Need help Fixing my Heat

I have a 1999 Ford Windstar with a V6 3.8L engine. The other day i started having problems with the heat. When i turn on the heat controls it blows cold air for about 10 mins and then slowly gets Hot and stays hot for about 10-15 min and slowly gets cold again. When its cold and i see its not getting hot i turn off the controls for about 5 mins and it blows hot for awhile. Can someone help me with this cause its getting cold down here in Alabama and i have a new born and i really need to get this fixed if its somthing i can do myself thanks

How is your engine temp.? Is it normal or low or high. Could be your thermostat not opening fully or stuck open and allowing water to flow normaly. Or you may need to change your coolant-antifreeze because your system may have gunk in it.I also know low coolant level can cause this problem as well. hope this helps

My engine Temp is fine. My Heat gets hot when im Accelerating but when i slow down it gets cool. The longer i have my foot on the Gas (For instance driving on the interstate) The longer my heat stays hot. Rear heat never gets hot just a little warm. I will try a coolant system Flush and see if it helps any.

Sounds like a flow problem. Try the flush and see what happens. I would guess if your belt was loose you would have heard it by now but it would be good to inspect it. After you flush the cooling system run it for a few minutes with cap off that should help get any air out of the system. At least that what I have done with no problems.

It could very well be your heater blend door. My 00 Windstar heater section gets stuck sometimes and cold air comes only. On shifting between heat and cold I hear the door trying to open but it sticks. Sometimes it opens right away and gives heat. your seems to have similar issue. Part is ~$50 from dealer. and you have to remove stereo to access it. do a search on blend door and you will see its a common problem.

It could very well be your heater blend door. My 00 Windstar heater section gets stuck sometimes and cold air comes only. On shifting between heat and cold I hear the door trying to open but it sticks. Sometimes it opens right away and gives heat. your seems to have similar issue. Part is ~$50 from dealer. and you have to remove stereo to access it. do a search on blend door and you will see its a common problem.

The price you are quoting is for an actuator, not the blend door. If it is the actuator, it is a little over $50 at the dealer. If the actual blend door is broken, the cost can be upwards of one THOUSAND at the dealer for a door that costs less than two dollars.

Thanks guys. I had my cooling system flushed and it solved the problem. My heat is working fine now. I just have to replace my alternator and belt. Thanks alot

I am having the same problem (no heat). I replaced the thermostat, then when I went to see if that had fixed it, I heard a clicking sound, like the blend door was stuck. There is still no heat, and the clicking comes and goes (apparently random). The clicking changes when I switch from cold to hot...from a "click-click" to a "clunk-clunk".

When I replaced the thermostat, I lost about a quart of antifreeze, and replaced it with new antifreeze.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

99 Windstar,
Sounds like you have a broken blend door or a blend door actuator.
Read this link or do a search of this fourm on "blend door"
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=617808

TOM

Yes, it was in fact the door actuator. Thanks for your help!

Yes, it was, in fact, the door actuator. Thanks for your help!