No heater?

Hello,

It sounds like the mode actuator is bad. here is guide to give you an idea of what you are in for when doing the job. Also some of the air doors are power by vacuum so check the vacuum lines under the hood to make sure they are not falling apart.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-vents-stay-in-the-defrost-position

and this guide and video can help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-heater-not-working

and

https://youtu.be/SNRb6pSwYuU

Check out the diagrams (below) Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Turn the temperature selector to "high". If that doesn't help, you have to start with at least a few observations so we know where to send you. Is the engine getting to its normal temperature? Are the heater hoses hot? What does the temperature gauge read after the engine has been running 15 minutes or longer? Is the coolant level in the reservoir and radiator okay?

You need heat now! I need you to check something for me. Start the engine, let it warm up, turn the heater on high, and feel both heater core hoses on the firewall under the hood. They should both be hot. Let me know if they are or what you find.

Joe

Is at least one hot? If not, I would say the heater core is totally plugged and not allowing any coolant flow. With the engine cold, remove the heater core hoses at the firewall. Using a garden hose, see if you can spray water in one side of the core and if it comes out the other side. If it doesn't you need a new heater core.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Probably the actuator arm cracked heres a link to a site that sells actuator for less than most places and give you detailed photographic instruction.

https://www.2carpros.com/topics/climate-control/heater
https://www.2carpros.com/topics/climate-control/blend-door

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osu0fGrIw3k

The Explorer is built with a Blend Door to control the heater and AC function. The blend door controls air flowing through AC evaporator and diverts it into the vent system or through the heater coil, or any combination in between. The doors are controlled by a DC motor. The issue with the design is that the system has to calibrate itself and find the end points of movement before the computer can understand the two closed positions and regulate the temperature. The motor is geared to move the doors slowly and with a good amount of force. The door has to withstand the force of stopping the motor, and like bending a coat hanger back and forth, will eventually break. Another reported fail symptom is a “clicking” sound coming from behind the HVAC system. On this model, this is usually an indication of a stripped gear in the motor. Again, replacing the motor is a temporary fix without a properly aligned blend door. The late model Explorer/Mountaineer is a complex system with significant flaws in the design and no provisions for simple access and repair. The fix is not easy, but we can resolve the issues.

It sounds like the blend door is sticking. This is a vent door located near the heater core that directs air flow over the hear core or switches to AC. Start with that and let me know what you find.

Joe

Does engine reach normal operating temp? Heater hoses hot? Maybe a problem with actuator door under the dash?

Temp blend door, when that door is positioned properly, full heat, all air goes through the heater core.

Sounds like the air blend door is stuck in the cold position -also check the actuator