Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Particles coming thru defrost vent

I've got a 98 SE with over 130,000 miles. Lately, when I turn the fan on to defrost, these small black particles come out through the vent. Maybe foam rubber or something. Any idea what it could be? Do I have to take the whole dash apart?

Probably, as you suggested, foam particles.

Various foam gaskets are used to seal the joints in the ventilation ducts. Sounds like the foam has decayed.

Dash will have to come apart to repair if you choose to do so.

Steve

Yeah it's the foam starting to degrade, it'll stop eventually. I get a shot every once in awhile myself. Good old Ford!

My 97 gl used to do that to. its the foam insulation as it decay's. it no longer does it though so i dont care to much.

unless you realy have alot of free time on your hands dont waiste the time to fix it, yea its annoying but its nothing mechnical so it can wait

Did we forget about the cabin filter???? If you've never changed it could be what's blowing through your vents. I've seen them where there was literally nothing left to them. Over time they just start to fall apart. On the outside sealing edge of the filter there is a black foam gasket(if it's original)which could be what you're getting hit with. Also, when the filter is rotted away, ther eis nothing keeping outside particules from getting in to the HVAC system, including mice(yes, they can get through the screen). The cabin filter is easy to change and costs about $16.00 from Advance Auto. I find it unlikly that the actual sealing material used in the HVAC system would come apart like that. I've had these whole systems apart and there really isn't that much used at all. One other easy thing you can do is remove the blower motor and see if there is any thing in there. The blower motor is right under the passenger side of the dash and simply twists out.