AC not blowing through vents

[88LTDCV351]

Hi all,

I've noticed its been getting warm in the car. I felt by the windshield and even though everything was off, its still warm air leaking out of the defrost slits on the dashboard.

So today, its actually kind of warm here so I had to turn the A/C on. Well, its not blowing out of the vents but instead its blowing out of the defrost slits on the dashboard even at full blast. I figure its a blend door vacuum motor or something gone bad.

Is it an easy fix? I'd like to avoid paying the mechanic labor fees and do the fix myself if its possible and within my mechanical skills.

Thanks,

[fastblackmerc]

Sounds like you might need your EATC fixed. Send it to me & I'll fix it for you.

[Mr. Man]

If it's on Auto the car decides where to send the air. How it knows where to send it :dunno:

[RoyLPita]

I have rebuilt a/c control heads for a price plus core. PM me if interested.

[meanstreak69]

can be caused by a vacuum leak...

[DJCV]

Happened to me late last fall, when I needed A/C on a warm day, yet nothing worked properly. Defrost-vent flow is the default when the EATC takes a dump. You don't realize how vital the EATC is until it doesn't work!

You probably need new O-rings installed, and you many need a complete EATC overhaul. Do yourself a big favor and take up fastblackmerc on his generous offer.

[88LTDCV351]

OK. I think I'll look in my shop manual first and see if I can even handle removing the old EATC, thus if I could install it again. I'm not a mechanic but I dabble in some of my own things like oil changes, etc.

If I have to take it in to a shop, then I'd probably just have them replace it. They seem to not like when I bring in my own parts.

Thanks,

[dakslim]

OK. I think I'll look in my shop manual first and see if I can even handle removing the old EATC, thus if I could install it again. I'm not a mechanic but I dabble in some of my own things like oil changes, etc.

If I have to take it in to a shop, then I'd probably just have them replace it. They seem to not like when I bring in my own parts.

Thanks,

Search, fixed my EATC. There is a great write-up on fixing it. Many people have repaired theirs and it isn't that hard. PM me if you need "o" rings.:beatnik:

[RF Overlord]

88LTDCV351, if you bring it to the dealer, they WILL charge you in the vicinity of $700, as they WON'T repair the unit, they'll just replace it and the cost is outrageous. If you know which end of a screwdriver to hold, you can do this job yourself and save approx $690. The o-rings are like 5 bucks plus the price of the micro-brew you buy to congratulate yourself when the job is done.

[88LTDCV351]

Thanks guys. I found the the links to the past post helpful. First, I'm going to run the self test first on the EATC to see what codes I get (off and floor button similtaneously and then the automatic button).
I did try to take the finish panel off and couldn't get a good grip. I don't want to scratch or mess anything up. How is everyone else taking it off? Just jam something under a corner for leverage like the claw on my hammer? I want to get to the EATC so I can see if I can remove it so I can take up some offers here to fix it versus the stealership or mechanic prices.

Thanks,

[FordNut]

If you do end up taking it in for repair, makes sure and keep the old EATC unit.

[fastblackmerc]

Thanks guys. I found the the links to the past post helpful. First, I'm going to run the self test first on the EATC to see what codes I get (off and floor button similtaneously and then the automatic button).
I did try to take the finish panel off and couldn't get a good grip. I don't want to scratch or mess anything up. How is everyone else taking it off? Just jam something under a corner for leverage like the claw on my hammer? I want to get to the EATC so I can see if I can remove it so I can take up some offers here to fix it versus the stealership or mechanic prices.

Thanks,

Start removing the trim panel from the right hand side.

[88LTDCV351]

Ok, I'll try loosening it from the right hand side this time.

[88LTDCV351]

I tried the self test but it only read 888. I think that is the temp sensor.

But it was a bit chilly this morning as it has been. The shop manual says it has to be within a certain temp range to do the test or else it will give a false code of temp sensor. It was 55 degrees so it should have been warm enough.

[hwy73]

Start removing the trim panel from the right hand side.

Open the front passenger door. Grab the trim panel on the right end where it wraps around the end of the dash. Pull.........it wll pop the clips one at a time as you work to the left toward the A/C controls. It's all one piece all the way over to the right side of the steering column. Clock (if equiped) and Rear Defrost switch will come with. 4 screws holding EATC panel will be exposed.

[Black_Kannin]

This is crazy....Mines only blows defrost and floor but not vent....I don't trip about it because the defrost still heats/cools the whole car easily but I def would love to learn how to do that "EATC" repair myself!!

[VAmarauder03]

I have one brand new unit i will sell. id like to get $350 for. I also have varius used ones that id like to get $150 for, i will verify proper working order before sold to anyone.

[RF Overlord]

I def would love to learn how to do that "EATC" repair myself!!Then read the first sticky at the top of this forum.

[Lou]

I'm haveing the same problem but it seems like if I'm on the gas it comes out the defroster vents but if I let up on the gas it comes out the vets OK. Does this sounds more like a vacuum leak???

[LeoVampire]

I'm haveing the same problem but it seems like if I'm on the gas it comes out the defroster vents but if I let up on the gas it comes out the vets OK. Does this sounds more like a vacuum leak???

Yes that does sound like a vacume leak some where.

[88LTDCV351]

Now it will not blow. Bad blower motor?

[dakslim]

Now it will not blow. Bad blower motor?

Sounds like it could be the BCM (blower control module). I just replaced mine a week ago. Here is the thread that I used to replace mine. Good luck.

Note: I removed the plug after I got the unit off the firewall.

Phil

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=48707&highlight=ixlr8

[dakslim]

Now it will not blow. Bad blower motor?

