2002 Explore A/C Issues

pilotkitch · 08-11-2010, 01:38 PM

Two things going on here; first is with the front controls, the amount of airflow stays constant in the max a/c, top vents only, and top/floor mix and is less forceful than it should and used to be. The next is with the rear A/C, there is a constant "tick" "tick" "tick" that comes from the far aft driver side panel. Have tried cycling from top vents to floor and back but "ticking" remains when rear system is on. Has anyone seen these issues before or have any idea what could be causing them? Thanks

PK

Cuda_jim · 08-11-2010, 01:53 PM

When the the air flow is stuck on defrost it's a sure sign of a vacuum leak.
The controls in the rear HVAC is vacuum operated too. Might explain the tick, tick.

phantom · 08-11-2010, 02:27 PM

The clicking is from the blend door actuator most likely,try moving the temperature warmer and warmer until it stops.It is possible it could be the mode door actuator but not as likely.

What is airflow like in fresh air mode ?

oldtimer35 · 08-11-2010, 02:30 PM

Rear is a electronic door actuator, the gear is stripped and will not go to full position, so it just sets there making noise. The front has both electronic actuators and vacuum motors. Do you have dual zone temp control or manual a/c? Are you saying that it will not blow through the vents, only defrost and floor?

pilotkitch · 08-11-2010, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by oldtimer35

Rear is a electronic door actuator, the gear is stripped and will not go to full position, so it just sets there making noise. The front has both electronic actuators and vacuum motors. Do you have dual zone temp control or manual a/c? Are you saying that it will not blow through the vents, only defrost and floor?

The system is the manual version without dual zone up front. The defrost and heat side of the system (everything to the right of OFF) works as advertised. An example of what is happening is, with the fan set on any certain number 1-5 and the mode selected to vent/floor the floor has air flow and so does the vents; if you change the mode to vent only or MAX A/C there is no increase in airflow. System is very loud for the amount of air that is being produced.

With respect to the rear air and the ticking noise, i tried using a warmer temp and the clicking stopped after about a quarter turn (don't use the heat much in south florida)... Is the rear blend door actuator as difficult to change as the front one sounds?

phantom · 08-12-2010, 06:26 AM

Its not to bad if you have basic tools and mechanical ability. I would check the recerk door for a plastic bag or some other blockage.

Daverfl · 09-20-2011, 06:56 AM

Hi PK:
New to this forum, but the "Title" of your "post" caught my attention.
From the replies I've read, coupled with your original post, reads as IF your have two separate problems?

I have one, which is "in common" with one of yours: The only way to "cool-down" the front passenger area, is to have my A/C on Max; air flow is best when the "zone selector" is set to Defrost or Max (NO outside air, just recirced air.)

Although I read ALL the replies to your post, I could only glean the following from them, when it comes to the above-stated problem: vacuum hose(s), door actuator(s), and possibly "trash" (or something), clogging a return area.

What I did not read was HOW does one access these areas, where these devices, hoses and door(s), are at? You would NOT insult me by suggesting "Chilton's", "Hayes" , or some similar, model specific Repair Manual(s). I have BOTH Hayes & Chilton's: Hayes is good for "How to pictures"; Chilton's for written "How To Do's..."
However, after purchasing a "Trim Set (6) Tools", from Harbor Freight, I am still no daunted when I look at what I discover, behind all the trim one removes to access all the suggested vacuum hoses, actuators and the mystery "clogged door" location.

Have those that replied, openly, to your "original post", secretly messaged you as to what and where to look, once you have all this "trim", panels, etc., removed?

IF you, or anyone else, has a suggestion(s), I am ALL EYES.

Respectfully,
Daverfl

PS: I am a 4th generation, S. Floridian, from the Gables.

Skyhawk · 09-22-2011, 10:39 AM

Take a look at the web site www.heatertreater.net/Ford. IF you have a blend air door problem they have a solution as well as videos on the "how to". The blend air door is plastic and it is very common for the plastic shaft to break, especially at the point where the actuator connects to the door. If this is not your specific problem this web site is helpful in locating the components you are interested in as they have pictures and videos.