Climate control will not turn off

SAJSTEVENS

MEMBER
2009 FORD ESCAPE
3.0L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
118,400 MILES

I am having an ongoing issue with climate control in my vehicle listed above Limited model. I cannot turn off the climate control system and the fan is stuck on high speed. When the power button is depressed the on/off light indicator will turn on and off, but the system remains on and the blower remains on high speed. I am able to operate the A/C and heat, change modes (defrost; face; feet) and the blend door functions normally when the temperature control is manipulated. I’ve verified with an ohmmeter that the two 10-amp fuses are good, and I’ve switched out the 40-amp fuse and the Climate Control Relay with no change. I bought and replaced the HVAC blower motor resistor module with no change. The cabin air intake is clean and clear of debris, and I installed a new cabin air filter. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The constant high speed blower noise is aggravatingly loud. Thank you for your time and consideration.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

The only way this can happen is if there is a short to power. So, I need you to try three things.

If you look below, I attached the wiring schematic. It shows two fuses and the relay. First, remove the relay and see if the blower motor turns off. If it doesn't, then we are getting power from a different circuit.

If it does turn off, remove one fuse at a time. Fuse 12 is what powers the blower motor when the relay closes, so I suspect it is good. However, check it anyway. Next, fuse 45 (5amp) is what energizes the coil in the relay causing the switch to close and send power to the motor. Remove that and see if that turns it off.

Here is the thing. The HVAC module provides a ground path that completes the circuit. There is an outside chance that has failed.

Try this and let me know what you find. Also, let me know if you are able to change the blower speed and I just want to confirm it has automatic climate control.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Monday, June 13th, 2022 AT 8:05 PM

SAJSTEVENS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Joe, thank you for the quick response. My vehicle does have Automatic Climate Control. I followed your directions and here are the results (all performed with the engine running):

Remove Climate Control Relay - the blower immediately stopped; all other functions seem to continue working (A/C compressor turned on and off, indicator lights would go on and off when features were selected.

Remove Fuse No. 15: (Fuse No. 12 was for the wiper relay) blower stopped; no other functions responded, seems than the HVAC module lost all power.

Remove Fuse No. 45: Same response as removing the climate control relay.

Best regards, Scot

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Tuesday, June 14th, 2022 AT 2:10 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Based on your findings, we don't have a short to power from a different circuit. That's a good thing. However, that leads me to feel the HVAC module is faulty. I attached a pic of its location below.

Before we condemn the module, we really should scan the can-bus. CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, all the computers/modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them. In this case, it would be the HVAC module.

If you have this done, I can tell where the problem is coming from. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Here is my rationale. I had you remove power to the blower motor from all points to confirm there wasn't a short to power. You confirmed that wasn't the case. You replaced the blower motor module, and it made no change. That leaves the HVAC module. I don't feel comfortable just suggesting it be replaced without testing. That is where the scan comes into play.

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Tuesday, June 14th, 2022 AT 9:10 PM

SAJSTEVENS

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Joe,

I figured it would end up being a bad switch in the HVAC module. I ordered a CAN scanner, and it will be here tomorrow (Friday). I'll get back to you with the results. Thanks!

Best regards, Scot

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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 10:24 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi Scot,

No problem. I'm glad to help. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it's something simple. LOL

I will watch for your reply. I'm interested in knowing what you find.

Take care,

Joe