98 Windstar Rear A/C problems

[vindctar]

Well, from your description it appears that the door should be fine. It could be low freon (a recharge should correct that) otherwise it could be a clogged rear evaporator core filter. Do you know if the compressor was ever changed on your car?

Originally Posted by dacker

......It makes "thump" noise if you will when I move the lever as though a door or something is moving\closing.

......I noticed later in the evening after it cooled down (weather not van) and I tried it, while I didn't get the nice cold air like I do up front, the rear wasn't hot, but it wasn't cold.....

[dacker]

Originally Posted by vindctar

Well, from your description it appears that the door should be fine. It could be low freon (a recharge should correct that) otherwise it could be a clogged rear evaporator core filter. Do you know if the compressor was ever changed on your car?

Not since we've had it (from 52K to 117K). Unfortunently alot of things have been neglected on this van (not my normal style just $$). Some are starting to catch up. Stimulus check just came Got an ABS issue I'm sorting out also.

[vindctar]

Yes, economy it is...you seem to have a hang of this car, so DIY as much as possible. Good luck w/ the check.

[DLowe43]

I had this problem with my 98 Windstar and all I had to do was replace the switch that is attached to the rightmost control knob (shown by picture from Wild Starchild). Basically what happens is that the switch no longer holds a vacuum and needs to be replaced. Just install a new switch and reconnect the vacuum lines and you will have cold air again. The switch is what opens up the lever to shut off the hot air and redirect cold air to the back.

[vindctar]

We are actually past the point mentioned in your post. Unhooking the arm of vacuum motor from the blue lever bypasses the switch, be it functional or defective.

If you follow the thread, the possibility of the switch being defective and that it controls the vacuum has already been addressed (see quoted text below).

The issue we are trying to troubleshoot now is: why the air coming from the upper vents is not cold? Hence, Dave does get air from upper/ceiling vents but it's not cold! HTH.

Originally Posted by DLowe43

.... Basically what happens is that the switch no longer holds a vacuum and needs to be replaced. Just install a new switch and reconnect the vacuum lines and you will have cold air....

Originally Posted by vindctar

.....Then troubleshoot as follows: the problem in your case appears to be the vacuum to the rear A/C. I would check 2 things: one, the switch (on front dash) that controls the rear A/C; & two, the vacuum control ....

Originally Posted by vindctar

No cold air when you unhooked the arm from the lever.....

[DLowe43]

Sorry about that. I followed the thread for quite a few posts and missed the change. Not like me to do that. I just remembered how hot I was 2 summers ago in the van, remembered the fix, and posted it.

Flogged twice.

[Wild Starchild]

Does anyone have an answer to my question? That control switch on the dash to the far right has TWO vac lines going to it. (SEE PIC) One is white, and the other black. The black line is cut, and it looks as if someone has removed the line it was cut from. Does anyone have a clue as to where that black line goes? I think if I knew where that one is supposed to connect I can fix my problem.

[GSGRE2000]

I am having the same problem and have tracked the heat part of it to a faulty heater control valve for the rear heater core. This is located under the van on the drivers side. The way to test this is as follows: Disconnect the white vacum hose from valve- start car and wait for engine to warm up -feel the hose coming from the engine to the heater conrol valve it should be hot . now feel the other side of valve if it is hot the valve is stuck open and needs to be replaced. If you chose to do this yourself be sure to drain the radiator first. As far as the air blowing out only the bottom I agree with previous posts. Good Luck

[HornDawg]

I'm into this same general mess now and this thread has been extremely helpful. The black vacuum line goes into the same junction at the control switch panel as the white vacuum line comes out of. I think the white is the pull for the rear actuator for top/bottom. I still have to get to the blend door switch. Is it also pulled off the same white vacuum line?

[HUSKER POWER]

HELLO TO ALL; My name is Jeff and this is the first time I have posted. I have been reading the post on rear AC problems. I have a 98 winstar and when I first start it and turn the AC on front and rear it works great blows stong and cold. the problem Ive noticed is after a few minutes the heater valve under the car opens and lets hot coolant flow thru and moves the flapper to rear heat and the rear control stops working and blows hot air. So I disconnected the arm from the vaccum pull bar in the rear that controls from heat to AC and I put a manuel heater valve in and closed it off and the air blows cold but not as cold as when I first start car and every thing is working the way it is supposed to. There is a relay back there but dont know what it does. any suggestions on this would be greatly appreiciated.