco XL 302. Just today my A/C selector malfunctioned. THe compressor and fan speed selector seem to be working fine, but nothing will come out of the regular vents, just the defroster vents. I think there is a chip that regulates the flow of the system, I've heard they're pricey, I hope that isn't the problem. I'd love some advice.
-Shep
-Shep
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
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From: Gateway to the West
Air Conditioning Selector
I had the same problem...its more than likely that you have a vaccuum leak somewhere in the control system. Its all buried behind the glovebox and dashboard but mine was just a single vaccuum line that had come loose. and instead of the previous owner figuring out where it used to be connected, he just tied a knot in it so it wouldn't hiss at him. Go figure.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
Air Conditioning Selector
It's not electronic other than the plain switches built into the control that select the fan speed & compressor clutch. The temp is cable-operated, but everything else is vacuum-operated. The supply line runs thru a rubber grommet in the top of the ventilation box under the R hood hinge, and another line comes out to the fresh/recirculate vacuum motor. You can probably see the supply line by looking up from the passenger footwell - it comes thru the plastic grate for recirculating air and goes up into the dash to the control. Follow it & the others & you'll probably find the leak, but don't forget to check the engine compartment side, too. The reservoir is glued to the side of the ventilation box that faces the R exhaust manifold.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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Air Conditioning Selector
what is a good way to check for a slight leak.
Mine will make the AC default to the defrost and floor vents, only sometimes and usually only when I am using the cruise control too.
I was told the reservoir runs out of vacuum and that's when it defaults? (not sure if I'm saying that right).
Mine will make the AC default to the defrost and floor vents, only sometimes and usually only when I am using the cruise control too.
I was told the reservoir runs out of vacuum and that's when it defaults? (not sure if I'm saying that right).
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Davidson USA
Air Conditioning Selector
Thanks everybody for the advice. I fixed the problem. Turns out, it was a loose vacuum tube from the reservoir. I had seen the tube loose a day before but fugured it couldn't have been the tube for the reservoir. I couldn't believe that they just "push on" for my '96. Also, the A/C had worked that day despite the hose being loose. I guess it had finally lost pressure after a day or so? Thanks again, I think I look into securing the tubes a little tighter.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Air Conditioning Selector
Get a vacuum pump (like the MityVac) and pull a vacuum on the supply line that goes thru the grommet by the R hood hinge. The system should hold vacuum until you switch the mode, and then only drop & hold again.
