Ford Repair: Heater control, control cables, mode control

Question
Ken

On my recently acquired 1997 Ford Explorer XLT the heater blows warm air no matter what position the temperature control is in. The AC works perfectly in the Max AC position - the flap closes properly and the interior air is very well cooled. In all other modes for outside air the flap opens and warm air (from the heater)comes in even though the compressor is working. I have replaced the temperature control and the vacuum operated heater water valve. No vacuum connections appear disconnected or damaged. It appears that there is no vacuum being sent to the valve in any other mode than Max AC as the vacuum piston moves upwards when Max AC is selected. I did not want to replace the mode control (with vacuum connections) without seeking further advice on other possibilities.

With many thanks in advance.

Geoff Olive

Answer
Geoff,

It sounds like your control cables are bad from the knob. Alot of times the plastic insert that is connected to the cable that moves it from hot to cold breaks. I would check that before replacing the mode control. Hope that this helps. Good luck.

Ken