Heater and a/c vents

1996 FORD EXPLORER
210,000 MILES
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CSVG
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The top (defrost) and bottom vents are working but the body vents don't blow heat or a/c. I get heat and a/c out of the top and bottom vents, but nothing in from the vents that blow on the body. It's like the damper or something is stuck. Is this an easy fix or really expensive and can I fix this?
May 11, 2013 at 8:07 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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The mode selection is done through a series of air doors that are operated by vacuum. When there is either a partial or total loss of vacuum, the system will default to either defrost or on some vehicles, heat. Acceleration can also have an effect on the doors for the same reason.

Look under the hood for a small black plastic hose coming through the firewall. Follow it to the vacuum source looking for any breaks, cracks or leaks. Also follow any other lines that branch off because they may go to a vacuum reservoir (storage tank) and a leak there will cause the same problem. Using a vacuum gauge to determine if you have full vacuum at any given point is the best way to find it. You can cut into the line anywhere and splice it back together with a piece of vacuum hose. Find the broken line, you found your problem.
May 11, 2013 at 8:27 AM
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