Possible heating issue? 2013 XLT

[sumzxr7]

Hi fellow Explorer owners..

Not too sure if this is an issue or if it's something I have never noticed before with all of my other cars (I am 100% sure that I have never had this issue before) but it seems when I have the heater on (note the car is fully warmed up) and I am in motion driving the heat coming out is nice and warm based on the heat setting I have (in this case the highest setting for heat) BUT when the car comes to a stop for whatever reason (say at a traffic light) the heater is not as warm and is lukewarm (say around the mid point between hot and cold). Then when I am back in motion its fine and gets 'hotter'.

I took it to the dealer and they said the heating levels are fine and there is no issue. The problem is I don't think this is normal - as I am 100% I don't have this issue with my 1995 Mustang GT or my wife's 2007 Mazda 3, let alone all of the other cars I have owned in the past.

Curious if anyone else has this issue and if its normal for the Explorers of our generation.

Regards

 

[peterk9]

Hi fellow Explorer owners..

Not too sure if this is an issue or if it's something I have never noticed before with all of my other cars (I am 100% sure that I have never had this issue before) but it seems when I have the heater on (note the car is fully warmed up) and I am in motion driving the heat coming out is nice and warm based on the heat setting I have (in this case the highest setting for heat) BUT when the car comes to a stop for whatever reason (say at a traffic light) the heater is not as warm and is lukewarm (say around the mid point between hot and cold). Then when I am back in motion its fine and gets 'hotter'.

I took it to the dealer and they said the heating levels are fine and there is no issue. The problem is I don't think this is normal - as I am 100% I don't have this issue with my 1995 Mustang GT or my wife's 2007 Mazda 3, let alone all of the other cars I have owned in the past.

Curious if anyone else has this issue and if its normal for the Explorers of our generation.

Regards

I have a 2011 Limited and have the Climate temp set at 20 C and on Auto. I can't say I have noticed anything like you described not do I recall this particular issue being mentioned before.

Peter

 

[1995E]

There's a TSB on some A/C blend thing. Could be that. I think the Explorer's heating system works extremely well. The A/C system not so much. The heating system gets so hot that all my passengers complain for me to turn it off after 10 minutes and you can feel the heat from the defroster. I set the temperature at 70 - 75 degrees and it'll do that. The Explorer definitely has a really good heating system and if it feels like it's not warm enough, definitely something wrong with it. Try setting the temperature all the way up.

 

[Dr Plastic]

Why not just keep it on auto!

 

[peterk9]

Why not just keep it on auto!

Perhaps the OP doesn't have the Dual Automatic Temperature Control Sony panel?

Peter

 

[sumzxr7]

I do leave it on auto time to time, but I like to control my temps and always want it on the highest fan speed and temp in the winter months....

I will take it in again ...as I don't think it should work this way..anyone else even notice this or am I just really **** ?

 

[peterk9]

I do leave it on auto time to time, but I like to control my temps and always want it on the highest fan speed and temp in the winter months....

I will take it in again ...as I don't think it should work this way..anyone else even notice this or am I just really **** ?

I leave mine on AUTO full time. When the engine warms up the blower comes on full force until the set temp is reached (20 C), then it slows down to maintain that temp, even with the -25 C temps we have been having. Works just like the furnace in my home. If you need it on full all the time then I would say you have a problem.

Peter

 

[JennyB]

2012 Ford Explorer Ltd Insufficient Heat at Idle

I have the same problem! It's been in the dealer 4 times now and they have determined the only fix is to reprogram the computer or to replace the hoses with something smaller. The engineers at Ford will not even revisit this issue unless there are more complaints from consumers. I am so disappointed in their level of customer service and this process in general. It takes 47 minutes for my vehicle to reach operating temperature and when driving the heat will blow cold if I am stopped. It will only work when RPM's are up. They said it's not heater core and not thermostat. They tested another like vehicle on the lot and the same results. This means to them it's normal operating characteristic. So in other words, every single one out there is doing the same thing!! SO they won't fix it!!

 

[peterk9]

I have the same problem! It's been in the dealer 4 times now and they have determined the only fix is to reprogram the computer or to replace the hoses with something smaller. The engineers at Ford will not even revisit this issue unless there are more complaints from consumers. I retained a lawyer today and will be pursuing legal action. I am so disappointed in their level of customer service and this process in general. It takes 47 minutes for my vehicle to reach operating temperature and when driving the heat will blow cold if I am stopped. It will only work when RPM's are up. They said it's not heater core and not thermostat. They tested another like vehicle on the lot and the same results. This means to them it's normal operating characteristic. So in other words, every single one out there is doing the same thing!! SO they won't fix it!!

