My Explorers heat and air conditioning is fouled up. The heat stayson every mode except MAX AC. Turning the other dial from blue to red does absolutely nothing as it stays hot. Basically the air conditioner only works on max AC,every other function the air will come out hot, turning turning the dial doesnt have any effect on air temp.This is also very annyoing when its cold becuaseI cant adjust my heat its just blows hot no matter how much I turn the dial. The blower is not an issue as it blows from low to high fine and I know its not the Ac compressor because the Max Ac works fine. Any one know what this problem is??? thanks
Rich

 

Sounds like a blend door problem.. The temp selector blue/red incorporates a potentiometer connected to an electrically operated 'temp'blend door motor in the heater plenium (heater box).. Depending on the position selected on the panel determines the amount the blend door is opened/closed.. Duringthe MAX A/C function, the heater control valve is at FULL vacuum closing off incoming heated/hot coolant to the heater core and is why you still have A/C function there.. In the regular A/C function,, the heater control valve is at zero vacuum 'allowing' heated/hot coolant to the heater core which is why you loose cooling in that selection.....

 

Can I get to the potentiometer from underneath the dash board, or is it easier to remove the glove box? Do you know exactly what part I would need. Thanks for your help,

Rich

 

I am having the exact problem with my 98 explorer. I have taken it to the Dealer who wanted 1000 dollars to pull the dash and try and find the problem. I have taken it to various other shops trying to find out what the problem is. I too would like to know how to get to the potentiometer to replace it.

 

Had a blend door problem with my 96 Eddie Bauer. The blend door motor over ran its stop and jammed in one position. Got lots of cool air could get no heat despite the fact everything else was working properly. I took it to my mechanic and he had to remove the dash to get to unit. The motor for the door sits in a slot in a large plastic assembly. He had to replace the entire plastic unit because it is one large , long piece. Cost $600.00!! This is a problem with the blend door as I have seen the problem listed in some publications I believe Edmunds when I researched common Explorer problems. My mechanic said it was alot of work removing dash and replaceing it. Cost mostly labor, he said he would never do such a job again. Must have been a pain in the ***. This job was done several years ago probably costs more now. Hope this helps.

 

you're probably gonna need a heater case and an blend door actuator, the blend door is probably broken and the only way to replace it is to replace the whole case, and it is not a bad idea to put an actuator in while you're there

 

My blend door makes a noise when starting my AC and only slightly cool air is blowing whether on auto air of max air. The compressor cycles frequently. Do you think this is the same problem that you described?

 

Hey there, Been having the same problem w/ my 98Explorer as Richie456and had it to the dealer today. They said that I needed a new heater box $303.95 + tx and labour @ $72.95/hr. Is this the same thing as the potentiometer or is this even a part of the box. Can anyone offer any suggestions or explain the part to me. I'm a Paramedic, Better at fixing people than trucks!!

Thanks

 

I just got the exactly same problem, and mine is 98 Explorer also.
Does anybody solve the problem by themselves?
How? and what's the location of the heater box.

Thanks

 

Mines working fine on heat but no ac had the blenddoor actuator replaced last year $1200 was cold for about 1 day then nothing replaced entire ac system thinkong that was issue. Is this still a blend door actuator issue..?