Heater will not work?

You may have to check the directional doors/actuators under the dash. This guide and video can help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-heater-not-working

and

https://youtu.be/SNRb6pSwYuU

Please run down these guides and report back.

You can do a self-test for some hvac codes.

The self test will help you if you have an Auto temp control system but not if yours is manual.

Your going to have to access the blend door actuator under the dash to see if it's working or if the door may be jammed.

Here is a TSB about a problem they were having with that vehicle.

Article No.
98-23-20

11/23/98
FORD:
1997-98 CROWN VICTORIA, TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1997 TOWN CAR
1997-98 CONTINENTAL, GRAND MARQUIS, SABLE

LIGHT TRUCK:
1997-98 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to remove reference to the 1998 Town Car.
ISSUE
Some vehicles with a very low odometer reading may experience a lack of temperature control. This may be caused by the incorrect blend air door actuator being installed during the manufacturing process.

ACTION
Install the correct blend air door actuator. Refer to the following text and Actuator Chart to determine if the correct blend air door actuator is installed on the vehicle.

Vehicles which are equipped with manual and Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC) use different actuators. The actuators are marked "MAN" for manual and "EATC" or "ATC" for EATC systems. These markings are found on the part number sticker on the actuator.

1998 actuators differ from 1997 actuators on some vehicles (Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, Continental, Explorer/Mountaineer) and are not interchangeable. Installation of the wrong actuator can cause potentiometer failure on manual systems, and no temperature control for both manual and EATC systems, as well as Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 24 or 25 on EATC systems.

THat is a tough one. THis may sound elementary, but is the coolant full? Also, have you checked to make sure there isn't an air block. When the heater core hoses are hot, the only other thing that could be stopping heat is the blend door.

Let me know about the coolant level. Also, let me know if any work was done on the cooling system prior to the problem starting.

Joe

I'm not following the question, what is mild air? Any time ANY part be it a hose pipe clamp gasket. Etc. Etcleaks, it's not favorable.

You could have a "Blend Door Actuator" problem.
The door is not moving in the direction to receive hot air from the heater core. It is a very expensive repair.$1000+. The whole dash needs to be removed

With the engine hot, running, and the heater on high, are both heater core hoses hot? Also, is the coolant level full?

Let me know.

Joe

Hello again,

You could have a problem with electrolysis if the cooling system on the vehicle had strictly water running through it for an extended period of time. It will produce a lot of crude and debris that can clog the cooling system. I would remove the hoses going to the heater core and ensure that is not debris in them. Also you might want to check the water pump. There should be a hole on the bottom of it called a weep hole that will leak coolant if the water pump's bearing is starting to fail. Also check the tension on the serpentine belt and make sure that it is spinning the water pump sufficiently enough to keep the coolant circulating. Please get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros