Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Neither Heat nor AC

Hi, I'm a new member. I have a 1998 Ford Contour Sport V6 with Automatic. Love the car, but it's not without its problems.

Recently, I have neither heat nor air conditioning. I have replaced the blower motor resister pack and rebuilt the harnass (it was fried). I checked all fuses, but I have non were blown. When I turn the main dial (MAX AC, AC, Panel, Off, PANEL/FLOOR, FLR/Defroster, Defroseter) to any of the heating options, I hear the valve under the passenger side of the dashboard open and close, but no air comes through and the fan won't go on. When I try to turn on the AC, nothing happens (no condenser pulley resistance or squealing). When I shut the AC off, I hear a release.

At first, everything went off for a while, then it all came back. Now, it's gone again.

What's the problem? I'm thinking Relays. Could it be Refridgerent? I need help.

Welcome onboard.

Interchanging heater blower relay(r13-green) with rear defrost relay(r14-green) would be n/c method of checking if relay is the problem. Also check (or double check) fuses 23 and 37. All components are located on interior fuse panel.

The concept of switching the relays never occured to me. Even if it had, I probably would have been reluctant to for fear of damaging the system in someway. Thanks for the advice.

Well, it's not the relays nor the fuses. I need more ideas.

Could it just be the Blower?

Components previously identified would explain simultaneous failure of blower and a/c clutch, perhaps they're unrelated (but see below).

Re: possible motor problem; if you have voltmeter(or test light) then checking for bat volts by back probing the VT/OG wire at blower motor terminal connector would be a place to start - ignition ON, mode switch on any setting but OFF, blower switch on HIGH. Measure 1st to any chassis ground and then 2nd to the other motor terminal connector wire (BK/RD). Then 3rd, measure from motor terminal connector wire (BK/RD) to chassis ground.

12, 0, 12 - Blower switch (or wiring) problem.
0, 0, 0 - Fuse panel (or wiring) problem, which would also affect a/c clutch.
12, 12, 0 - motor problem.

I'll have to give that a try, too. Is it possible that it's the switch? Possible the Blender module that has been mentioned in another thread?

It seems just a little unlikely that both the blower and the AC clutch would go at the same time. I get the impression that the thermostat for the climate controls isn't sending the appropriate singles for the heat and AC, as well as the blower fan speed dial receiving the signal to be active.

I don't want to go to a dealer...they are all crooks.