Heating issue

[merdock5]

Having some problems with the heat. With heat high and full blast the air coming out barely warms up. The temp guage reads below low and the check engine just came on. Just had tranny rebuilt and several days after getting it back noticed heater issue. Fluid level is O.K. Temp has dropped to 0-10 degrees outside so this is a priority. I plan on changing the fluid and flushing the heater core, and maybe changing the thermostat. I just hope it's not the %^&*^$ blend door!! Any ideas??

 

[merdock5]

more info

1998 explorer sport with 109,000 miles. Runs very good.
Fixed:
ball joints $400.00
control arm bearings $300.00
major tune up for rough idle $300.00
Tranny rebuilt (109,000 miles) $1700.00
NO HEAT ($-???????)

 

[jimbo74]

um, last i knew, there were no bearings in the control arm?

 

[PghBill]

Thermostat?

Could be the thermostat is stuck in the open position. Also, could be the blend door. I just had it fixed on my '97.

 

[twomedicine]

Sounds like, hopefully because you say your temp is low, the thermostat has failed in the open position.

Mine was bad at 71K on a 1999X.

Also, I believe your X falls into the defective blend door vintage, unfortunately, but the thermostat sounds like the most likely scenario

Don't know about the CE Light, something is throwin a code.

 

[parker2k]

My first guess would be to replace the thermostat. We have 2 Explorers (99 and 00), and we've replaced the thermostat 3 times in the 00 and 1 time in the 99.

However, since you mention the tranny - if it's automatic - it has fluid lines to the radiator (it sounds like you know that since you checked fluid levels). If those lines are kinked or if the fluid is not getting cooled by the radiator - it could affect your tranny.

Start with the thermostat - it's a cheap fix if it solves the problem.

 

[merdock5]

Fixed!!

I fixed it today. It was the coolant temperature sensor. I took it to Autozone and had them check the codes it came up low coolant temp and fuel mixture something. I had to get the part at the ford garage and replaced it and changed the coolant in about an 1 1/2 hours. Check engine light is out for now at least and I HAVE HEAT!!! By the way, autozone checks the codes for free!! Saved me $55.00.....

 

[merdock5]

fixed

sensor costs only $30.00 and it wasn't that hard to find and change out. I found that info about autozone on another post here. This site already has saved me quite abit of money. Thanks to all.