front air blower switch?

[nigel1965]

97 windstar

Does this sound like the switch needs replacing?

The front blower works when the switch is moved to any setting, the A/C cools, but the air only comes out of the de-mister vents (including the slot that demists the side door) and the floor vents. None of the dashboard vents have air coming out (yes they are set to open). My first thought was the kids had stuffed something into a vent, but all of them not working?

Obviously the blower part of the switch is working, but it has 2 plugs into the back. I can't see any fuses blown.

Any ideas?

Edit. I have checked the vacuum lines and can't see any damage or disconnections.

there is a piston like the one in the picture below under the passenger dashboard (I found another post http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?t=1011063 ) and if I move that manually it makes no difference.



Thanks in advance

Nigel

[wiswind]

The blower switch controls ONLY the blower speed.
Where the air goes is a function of the selector for defrost, floor or vent.
This controls electrical signals to one of several vaccum actuators.
The defrost position is the default position for if there is NO vaccum to the actuator(s).

[nigel1965]

Originally Posted by wiswind

The blower switch controls ONLY the blower speed.
Where the air goes is a function of the selector for defrost, floor or vent.
This controls electrical signals to one of several vaccum actuators.
The defrost position is the default position for if there is NO vaccum to the actuator(s).

Sorry I should have been more precise, the selector switch.

I see this is the same answer to the other post, which I found after posting my question. So far I can find no break or damage to the vacuum lines.

The piston/actuator that controls the dash vents is actually on the drivers side. I shall keep checking the lines in case I missed anything. I was just wondering if the vacuum part of the switch could be at fault.

Thanks for replying, you have set me on the investigative tract. I would not have known where or what to look for until reading your old post.

Nigel

Edit

There appears to be vacuum in the system. When I break the multi connector under the drivers side I get a strong "hiss". So could it be a faulty actuator?

[wiswind]

I guess that it could be, or even a defective switch.....or disconnected switch.

[mark_gober]

I can offer you some advice....(only because my brother experienced a similar problem)

If you remove the radio, just behind the radio, there is a vacuum canister very similar to the one that you already included in your post. If you manually retract that vacuum cylinder, you should get air coming out of the front vents. If it does, you can zip tie it in that position. (or just replace it)

I hope that fixes your problem. It shouldn't take but just about 10 minutes to check.

Mark

[nigel1965]

wiswind-

So far I have established there is vacuum in the lines to the switch, I have purchased a blend door actuator as many people seem to think that's the most likely fault. I haven't installed it yet but when I connect the electrics and turn the selector switch the armature does not move (it look like it should).
I went to fords but they have a 2 week waiting list to get into the shop and they have discontinued the parts (don't you love that). It's getting pretty frustrating.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, I really do appreciate it.

Mark-

Oh I have thought about that and it's high on the list of probable actions right now.

[nigel1965]

The problem appears to have been solved !!!!!!!

The REAR air/heat selector switch.

I can't say if it was a problem with the vacuum part of the switch or the electrical side, but I went to an auto recovery yard and replaced the front selector switch, this didn't help so I decided while I was there to replace the rear switch and miracle of miracles it worked.

So my suspicions about it being a switch problem were almost correct, just I suspected the wrong switch.

As I hadn't installed the blend door actuator I returned it for a refund.

For the fix.

Total monetary cost - $10

Stress and hair loss - priceless.