Try tapping on the unit...sometimes it will jog it enough to get it to work for a while. If it does, then you will know for sure that it is the BCM. Hope you got the "o" rings.

[InglewoodAwk]

Guess I got the same problem. The cold air only cycles through the floor and defrost vents. I can cycle it from OFF and Vent until I get it to blow outside air out the vent. From there I can hit A\C or MAX A\C and hope that it stays on for more that a minute before cycling to the other positions and skiping the vents. If I tell you guys what I've been doin with the car , you might not help me but I definitely need my A\C. Workin 2 jobs and goin to school full time. Don't really have any time or tools.

[88LTDCV351]

Phil, sounds like the BCM is exactly what I need now. Thank you so much for directing me to that link.

Oh, and I did get the envelope but the inner envelope only had the letter in it. I think at some point the o-rings must have come out of the inner envelope by the US mail.

[dakslim]

Phil, sounds like the BCM is exactly what I need now. Thank you so much for directing me to that link.

Oh, and I did get the envelope but the inner envelope only had the letter in it. I think at some point the o-rings must have come out of the inner envelope by the US mail.

Ok, I'll send you some more. This is getting to be an ongoing saga. lol

[HotRodKristina]

Is there a trick to getting those heater hoses off the firewall? Mine seem to be welded on lol.... got my EATC done this weekend, but I got tired of fighting those hoses :mad2::mad2:

[dakslim]

Is there a trick to getting those heater hoses off the firewall? Mine seem to be welded on lol.... got my EATC done this weekend, but I got tired of fighting those hoses :mad2::mad2:

I only had to take the right one, inboard, off and it was a b*^&*h to get loose.:( Put a shallow pan under it to catch the antifreeze...I didn't and made a mess.:P

[rauder775]

What does the "888" diagnostic code mean? I saw earlier it referenced as a "temp sender". I re-looked at my EATC and am about to try tapping on the BCM to see if it "wakes up" but feel like I'm just chasing my tail here...

[MMarauder03]

This is crazy....Mines only blows defrost and floor but not vent....I don't trip about it because the defrost still heats/cools the whole car easily but I def would love to learn how to do that "EATC" repair myself!!
I was driving today, first time I ever had to turn on the ac since I bought the car temp read 104 on the temp reading. Turned on ac and it just blew cold air on my feet... It was really disappointing. Was unaware of the eatc problem till now. Unlike you though, my ac just wasn't cutting it today. Lol

[88LTDCV351]

O-rings worked for quite some time. Then Had the BCM and blend door actuator replaced over the years. Was working good until Marauderville XIII. Now its blowing the A/C out the vents and defrost. I think I need another set of o-rings. So looking for more o-rings to do the o-ring repair again.

[fastblackmerc]

O-rings worked for quite some time. Then Had the BCM and blend door actuator replaced over the years. Was working good until Marauderville XIII. Now its blowing the A/C out the vents and defrost. I think I need another set of o-rings. So looking for more o-rings to do the o-ring repair again.

Make sure you get silicone o-rings and use silicone dielectric grease on them. You could also have a bad EATC or a cracked vacuum body inside the EATC.

[88LTDCV351]

I found the leftover o-rings that dakslim sent me many years ago. I thought there was five but I think one was loose in the envelopes so I must have just lost it. Anyway, all I need is 4. So I broke one using a j-hook to get over the hump of the rod. Replaced the other 3 and gave the EATC a shot. Blows cold A/C out of the passenger side but nothing out of the driver side. Anyone have an extra o-ring they don't mind sending me so I can finish this? :-(

[RF Overlord]

The EATC doesn't control the panel vents individually, there's only one output. If you get air from one side but not the other, the problem is in the air ducting behind the dash.

[88LTDCV351]

I figured it out. And I feel stupid. I guess the driver side vents were closed. So its working now and I get cold A/C through the vents. :-)

[88LTDCV351]

So what O-rings should I get to be ready for when this happens again?

[RF Overlord]

If you used silicone o-rings, it should never happen again...

[fastblackmerc]

If you used silicone o-rings, it should never happen again...

Silicone dielectric grease won't hurt either.

[88LTDCV351]

OK, I know its been said here before but what size o-rings and where do you suggest I purchase them?

Thanks.

[RF Overlord]

The size is standard...it's called -007 (dash 007). They can be bought many places, even some well-stocked hardware stores. The part that's important is that they be silicone, not Viton or nitrile.

[88LTDCV351]

Thanks. I'll look for those.

Also, I noticed last night that the vent and floor button no longer light up. I assume there is a bulb in there that burnt out. How do I get at them and what bulb or LEDs do I replace them with?

[fastblackmerc]

Thanks. I'll look for those.

Also, I noticed last night that the vent and floor button no longer light up. I assume there is a bulb in there that burnt out. How do I get at them and what bulb or LEDs do I replace them with?

I replace them with LEDs. there is alot of soldering involved as it's not anything that is plug-n-play.

BTW... I charge $35.00 to convert the buttons and fan switch to LEDs and I'll also replace the o-rings.

[88LTDCV351]

I replace them with LEDs. there is alot of soldering involved as it's not anything that is plug-n-play.

BTW... I charge $35.00 to convert the buttons and fan switch to LEDs and I'll also replace the o-rings.

OK, sounds a little beyond my skills for the LEDs. I kind of need my defrost these days but I'll see if I can do without it for awhile. I assume your paypal and address are the same?

[fastblackmerc]

OK, sounds a little beyond my skills for the LEDs. I kind of need my defrost these days but I'll see if I can do without it for awhile. I assume your paypal and address are the same?

I can repair it and get it back to the P.O. next day.

PM sent.