1998 Ford Explorer heater/air condition switch problems

ONEFAST45

MEMBER
1998 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
134,000 MILES

If the temperature switch is turned to the coldest setting "Blue", and I turn on my "Normal" air conditioning it blows hot air only and the pump does not appear to engage, but if I turn the switch to "Max" air conditioning, and switch it back and forth rapidly from normal to max air, the pump engages and it eventually switches from heat and turns cool and then colder to a somewhat comfortable temperature.

A Mechanic told me the wiring harness in the door connection to the primary cabin that has worn and it needs to be replaced since it affects the heater/air conditioning switches. He estimated $1,500 all said and done. I could not beleive that.

Could it be a simple vacume or low freone?
Thanks

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Do you get hot air like the heater is on or outside air? As far as the freon, if the pressure is too low, the compressor won't kick on. And yes, a vacuum leak can cause many problems in the HVAC system You could check for a leak. Also, a bad AC clutch could be causing the compressor not to turn on. There is also a Blend Door that determines if you get AC in the car or heat. However, that won't stop the compressor from coming on.