2003 Ford Ranger Defrost Sucking Noise

FORD RANGER
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CJSANDS61
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  • 3 POSTS
I have a Ford Ranger 2003 with 39,000 miles. When I first start the truck the wimshield fogs up. I turn on the defrost to clear it and when I turn off the defrost I hear a slight sucking noise. It sounds like someone sucking an empty drink through a straw. It only lasts two or three seconds and then it stops. I was concerned that it might be the heater coil. I have heard that they can be very costly to repair.
Dec 18, 2006 at 1:50 PM
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BAREFOOTBOB88
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Wel, If it just does it when you swith on or off the defrost setting it's pry not your heater core. It maybe a leaky vaccum line. Chech your coolant level though to make sure your sucking noise isn't just air in your coolant system.
Dec 18, 2006 at 2:58 PM
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CJSANDS61
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Thank you. I will check the check the coolant as you suggested. I appreciate your quick response.

cjsands61
Dec 20, 2006 at 3:51 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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If you or someone has the manuals to check this thought out try looking up whether the defroster operates off of a vacuum line that opens and closes the damper door. The hose could be leaking.
Dec 21, 2006 at 1:38 AM
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CJSANDS61
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I will try to check that also. Thanks so much for the info.
Dec 26, 2006 at 3:09 PM
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Suggested Repair

If the sucking noise occurs only when switching the defrost setting, the heater core is unlikely. Check the coolant level for air in the cooling system, and inspect the vacuum hose that opens and closes the defroster damper door for a leak.

Conversation Summary

A 2003 Ford Ranger owner reported windshield fogging at startup and a brief sucking noise lasting a few seconds after turning the defrost off, and worried it was a costly heater core problem. Replies said the noise timing makes a heater core less likely and suggested checking the coolant level and a possible leaking vacuum line or hose that operates the defroster damper door.

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