Cabin air is stuck in defrost setting

CMEISE

MEMBER
2013 FORD ESCAPE
70,000 MILES

Both hot and cold air work but only comes out of defrost and feet vents. Occasionally switching air control to defrost for a few seconds and back to front vents will temporarily fix the problem. But most of the time the air just comes out of the defrost vents. I’ve checked the coolant.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like there is a problem with what is called the mode door actuator. First, take a look through this link and see if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-vents-stay-in-the-defrost-position

This particular vehicle has a mode door actuator specific to the defroster. Here are the directions for removal and replacement. Note: I'm not saying it's bad, but it would be a good idea to remove it and see if it is functional.

The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2013 Ford Truck Escape 4WD L4-1.6L Turbo
Mode Door Actuator - Defrost Door
Vehicle Heating and Air Conditioning Air Door Actuator / Motor Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Dual Automatic Temperature Control (DATC) Mode Door Actuator - Defrost Door
MODE DOOR ACTUATOR - DEFROST DOOR
Mode Door Actuator - Defrost Door

Removal

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1.

pic 1

2.

pic 2

3.

pic 3

4.

pic 4

Installation

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Images (Click to make bigger)