Super hot air blowing from rear lower vents with ac on

98 Windstar GL with front and rear heat and a/c controls. A/C works well in the front, but only heat blows from the lower rear vents. Ceiling vents do not work at all. Fan speed controls work ok but it is heat no matter if the front control is set to red or blue settings. Anybody know how this could be?

The search function for "rear AC" reveals some good reading...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=426908&highlight=rear+ac

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=581024&highlight=rear+ac

Many times, it is a faulty rear AC/Heat control switch in the front dash panel.

Thank you dougand3, is was interesting reading and in my case was the rear control on the front dash panel. Had to get part from the dealer ($28) and install. It is worth noting that the switch did not fail electrically as the fan controls were working. The vacuum was not reaching the rear system when the a/c switch was on, so it was stuck in the heat position. Once the new switch transferred the suction the system worked normally again. Thanks again this diagnosis was on the money!!

I just got a 1997 WS GL and have the identical rear A/C hot air problem. After reading the above strings, I bought the F68Z-19986-AA "SWITCH ASY" for $32.03 + tax from Ford. Wasn't in stock, but they had it for me the next day. I will install this weekend and report on the results.