1996 Ford Explorer Heater Blows Cold

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BZWISLE
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i have a 1996 ford explorer 2wd with a 5.0l with 179,000 miles recently the heat started blowing cold. i have good circulation to the heater core. which gets very hot. the blend door actuator does not seem to be working. i have tried a new one to no avail. i also have tried a new tempurature control switch that didn't help either. i don't know what to try next. any suggestions will be greatly appreciated
Feb 20, 2007 at 8:28 AM
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BOOTDOG
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are both heater hoses hot? (might need flushing) have you changed the thermostat? (could be stuck open). let us know
Feb 20, 2007 at 8:54 AM
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BZWISLE
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[quote:6dbf980b62="bzwisle"]i have a 1996 ford explorer 2wd with a 5.0l with 179,000 miles recently the heat started blowing cold. i have good circulation to the heater core. which gets very hot. the blend door actuator does not seem to be working. i have tried a new one to no avail. i also have tried a new tempurature control switch that didn't help either. i don't know what to try next. any suggestions will be greatly appreciated[/quote:6dbf980b62] both heater hoses are hot and vehicle has had recent thermostat change and coolant power flush. i think problem is electrical with control system but unsure of what to check next
Feb 20, 2007 at 9:06 AM
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BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
by temp switch do you mean the selector switch in the cab from hot to cold? sometimes the knob could be cracked where it turns the switch. try that and i'll see what else i can find.
Feb 20, 2007 at 9:32 AM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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[quote:793ba33834="bootdog"]by temp switch do you mean the selector switch in the cab from hot to cold? sometimes the knob could be cracked where it turns the switch. try that and i'll see what else i can find.[/quote:793ba33834]

you can also pull the temp selector off and check resistance on the wires on the back two , one side is warm the other is cold , 300ohm to 3000 full hot measured while turning the knob , this switch controls the blend doors also
Feb 20, 2007 at 10:20 AM

Suggested Repair

Confirm the cabin temperature selector knob is not cracked and actually turns the switch. With the selector removed, measure resistance on the two rear wires while turning the knob; it should vary from about 300 to 3000 ohms between cold and full hot. That switch also controls the blend door.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Ford Explorer reports cold heater air even though both heater hoses and the heater core get very hot. A new blend door actuator, temperature control switch, thermostat, and coolant flush did not restore heat. Experts suggest checking whether the cabin temperature selector knob is cracked and measuring switch resistance, since that switch controls the blend door.

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