2003 Ford Taurus Heater Fan Stops

FORD TAURUS
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BIG WALT
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Twice the heater fan in my 2003 Taurus SE, 36000k, stopped working. I tried every heat/ac/defrost setting to no avail. Both times about 30 minutes down the road the fan started blowing again and has worked fine since. Sounds like a drive you crazy problem since it is so sporadic. Any ideas? Big Walt
Jan 14, 2007 at 6:58 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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If the two speeds went out and now the upper three have failed, it is time for a new switch. The drop would probably be the compressor kicking in.
Nov 5, 2006 at 10:57 AM
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SIXXPAC
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Thanks. I was able to rule out a blown fuse, so a quick fix is out of the question.

How difficult is it to install a new switch?

Is this something I can do or should I leave it to the pro's?
Nov 5, 2006 at 3:36 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Personally I never take anything to the pro as you call it. There is a lot of satisfaction in repairing it yourself. But that depends on your level of comfort and tools. The center console needs to be attacked and you keep whittling away until you get to the switch.
Nov 5, 2006 at 11:43 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Thanks for the donation!

Just so I understand, the intermittant problem is volume of air not loss of heat?

Is the production date between 5/1/01 and 12/15/03? The born on date is on a sticker in the door jamb. Oops that's bud, the production date :)
Jan 14, 2007 at 7:11 AM
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BIG WALT
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Yes, the fan is not running at all. You can feel heat if you put your hand near a heater duct. Production date is 09/02. Thanks
Jan 14, 2007 at 7:41 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Ok, There is a Technical Service Bulletin (REf # 04-15-03) regarding water intrusion into the blower case and also in some cases onto the passenger floor. It involves installing a rain hat extension seal, replacing (likley) the blower motor, possibly the resistor and the cowl panel. nce this blower case is accessed, there will likely be corrosion present. MAybe you can get in there and clean and seal connections and get lucky. Then install the rain hat.
Jan 14, 2007 at 7:53 AM
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KEEFE
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I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 2001 SEL. I HAD WATER GET INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR, AFTER PUTTING UP WITH IT FOR A WHILE I HAD TO EVENTUALLY REPLACE THE MOTOR, ONLY AVAILABLE FROM FORD, I BELIEVE IT COST ME 75.00, THEN I HAD THEM PLACE THE UMBRELLLA IN THE CABIN AIR FILTER AREA, WORKS GREAT NOW.
Jan 16, 2007 at 8:07 AM

Suggested Repair

Check TSB 04-15-03 for water intrusion into the blower case. Inspect for corrosion, clean and seal the connections, install the rain-hat or umbrella seal, and replace the blower motor and possibly the resistor if damaged.

Conversation Summary

A 2003 Ford Taurus SE with about 36,000 miles had an intermittent heater fan that stopped completely, then resumed after about 30 minutes. A fuse was ruled out, and heat was still present at the ducts. An expert cited TSB 04-15-03 for water intrusion into the blower case on vehicles built between May 2001 and December 2003, recommending a rain-hat seal and possible replacement of the blower motor, resistor, and cowl panel. Another owner reported the same water-related failure and said replacing the motor and installing the seal fixed it.

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