1997 Ford Ranger A/C Stuck in Heat

BIGDOG71

MEMBER
1997 FORD RANGER
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
179,000 MILES

My air seems to be stuck in Full Heat in all modes except for Max A/C setting. When there, it does blow cold air, but in all other settings, it is full Heat. When I move the temperature controler, it feels like there is nothing attached to it. Like it is not moving anything. Has something come loose or broken? Is so, is this a home fix or shop?

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 AT 2:26 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

The temp controler is attached to a cable which goes to the blend air door (near heater core). Check to make sure it is attached on both ends. If the last setting was heat, that is all you will get. The max AC is recirculated air. That is why it works. WHen it is on regular AC, it brings fresh air in from outside. If the door is stuck, the air only blows over the heater core.

Let me know what you find.
Joe

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Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 AT 10:38 PM

BIGDOG71

MEMBER
5 POSTS

What is the best plan of attach on checking the cable? Do I need to remove the dash cover or gone from the glove box?
Thanks,
David

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 9:46 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

The glove box would help. It is tight. You may want to actually remove the controler from the dash to get to it. As far as the other end from the control, you should be able to see it from under the dash.

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 9:50 AM

BIGDOG71

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5 POSTS

I pulled the dash and got the temp controller out. Saw the cable was attached at the controller and at the other end. Tested the wire for any problems. They seem good. Did a resistance test on the controller, and I do see that it appears to be working. What's next?

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Saturday, June 5th, 2010 AT 10:43 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS