1996 Ford Ranger Heater regulator problems

[tommyque]

If anyone can help it would be really awsome. The heat in my truck will allow me to adjust it. The heat will only come out really hot. I took the control panel out and all the connections were fine and I tested all the switces and they seemed to be fine also. It seems as though the vaccum lines are not opening the gate to allow the cool air to mix with the hot air to give me my desired tempature. I am not exactly sure how the whole system works but I have been doing some research. If any one has any idea what to do it would be much appreciated. Thanks,

[gary evans]

i have the same problem on my 98 3.0 ranger----the max air setting will blow cold but all other settings are super hot----i replaced the temperature selector switch with no results and i read somewhere that leaves a "blend door actuator," which sounds serious---i will try to let you know what i find out---gary

[tommyque]

That is exactly my problem. It is good that my max AC still works but it still is frustratin not to be able to regulate the tempature of the heat. I tore out my dash and tested all the switches with an ohm meter and they all seemed to work. I was told from a mechanic that when you have it on (for example) defrost, hot air is mixed with cool air to get the desired tempature. So I now that the hot is working just for some reason the cold air isn't mixing with it. I have been looking for a gate where the cold air comes in from to see if the vacuum lines to it are not working but i have been unsuccessful. If you pull your glove box down you can see one of the heater gates up on the right side. Do you know where the other is? I will keep trying to figure it out and let you know if I find anything. Thanks,

[gary evans]

Originally Posted by tommyque

That is exactly my problem. It is good that my max AC still works but it still is frustratin not to be able to regulate the tempature of the heat. I tore out my dash and tested all the switches with an ohm meter and they all seemed to work. I was told from a mechanic that when you have it on (for example) defrost, hot air is mixed with cool air to get the desired tempature. So I now that the hot is working just for some reason the cold air isn't mixing with it. I have been looking for a gate where the cold air comes in from to see if the vacuum lines to it are not working but i have been unsuccessful. If you pull your glove box down you can see one of the heater gates up on the right side. Do you know where the other is? I will keep trying to figure it out and let you know if I find anything. Thanks,

it is your blend door----it resides in a black box behind the glove box---there is a place on a website called "ford truck enthusiasts" that has a spot toward the top of the first page called "free blend door fix"---click on that and there are detailed instructions with photographs on how to do it------i did mine yesterday in about an hour and it is now working fine-----ford trucks are apparently famous for having this little part break that turns on the actuator arm that goes throuh the top of the black blending box, and when it breaks, the blend door inside the box will not move so you are usually stuck with totally hot or totally cold air-----ford wants about $1000 to fix it----if you cant find that site, write me back and i will try to give you better instructions---gary

[tommyque]

Originally Posted by gary evans

it is your blend door----it resides in a black box behind the glove box---there is a place on a website called "ford truck enthusiasts" that has a spot toward the top of the first page called "free blend door fix"---click on that and there are detailed instructions with photographs on how to do it------i did mine yesterday in about an hour and it is now working fine-----ford trucks are apparently famous for having this little part break that turns on the actuator arm that goes throuh the top of the black blending box, and when it breaks, the blend door inside the box will not move so you are usually stuck with totally hot or totally cold air-----ford wants about $1000 to fix it----if you cant find that site, write me back and i will try to give you better instructions---gary

Thanks a lot for the help. I think I am going to give it a shot this weekend. How many times did you have to redrill the hole? Thanks again for the help.
Tommy

[gary evans]

i had to redrill the hole 3 times and the last time i tried to hold the actuator in its hole with light pressure while i slowly operated the temperature switch until it seemed to drop in place----i dont know that i have it for sure, but now i have moderate temperature as well as heat and a/c, so at least i have some control now. good luck---gary

[tommyque]

Originally Posted by gary evans

i had to redrill the hole 3 times and the last time i tried to hold the actuator in its hole with light pressure while i slowly operated the temperature switch until it seemed to drop in place----i dont know that i have it for sure, but now i have moderate temperature as well as heat and a/c, so at least i have some control now. good luck---gary

I also had to redrill mine three times. Mine isn't perfect but good enough for me. Thanks again for the help. Much appreciated.

[Mac626]

Here is the website if anyone else is interested:

http://www.blenddoorfix.netfirms.com/

[rangermgs]

I used the link below last weekend and it took care of the problem for me. Great directions. Also had to drill three holes. I have a 97 Ford Ranger 4.0 4x4 with 98k miles.

Originally Posted by Mac626

Here is the website if anyone else is interested:

http://www.blenddoorfix.netfirms.com/

[tommyque]

Originally Posted by rangermgs

I used the link below last weekend and it took care of the problem for me. Great directions. Also had to drill three holes. I have a 97 Ford Ranger 4.0 4x4 with 98k miles.

I am glad that you were able to do so. Congratulations.

[potadah]

[hi Gary when you fixed the blenddoor did you have any trouble with the cut off nails bending? I have drilled 2 holes and the pins keep bending. One time I got cold air the other time i got hot. What am I doing wrong?

[Sour Kraut]

Ford / Mazda Blend Door Fix

You might try a using a drill bit insted of a nail. However, I would be concerned that the blend door is binding and will eventually shatter.

You can buy a new blend door on ebay for about $19 delivered and install it using the instuctions and pictures in the Ford Enthusiasts Forum.
This forum has pictures and instructions of every blend door repair conceivable.
These run the gammet from removing the heater box by removing the entire dashboard including the steering column (Only for the very brave or foolish. Warning these pictures are very explicit and may cause emotional distress.)
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...ad.php?t=59787

To the pin in the actuaor trick that you have tried.
I have a hunch that the best way to go may be to replace the blend door completly by cutting a hole in the bottom of the heater box.

Some pictures of what you might face with this fix are shown on:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gall...&albumid=12494

If you search both the above forums you will find a ton of info on the blen door problem