A/C & Heater control Problem

[Johnlas]

Whats up?

I noticed the other day while driving around that the vents are blowing hotter than normal air when the dial in the middle of the A/C panel is all the way over in the Blue/cold side. It was also taking a little longer than usual for the A/C to really cool down when it was on, and I still don't think it ever got as cold as it used to. I then started to mess with the center dial just moving it around to see if it was all the way into the blue side (wich it was), and then I turned it toward the red/hot side. Once it got to the half way point, right in the middle, the dial would move on its own all the way down into the red/hot side, almost as far as it can go (just one more click to spare). So my questions are: Is there something that is caught somewhere that is pulling the hot air in? and if so where do I have to look? or just bring it back to ford and have them look at it? any help will be appreciated!!! Thanks!

 

[COramprat]

That's the thermostat switch. Sounds like it may be messed up but it would be hard to tell by just the description you gave. If you are under warrenty I'd just take it to Ford.

If you are out of warrenty then you want to remove the bezel and see if there is something lodged in the switch that is causing it to act this way. The entire unit is enclosed so you might not be able to tell much about it though. A Haynes Manual is also helpful when trobleshooting problems. Even if you don't do the work yourself, at least you have an idea of what it could be before taking your car to have it worked on and just telling them to fix it. If you go in with a little knowledge it tends to keep the shops honest and not try to pull one over on you.

Now if you are having problems cooling, and it is not related to the thermostat, then you probably just need a refridgerant recharge. Most auto parts and major chain stores will carry a kit to recharge the system yourself. It helps to get one with a guage so you can see if you have a full charge on your A/C system.