Climate Control (AC)

[dvp]

I own a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT with a Manual heating and air conditioning system (the one with three dials/controls). I am looking at the section on "Controls and Features: Climate Control System" page 30 of my Owner's Guide (dated 1996. It states that in the "AC mode" both heating and air conditioning can be implemented. Is this also true for "Max A/C mode"? I am interested in being able to use the heater with REcirculated air. I attempted to do this by setting the airflow control to "Max A/C" and then setting the temperature to heat (all the way to the right) and I still get air conditioning (cold air) coming out of my vents. All I want to do is use my heater without having to breathe in everyone else's exhaust fumes. Is my climate control system not working or is this not possible to do on my model vehicle?

My second question is as follows: Is there a manual overide for the Floor Vents? I am trying to use "Max A/C" mode to air condition my upper body (the part that gets hit by the sun when I drive) without freezing my toes off (and of course without having to breathe in everyone else's exhaust fumes.)

Can anyone help?

David

 

[X24]

i know there was a problem with the blend door on some explorers. mine is broken but i am not gonna pay to fix fords mistake (about $800 to fix). so in a few weeks i will take it up with them. im not sure if 97's had the problem or not. do a search for "blend door" and take a look. hope this helps.

 

[Robert]

Your A/C works the way Ford designed it. It was not designed to allow for heated air in Max Cool setting. There is an easy work around and I do it to my '97 every year about this time. There is a heater control solenoid down my the passenger side exhaust manifold on the heater line. When you put the control in Max A/C it activates this solenoid through a 1/8" vacuum line. Disconnect the vacuum line and plug it up with a golf 'T'. Tape off the hose going to the solenoid so it doesn't fill up with dirt and debris. It will allow you to have full heat when in the recirculated mode.

 

[dvp]

Thanks 98FordX24 & Robert for your reply. I really appreciate it!

Robert,
It's good to know there is nothing wrong with my blend door and that my system is working the way it should. I haven't been under a hood since I had my '79 Monte Carlo 6 years back! I'll give it a try, but most likely you'll be hearing from me again.

Thanks Again,

David