04 Explorer A/C Not Getting it Done

[Explorer41]

6 months ago I bought a used, good condition 2004 Explorer XLS with 70,000 miles on the clock. Had I been able to read some of the reviews on this car I might not have gotten it but my previous car blew the engine and I was stuck. So far my Explorer is doing OK but this site is a gold mine and has already given me things to keep an eye on.

I live in Florida and it is already hot and humid here and I am noticing the A/C is very weak. I have to run it with the blower switch set to three or four to get any cooling and yes I know it's a big vehicle with a lot of area to cool. I checked the freon yesterday and it was low so I added some and the car is cooling better but not as good as I think it should and I want to ask the group what have your experiences been with this car and its A/C system? Is there something I should be looking for with the A/C or does it just suck?

I have seen posts here referring to the "blend door" phenomenon but I am not sure if that might have any bearing on my problem. I think I know what a blend door is and mine seems to be working but maybe not.

If I can get some feedback from the group on this subject I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[esclamada]

There's a fresh air recirculation door that fails over time and falls off blocking the blower fan completely (stupid design), you have to check that out because that will restrict the flow of air. Quickest way to verify is set the fan at high and press the recirculate button, if you didn't notice any changes in the flow of air then that recirculate door fell off.


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...39010486.10799.110528882348605&type=3&theater


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[Explorer41]

There's a fresh air recirculation door that fails over time and falls off blocking the blower fan completely (stupid design), you have to check that out because that will restrict the flow of air. Quickest way to verify is set the fan at high and press the recirculate button, if you didn't notice any changes in the flow of air then that recirculate door fell off.


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...39010486.10799.110528882348605&type=3&theater


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MY MOUNTY
http://www.facebook.com/diyfordexplorer/photos_albums

Esclamada, thanks for the suggestion I will check it out. If that door has fallen off is it something that I can reasonably fix?

I don't have a lot of technical knowledge and am very hesitant to attempt complex repairs for fear of getting in over my head. Oil changes, tire rotations, spark plugs are my cup of tea. I looked at the tutorial of fixing the blend door that is posted here and it scares the heck out of me.

Thanks again.

 

[esclamada]

Removing that door is easy, fixing it requires partial removal of the dashboard. There's a thread here that shows that. In my case I just removed that door and it seems to be working ok, some tried to cover the inlet hole near the cowl to completely seal it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316624&highlight=fresh+air+door



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[Explorer41]

Removing that door is easy, fixing it requires partial removal of the dashboard. There's a thread here that shows that. In my case I just removed that door and it seems to be working ok, some tried to cover the inlet hole near the cowl to completely seal it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316624&highlight=fresh+air+door



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Esclamada, I think you called it right. There is no change when I switch from fresh to re-circulated air so I am guessing that door has dropped down. I will pull the glove box out this weekend and get a definitive look at the situation.

You said that I can just remove the door entirely. How do I do this? Is there enough space after I drop the glove box that I can pull that door out or do I have to cut it in half and take it out in pieces or is there another option? Thanks again.

 

[esclamada]

here's the thread

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=284042&highlight=fresh+air+door


I just remove the glove box, remove the screws and pry the recirc box open in half and snatch the door out. You don't need to open it up completely, its flexible and won't crack.

Note: that link is completely different from my previous post.. it was just shortened and they look the same.

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