Ford Repair: a/c, explorer eddie bauer, vacuum leak

Question
I have a 96 explorer Eddie Bauer awd w/ a 5.0. My a/c will only blow out of the defrost vents regardless of the control setting. I have checked the vacuum lines I could get to, and they were fine. Any ideas as to what the problem may be? Thanks!

Answer
Hello David,
    There are also other components in that vacuum system to check. There is a one-way check valve in the supply line under the hood that must hold. You can check it by removing it and trying to blow through it both ways, which you shouldn't be able to do. Also, there is a storage reservoir underneath the plastic fenderwell cover on the passenger side. Sometimes when a collision repair is done, it is not hooked back up, or sometimes the line comes off. The reservoir itself is not likely the problem, because usually they will just cause a vacuum bleed-off under acceleration, same with the check valve. Also, under the dash on the right hand side, make sure that the vacuum line for the recirculation door has not been kicked off. If it is at defrost all of the time, then most likely you are going to find a big vacuum leak for the supply, or a bad control switch/assembly. If the vehicle has automatic air cond., and there is good vacuum supply to the control panel, then the panel is bad. I just did one for that problem last week, so that is something to keep in mind also.
    I hope this info helps, and good luck. Sorry for taking so long, too.  Shaun.