Hot air from defrost vents when EATC is off

[Zap]

The subject line pretty much sums up my problem - when the EATC is turned off, I noticed that warm air is coming from the defrost vents on the dash.

I'm gathering that something isn't functioning correctly? When the EATC is switched on, I do get air from the proper locations that I choose (such as the floor).

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Izzmo]

Mine does this as well, but I think it's just normal. The other SHO I used to have did it too.

It's nice in the winter, but sucks in the summer, if you notice it that much anyway.

 

[Vnuk1]

My Gen 2 does the same thing so I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, yeah it does suck when it's warmer out though....

 

[baldguy]

I actually noticed this today myself
but it was about 80 outside
I was hoping it was something that could be fixed
only had the car a little over 2 months

 

[ShoGuy93]

Yep my gen 2 does this and now my gen 3 does it now it too lol. Must be a sho thing

 

[Vnuk1]

Yep my gen 2 does this and now my gen 3 does it now it too lol. Must be a sho thing

No actually my 91 Chevrolet pick-up did it too and it blew out the floor vents like a volcano. In the summer I always drove without shoes on so my feet would not start on fire.

 

[KickerBeast]

Engine heats the firewall and heater core....heat rises....goes out the vents as that is the only real place for the heat to escape. If take a hard run to 60 mph I can feel heat radiating into the cabin. Also, I believe that when most systems are off they default to the defrost. Cars have to have some venting and it is likely pulling air through and out the defrost. If you look at the back of a Ford truck, you will see two 4"x6" vents.

 

[Izzmo]

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Warning: Science content.

 

[SHOZ123]

Probably some rotten foam seals on the blend door, that and what KickerBeast said.

 

[Zap]

Thanks for all of the replies. I've never really noticed this effect in our Gen II's, but it could be less pronounced. Maybe the foam seals aren't in as great of shape, or the body style makes it more apparent in the Gen III. I presume the seals are a real PITA to change, right?

 

[KickerBeast]

The seals are foam and you have to take the dash out and plenum apart to get to the doors.....not worth it....I used to do the dash work at Ford....you don't want to take it apart....

 

[SHOZ123]

Though I don't know for sure I've heard the G3 dash can come out in about a 1/2 hour if you know what you are doing.

 

[ThatShoGuy]

if its anything like my thunderbird sc dash 14 hours to R&R to change the heater core. lots of work for a first timer!

tho thats not on a sho so im unsure!

 

[SHOZ123]

http://taurusclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=69240&hl=dash+removal

http://taurusclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=39447&hl=dash+removal

A couple topics with pictures. Only seven bolts it looks like.

 

[KickerBeast]

Yes there aren't many bolts, but there are many other things that must be removed. Normally you have to take out the steering column, center console, pass airbag, wiring, etc. If you want to go for it then more power to ya. To completed removed a dash, I have never done in under 4 hours. Then you have the plenum after that. If you can't disassemble without taking it out then your going to have to evacuate that A/C system first. I could roll the Contour dash in 20 mins to do the recall years back, but I didn't unhook it to take it out, only to roll it about 20 degrees to put the vent cover on. I'm not saying that you can't do it, just be very careful. It would suck to accidentally set off an airbag.

 

[KickerBeast]

did anyone else notice this was a right hand drive? Interesting how similar they look. I didn't notice it until I looked at the pedals. I knew the pics looked funny and thought maybe they just flipped them for some odd reason. Anyway, just an observation.

 

[SHOZ123]

So how many G3 Taurus dashes have you removed?

 

[KickerBeast]

These, only a few and they were quite a few years ago. I've done just about every other kind of for from 98 up. 40-50 Contours, 10-15 Explorers, a couple of Windstars/Freestars, 5 or 6 Mustangs and 2 Focus. I did all of the interior when I was a Ford tech. I basically did everything that my boss didn't want to risk f-ing up. I was the only one there that could work on Saleens, I was the only one doing Explorer hatch recalls because everyone else kept blowing up the hatch glass. I was the only one the would do seat work...those really sucked. Way too many sharp corners to cut yourself on and getting new seat skins to set perfect so the customer wouldn't complain is a serious pain in the ass.