Weak A/C Airflow and Strange Noise

[SmittyEisenhower]

Alright, well I am brand new to writing on forums and to the Explorer community so bear with me. I just bought my 2004 Explorer XLS in early January with 97k miles and not knowing much about it’s past. Well now it’s starting to get hot in Texas, and when I crank up the A/C I notice something strange. The air pressure given off through the vents is really, really weak. I have it to where I close all vents but the two on either side of me and it’s still really weak. The fan seems to be making a lot of noise for the amount of air it puts out. I’m just thinking there’s a blockage somewhere. When I turn it to “4” it buzzes really loud and still doesn’t put out sufficient airflow. I have no problems whatsoever with temperature. The cold is ice cold and the heat is hot. Just having trouble with it getting to me.

Also, another thing that leads me to believe there’s a problem is a loud “clunk” or “pop” noise coming from the dash from behind the radio area. It only happens once and just about always when I turn the A/C to the off position. I turn it off, the actuators hiss and then “CLUNK”. I’m not sure what this is but I’m pretty sure these two problems might be related. I can also hear the same sound sometimes when changing the dial to MAX AC or even sometimes when turning the temperature dial.

Now I’ve done some research all throughout this site for the past week trying to nail this problem. I’ve seen many many threads talking about the “Blend door” or its actuator. So I’m just curious which it is. A broken door? A broken actuator? Something else? And would this have anything to do with my restricted airflow?
I just need to know which specific part is the culprit.

Any input on this and how to fix it is much appreciated. Thank you

 

[Rarestace]

it could be the blower motor on its way out if its making noise

 

[SmittyEisenhower]

Well I'm still not sure what's going on. It's not a huge deal. Since its not cold anymore and I'm not switching the temperature dial back and forth the *pop* has ceased. But I'm still getting weak air pressure through the vents, and turning the fan too high is too noisy and scary because it sounds really buzzy. It might be the motor, I have no clue. I just don't have the time or money to have it checked out and fixed (if there is a fix).

 

[swetrid]

blower motor squirel cage can break and cause noise and also the fresh air/recirc door breaks off and blocks blower motor air flow.

 

[mhlott]

The blend door control arm is broken off. It is real common on these. I'm still looking for a fix but you can take off the glove box door and look to your left under the dash and see the broken part. Start the motor and turn the AC from heat to max aid and you will see the dash pot move that should be connected to the arm on the blend door.