2000 Ford Taurus Heater / AC / Fan blows weak

ANDDO2

MEMBER
2000 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

This has been a problem for a while. The Heat and AC work but the fan just does not blow very strong. There is clearly a difference between the four fan settings (so the motor and the controls are working) but the only way to get the cabin to heat or cool is when the fan is at the maximum setting. I have changed the cabin air filter. There isn't anything that would seem to indicate any kind of engine problem (I had read something about a possible vacuum leak).

Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 3:58 PM

5 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

Is the air flow coming out of any vents that it shouldn't be. Have you checked up under the dash on the passenger side at the air intake to make sure you didn't suck a plastic bag or anything like that up the intake? Do you have a shedding pet that rides in the car often?

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Monday, August 16th, 2010 AT 4:41 PM

ANDDO2

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1 POST

Thanks for responding, Wrenchtech. In response to your questions:

I don't have anything that sheds that rides in the car.

I checked the air intake area and it seemed clear. I tried floating a plastic straw wrapper up near the fan and it *would* have been sucked in if I let it. The air intake seemed strong.

The vents seem to behave as expected when the control knob is adjusted.

However, as I thought about your questions "is there air coming from where it shouldn't be" I noticed that I WAS feeling some air on my leg nearest the console. When I got up underneath it seems there is some air leaking from behind the dash where there is a foam "gasket" that is not sealing as well as it probably should be. I did my best to seal it with some gorilla tape (high tech, I know) and while that seemed to seal up most of the leak it didn't really make the air flow from the vents much stronger.

I suppose there could be other leaks like this but I don't know where. Any other suggestions in general?

Thanks again!

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Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 5:18 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

There is a small plastic vacuum line that comes through the firewall. Double check that for any leaks. Tak a random vacuum reading along it somewhere and it should match engine vacuum. If it doesn't, you are leaking somewhere. That plastic line can be cut and spliced using a little piece of rubber vacuum hose the correct size.

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Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 AT 5:22 PM

RASMATAZ