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1997 Ford Ranger Pick-up Malfunction - Heating & Cooling System
Question: My heating and cooling system have failed. I have power to the blower and the ventilation controls are working. It directs air to the defroster or the panel vents. Indicating the vacum lines are operating the doors. The AC compressor does not kickin regardless of the postion of the temp control, or there is not heat when the temp control is rotated full hot. I checked the vacum line at the heater control valve on the supply lines the the heater core and there is no vacum, but the lines do feel hot as if water is circulating through the core.
Both systems (heat and AC)failed at the same time.
Thanks
Mac Butler
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Technican: Pull the knob of the switch and check that it did not break. Sometimes since they are made out of plastic they will crack and not turn the switch. If not pull the control panel out and check to see if the lines are connected.
Technican: You may have 2 problems. First thing you will want to do is check under the hood near the firewall for any vacuum leaks (there is a vacuum supply tree attached near the upper center of firewall). The vacuum supply hoses are made of plastic and tend to break. With no vacuum at the valve this sounds like a likely problem. You could also have a bad control head (the switches on the dash). You can remove the control unit and check your vacuum there. Also if the control head went bad, it could stop the AC from working. It is basically just a computer board. You can contact me directly if you need more assistance once you accept this response.
ASE Master Tech
Owner: I have vacuum through the control head, the flaps are moving when I switch to max AC and the blower directs flow to the defroster or the floor as the switch is moved.
Could a bad switch in the control head or the temp control cause the heat as well as the AC to stop working? While I can't be certain I have no vacuum leaks, I do not hear any obvious leaks and I checked the engine speed by removing the vacuum sources at the air plenum and blocking them off. No change in engine speed was noted. So I don't think I am getting false air.
I tend to think this is electrical or some relay that is not activating something in the temp control circut. I don't have a manual that indicates the fuses to check or the location of the temp sensor relay.
Technican: Hello,
I've re-opened this question at the customer's request.
site admin.
Technican: Its obvious that vacuum is getting to the mode doors but you said that it wasnt getting to the heater control valve.I have already stated that a bad control unit can make both AC and heater inoperable.
Owner: I replaced the entire heater control panel switch and this do not correct the problem. The AC compressor continues to cycle on and off approximately every 30 to 45 seconds regardless of the position of the control switch. Which component should be checked next?
Technican: A fast cycling A/C compressor generally indicates low freon charge. Previosly you stated A/C did not come on "The AC compressor does not kickin regardless of the postion of the temp control". Since you are still having this problem after a month of us trying to help you maybe you should spend a little money and have an A/C repair shop look at it. If you have no vacuum to the control valve again check your vacuum contol tubes
ASE Master Tech
Technican: Hello, Has the coolant been changed in the last two years? Have you back flushed the heater core to ensure it has full flow capability? You stated that the lines feel hot but that is not always proof of capacity flow.
What is the ambient air temperature where you are? Could the a/c compressor be disabled due to low ambient temperature?
Tomorrow (the 12th) I'll try to get more specific troubleshooting information for you. Hopefully I can get a symptom chart that will guide you.
Do you have a FAX number?
Owner: The truck has 130, 000 miles and I have owned for the last 10, 000 and have not changed the coolant. My fax number is 501-378-2465.
Technican: Have you back flushed the heater core? How cold is your weather there?
Owner: ambient temperature 48 degrees. Will back flush the core tomorrow and let you know. From the sudden malfunction of both the AC and heating system I was led to question the temp control. I can see an electrical control module on top of the heater box, is it possible for this control to cause the symptoms?
Technican: I'm searching for graffics to help us here. The Haynes Repair Manual I read today talks about a cable that controls the temp. No picture of the module you asked about.
Are there cables connected to your control head?
Still searching,
Technican: Today I had access to the Mitchell 1 Data Base. I could not find what we need under year model 1997. I wonder if you have a late production 1997 with 1998 HVAC? I'm going to FAX what I found for the 1998 model
The control module you see on top of the heater box is likely the blend door actuator and TEST "F" in the FAX I'm sending addresses it.
Tell me if you think these pages will help. I just don't like the part where it says to remove the instruement panel to change the blend door actuator.
FAX to follow,
Owner: Not sure about the production, but there are
no control cables on the dash control, it is all vacuum or electric. The temp control has three small wires that look similar to the ones connecting to the control module on top of the heater.
Technican: Did the FAX come through clear and clean?
Owner: Clear and clean, what is the "PCM" connector?
Technican: The PCM connector refers to the Powertrain Control Module connector. The PCM is the computer that runs the engine.
Owner: I have delayed repairs, the weather here has been very cold, will let you know how it works.
I have also contacted the administrator regarding your fee. The previous guy was absolutely no help and suggested I take my problem to a certified mechanic. I have asked to route payment to your account. I will let you know of their response and I will make sure you receive the fee.
Technican: I'm glad to be of service to you. I thank you for your care in sending the fee my way when the time comes.
When you can resume repair efforts please let me know how I can assist you. Here's How To Get Guaranteed Solutions In Minutes
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