Weak cold airflow from vents and no heat?

Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD FUSION
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Airflow really weak but still feels slightly cold. When changing to heater, no heat at all from vents. Replaced cabin air filter, and blower motor. Checked refrigerant level and it's within good range. AC line under the hood feels cold and there's quite a bit of condensation falling under the car. I suspect either a blockage somewhere or bad heater blend actuator.
Sunday, September 7th, 2025 AT 3:39 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
Hello,
Are you able to change the fan speed? Can you hear the blower motor pick up speed / increase in noise when changing the fan speed? If you are getting weak airflow please make sure that there is a proper seal with the blower motor and the HVAC case. Make sure you cannot hear any air escaping in that area. With the car not running, you can change the temperature / mode controls and listen to the HVAC actuator operation, and possibly note an issue. What you describe may end up being a broken HVAC door if all else seems good.

William
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Sunday, September 7th, 2025 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
Fan speed changes accordingly. No airflow leaks on HVAC housing. With the engine off, I am able to hear the operation of the Blend Door Actuators. Airflow changes from footwell to windshield to center vents accordingly. But when changing from cold to hot, there is very little heat felt. And even though on cold the airflow feels cold, it is very very weak. Any chance it could be the Actuator that controls Heat/Cold? Or would it be the door itself?
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
If you can hear the blower changing speed and the actual force of the air coming from the vents is minimal, it is likely a door has broken or something (like rodents) have interfered in the operation of the HVAC unit.

William
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
I will remove the Actuator and check if I'm able to move the door by hand. Thanks.
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Monday, September 8th, 2025 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
It sounds like the mode actuator is not working here is the location. This is a common problem. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
Is the mode actuator on the driver or passenger side?
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
Also do you know which of these parts would it be?
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 AT 11:35 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
It says to remove the instrument panel so I am going to say it is on the left side. I would go with the motor craft part. Make sure it says "mode" for the actuator.
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
JUANEMMANUEL
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
So I changed the mode Actuator on the driver side and I didn't have remove any panels or dash pieces at all. I just had to reach up above the brake pedal. The mode actuator (lower one) was not moving at all when changing the temp from cold to hot and vice versa. I installed the new one and now it does move when the changing the temp. The other actuator on the driver side (above Mode Actuator) and the one on the passenger side, both work fine and move as they should. However, the airflow is still weak even when the fan is set to highest. Will the problem be a physical obstruction in the ducts? Thanks.
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 862 POSTS
It is possible there is a physical obstruction yes. Many times I've seen mice create homes inside the hvac unit, and there have been occasions where the insulation was pulled in by the blower, chopped up, and sent out as a ball into the unit. You may have to remove the blower and see what comes out, or run your hand as deep as possible to check.

Hope this helps,
William
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 AT 8:04 PM

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