Heating system problems with your Taurus are typically not noticed until the weather begins to get cooler. The heating and cooling system both share common components and a problem found in one of the systems can often be found to have its cause in the other. Properly maintaining the cooling system can help keep the heating system functioning properly. The coolant, which is used to maintain the engine's temperature, also provides heat to the heating ducts, where it is distributed by the blower fan into the vehicle's interior.
Raise the hood of your Taurus and locate the coolant recovery tank, which is located at the right-front corner of the engine compartment. With the engine cold, the coolant level should be within the "Cold Fill" range, as marked on the tank. If the engine is warm, the level should be near the top of that range. If you need to add coolant, do so only after the engine has cooled. Never open the recovery tank cap while the engine is warm.
Start the vehicle and allow it to warm up. Once it has reached operating temperature, turn the heater control on and check if air is being blown from the vents. If not, the blower motor is not turning. This could be a faulty heater switch, a damaged blower motor or most likely, a blown fuse. Check the fuse first. Also check that the connection to the blower motor, found on the firewall, is intact.
Move the heater switch into different positions and see if the air begins to blow from the vents at a certain point in the switch's travel. If so, the switch is faulty.
Look for cold air coming from the vents. If the air is cold while the engine is warm, there could be a blockage in the heater hoses, which run into the firewall. With the heater on and the engine warm, carefully feel both heater hoses. If they are not both warm to the touch, there is possibly a blockage in the system. If no blockage is found, the thermostat is likely stuck open, preventing the coolant from warming sufficiently.
Inspect the carpet under the dashboard for any liquid that smells like coolant. If you notice this, or you notice an antifreeze-like smell coming from the vents, the heater core is leaking and must be replaced.
