Heat blows cold in 2004 Ford Explorer
Asked by Mileage_2 Nov 12, 2014 at 11:03 PM about the 2004 Ford Explorer XLS V6
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Has 4.0L, V6 engine. When air comfort controls are set to heat it blows cool/cold air forcefully -- always when idling and sometimes when driving. When the engine is working hard while driving, it blows warm/hot with some frequency, but going downhill or when less power demands are on the engine, air goes tepid to slightly cool with settings still on heat. Has brand new thermostat, plenty of anti-freeze/fluid, new sealed radiator that is only about a year old, no clicking sound from cold to hot control. Sometimes when driving we hear a sound like the gurgling or slurping of fluid -- sounds like it may be from the engine area, but not certain of this. No engine overheating occurs and upon inspection the engine temp seems fine. Nothing is boiling over from the fluid reservoir or anywhere else. I appreciate any suggestions.
9 Answers
You could have a partially clogged heater core. Also, the heater control valve under the hood may not be opening completely. It is located on the left side of the engine compartment when facing the driver's compartment from the front. Trace the lines coming from the firewall and you will see it. It has a vacuum line attached to it. It could also be a problem with the blend door actuator not opening the blend door to allow head in (probable).
Stuwilliams answered 9 years ago
I had the same issue with no heat. Before you take apart your dash, open the hood and on the passenger side attached to one of the heater lines,there is a plastic valve with a vacuum on it. My valve was jammed in the closed position. The cost was $18.90 at the auto parts store. Ford wanted $50,00..screw ford. It takes not even 15 minutes to change. If you want to test it, remove both hoses attached to it and look in the valve. If you can't see through, try moving the valve by hand. It should feel like a t is spring loaded. If it's stuck, try forcing it till it opens. If it's jammed you will need a new one. You could probably un jam it and leave it open and you,lol have heat. Personally I would replace it for $18.00 because replacing it at 75 degrees outside is nicer than -10 don't you agree.
Dwpeyto721 answered 8 years ago
I have a 1986 lincoln with the air conditioner on runs fine when it is at a idle when I drive down the road given it gas it switches to heat. When I take my foot off the accelerator it goes back to cold
Before you take ANYTHING apart, do this: fill coolant reservoir to fill level. With CAP OFF, run vehicle until hot with heat on highest setting. Let vehicle cool down, again, with cap OFF! IF COOLANT LEVEL DROPS, REPEAT PROCESS! The heater coil tubes are the highest point on the filling system. If you're even a LITTLE LOW, you will not get heat. The above process is the only way to be sure collant is full, as there is no radiator cap! Don't ask how I learned this, because I wasted two days trying everything else! Really, please, DON'T ASK!
Guru5WW3V Nailed it. 03 Explorer heat got less each of last 2 winters. Filled coolant tank to 3/4 in from top, engine running, went around to check air out of dash vents and tata! heat, like real keep warm heat. Coolant level had been around the low level. Fixed!!! yeah
Wait, isn't it dangerous to add coolant while the engine is hot and running? I'm confused. Thanks for the suggestions here, I am trying to fix or figure out what this problem is.
Thank you for the coolant tip! Saved me a lot of time and trouble and $$$.
2006 Ford Explorer air want get cold touch wire under hood come on get cold now I touch it want kick in want get cold at all
I was having the same issue and checked the coolant level and it was very low (it took about a gallon to get it back to the fill line). This is the first thing that I would check if you are having this problem. The coolant is not getting to the heater core to heat it up. I think that is also responsible for the sloshing sound on acceleration.