Welcome JennyB. :wavey:
Regardless of what they say, this is not normal. I would have contacted the Ford rep, Crystal (FordService) on the forum and requested her assistance to get this issue addressed. Now that you have retained a lawyer I'm not sure if she is able to do anything for you. You can always try. Here is the link;
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=157968
When you PM, be sure to include your full name, best daytime phone number, VIN, mileage, and servicing dealership in your message.

There is a TSB for a 'Sticking Blend Door'.
12-1-8 DUAL AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (DATC) - BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR INOPERATIVE
Although it says it is for 2011 models it may be something to check out. The TSB is listed in the 'Sticky' section, http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343204
Good luck.

Peter

 

[JennyB]

Hi Peter, thank you so much for your reply! I completely agree that this is not "normal", more like it's not acceptable. The manager at my dealership agrees with me but it seems that this is the proper procedure?? I will try to contact Crystal and see if she can help me. I have not retained a lawyer yet, I really just wish they would address the issue, I have no desire to get into a legal battle over this.

 

[JennyB]

Below is what I received from the Ford Rep. I understand that there is nothing Crystal or Tracy can do for me at this point but it doesn't make it any less frustrating!! Stating that this is a normal operating characteristic should not mean they don't have to fix it!!! It's not normal of any other vehicle on the road. Beyond frustrated.


Hi Jenny,

I checked out your case and see that you've been working with CSM Tracy on your concern. Unfortunately, I do not have the ability to escalate beyond the CSM level. I'm happy to arrange for a follow-up call from Tracy so she can discuss the decision made in your case; if you'd like me to proceed, just let me know and I'll make it happen.

Crystal




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[voltch]

No Heat at idle / Heat fluctuation

Hello All,
I have an issue with the heat on my 2013 Explorer. When at idle, I feel a temperature drop. On a very cold day, the heat is barely warm that blows out of the vents when at idle.
I have seen this problem also last winter, but just recently took it to the dealer to get it looked at. They replaced the thermostat, and it has improved but still not totally fixed. Which they saw themselves as well. The temperature drop measured from the vents is currently between 20 to 30 degrees. Basically its hot when im driving, but barely warm when idling/parked. Vehicle has around 68k. The dealer told me they were gonna contact ford but have not gotten back to me yet. They mentioned there was a service bulletin for that type of issue, but no type of recall.

Funny thing is , I took a ride in a ford edge the same day when the dealer dropped me off while they were looking at the truck, and felt the same kind of temperature drop at idle.

Is this a normal occurrence for ford trucks?

 

[jmr061]

Is the coolant level full? People have the same issue when coolant is low.

 

[voltch]

Ill have to double check that when I get back home, but the dealer did not mention anything about the coolant being low and I have not had anyone tell me that when I have gone in for service (oil changes at dealer)

The dealer did mention that they put a vacuum on it to see if there could be some air pocket causing the issue. They said they put the vacuum on for 20 minutes. I got the truck back yesterday and they wanted me to drive for a couple days to see if it improves.

 

[LukerDooker]

Also ask about a TSB for a 'blend door actuator' problem, the internal vent controls/components that mix warm & outside air dont work correctly or are stuck in 1 position.

 

[peterk9]

voltch, I have merged your thread with this existing one. It would also be helpful if you added the model of your Explorer to your profile so it appears in the margin.

Peter

 

[voltch]

I checked this evening and the coolant does seem low. I will add some more coolant and post the results.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

I have a 2015 XLT and I don't notice my heat doing this once the Engine is at peak operating temperature after about 3 minutes of driving. It's been pretty cold here lately (15 degrees F) as well. I will say that before the Engine reaches peak operating temperature, I do notice a slight fluctuation in heat level blowing from the vents but no where near a 30 degree difference and like I said before, it doesn't happen once the engine is completely warmed up. I also do not use the "Auto" feature as I like my heat cranked into high gear throughout most of my 20 minute commute to work at 5AM. Sometimes it will get a little too hot and I'll turn the fan speed down but by that time, I'm usually almost at work.

 

[voltch]

I checked this evening and the coolant does seem low. I will add some more coolant and post the results.

Ok so I added more coolant this morning but I am still seeing the same issue. Let me add a little more to this issue, maybe other owners have the same issue but havent noticed if they dont crank the heat. Maybe some ford techs are on here that can chime in.

On a cold day, Turn the heat up to the max (85 degrees) then turn the fan up to the max. I tested it today and still have a 30 degree drop in temperature with those settings.
im measuring around 100 degrees at the vent at idle and 130 degrees at the vent when the truck is in motion.

if i use the lowest fan setting i see only around 5 degree drop.

Im gonna touch base with the dealer next week.

 

[peterk9]

I don't know what the heated air temperature should be but 130 degrees seems very high to me. I don't know if it is the same as exposure to 130 degree water or not in which it takes 30 seconds for 3rd degree burns for most adults.

Peter