Heater thermostat doesn't seem to be working

[Exp_Steve]

drove home from Kansas the other day and the front was pretty chilly even though the temp was set on 74. I increased the temp, which seemed to help, but it still seemed incorrect.

Seemed to be feeling some cold air blowing in around front of the passenger door.

Does the temp guage go haywire over time on these vehicles?

2003 Ford Explorer V8 Limited.

 

[FordFool2]

Steve, I can't answer your question but at least share your concern. We have the 2004 EB with the electronic temperature control, same as yours.

I have experienced, on occasion, cooler temperature in the vehicle while driving. This is typically on long duration cold temperature trips on the highway or interstate.

On 12/22 while traveling I kept increasing the electronic setpoint to feel warm. And no, it's not me since my wife was feeling the same. I had the temperature set to 78 F just trying to feel comfortable with the outside temp at 18 F.

The rear heater was on, keeping the kids warm in the back. They kept requesting to turn the rear heat down, they were getting too hot.

I noticed that the air exiting the high rise counsol was quite warm. However, at the same time I felt pretty cool air exiting the floor heat duct up front. Now I am not sure how this is possible because I thought the "blended air" was directed to the various discharge locations (defrost, vents, floor). I had the temperature control set to single (not dual control) so the blended temperature should trying to control to one setpoint.

I replaced both of the blend door actuators last year so I really don't know what could cause these symptoms.

Hopefully my experiences can help you or least perk the interest of someone that has knows the answer.

 

[nebexplorer]

Recirculation door is probably broken off...

 

[FordFool2]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Not the dreaded recirc door! Last year I pulled the entire dash to change out the upper plenum assembly. The defrost door had broken and was blocking air to the windshield. I proactively replaced both blend door actuators and confirmed the air actuated motors worked properly. I just read up on the recirc door so will have to troubleshoot to see if that is really it.

Boy, the HVAC system on the Explorers are full of defects. Defects that take consideral time and effort to resolve.

 

[nebexplorer]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Not the dreaded recirc door! Last year I pulled the entire dash to change out the upper plenum assembly. The defrost door had broken and was blocking air to the windshield. I proactively replaced both blend door actuators and confirmed the air actuated motors worked properly. I just read up on the recirc door so will have to troubleshoot to see if that is really it.

Boy, the HVAC system on the Explorers are full of defects. Defects that take consideral time and effort to resolve.

I mean, you could just duct tape all the outside air vents

Yea, not a single ###### was given the day they designed the HVAC...

 

[FordFool2]

Just checked and it's not the recirc door. I can view it opening and closing on command. Must be something else....

 

[Exproblems]

Disregard!

 

[wheelsup69]

Are you low on coolant? Believe it or not, it would have the same effect.

 

[merc240d]

Low coolant

My wife complained that there wasn't any heat. Checked controls then the coolant level. I pored 1-1/2 gal of coolant into the system! Heat came back, but it does not feel like it is all there. A little short.

Didn't find any leaks. The Eng temp guage was where it's always has been, and the systems check said eng temp is OK.

This loss has happened over 13 months or so. Would this be a normal amount of loss due to the time involved?

Jim