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

[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.

[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.