1997 Ford Explorer visibility problems

Nov 16, 2011 · failed Apr 1, 2006 · 126,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact noticed that the defroster was not functioning and the windshield would not clear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the dashboard would have to be removed and the blending chamber would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Updated 07/10/13*lj updated 07/12/13 *js

Dec 20, 2010 · failed Dec 20, 2010 · CA

Waiting at a traffic light the sunroof shattered nothing but rain had fallen on the vehicle. *tr

Mar 5, 2010 · failed Mar 1, 2010 · CA

Have experienced periods when the windshield wipers do not operate when the control is on. Has occurred when first turning on the control as well as when changing from a different speed setting on the control. No regularity in the occurrence, seems to be random. This has occurred many times during my ownership since 2000. I was checking the database and found an entry on this problem under "defect investigations" so I am adding my experience to your records. *tr

Apr 29, 2008 · failed Apr 25, 2008 · GA

Blend door on my 1997 ford explorer is not working. Its a problem when defrosting, and driving in bad weather due to the fact that the windshield is not defrosting. *tr

Feb 4, 2008 · failed Feb 1, 2008 · 56,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact attempted to open the windows, but was unsuccessful. The windshield wipers, interior lights, and the 4X4 also failed to operate. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights prior to the failures. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 03-04-08 *bf

Feb 4, 2008 · failed Feb 1, 2008 · 56,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact attempted to open the windows, but was unsuccessful. The windshield wipers, interior lights, and the 4X4 also failed to operate. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights prior to the failures. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 03-04-08 *bf

Dec 15, 2006 · failed Dec 1, 2006 · 120,000 miles · TN

Dt*: the contact stated due to the heater being inoperable, the defroster did not operate. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who determined the blend door needed to be replaced.

Dec 7, 2006 · failed Nov 1, 2006 · 51,000 miles · SC

Dt*: the contact stated in an attempt to defrost the windshield, no heat was produced. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who determined the blend door needed to be replaced.

Nov 13, 2006 · failed Nov 1, 2006 · 115,000 miles · VA

When I stopped using my AC and turned on the heat in my 97 ford explorer all I get is cold air. This happens at all heat settings including defrost. I talked to a ford dealership and the service man there said it is probably the blend door and that it would cost $800-1000 to repair. Nothing has been done yet as I don't have that much spare cash for this repair. The vehicle does have 116,000 miles on it but I have been checking this out on the internet and it seems to be a major safety issue with 95-99 explorers. Is there any recourse from ford on this? *jb

Oct 23, 2006 · failed Oct 15, 2006 · OH

Bought explorer in the summer of 2006, went to turn on the heat only blows cold air unable to defrost windows. This is a 1997 explorer that after talking to three different dealerships told me that they all do break and that ford has made a stronger blend door to replace the defective one and they would be happy to replace for a cost of 1200.00. After speaking to five or six different repair shops and finding the article by larry hammer of mighty auto parts I believe that ford has a responsibility for its admitted factory design flaw. *nm

Oct 12, 2006 · failed Sep 21, 2006 · VA

I am the original owner of this 1997 ford explorer. After a few years, I started to have problems with the heat/defrost. I have had this repaired twice costing around $2000 total. Once again, I no longer have heat/defrost and am scheduled for an evaluation next monday. During snow and rain, not only are you miserable because of the cold but it is dangerous when you are trying to clear the condensation off the window to have complete visibility. *jb

Apr 24, 2006 · failed Apr 18, 2006 · 65,000 miles · NM

The blend door on my 1997 ford explorer failed. This failure did not allow proper de-fogging of the windshield. *nm

Dec 31, 2005 · failed Dec 25, 2005 · 90,400 miles · CO

The heater blend door failed on my 1997 ford explorer while driving it in snowy conditions. I only had cold air blowing on my windows. After reviewing web sites, I have found that the top piece of my heaters hot and cold blend door is broken. The cost of replacing this one piece of plastic is around $1000. Ford has a replacement part that is now stronger, but fails to realize the defect in the older doors. *nm

Sep 20, 2005 · failed Aug 31, 2005 · 107,000 miles · AK

Temperature out of control, defogging/defrosting challenged on a 1997 ford explorer. Was told it will it is due to defect in the air blend door. I can't defrost the windows which could be an accident waiting to happen. *nm

Aug 12, 2005 · failed Jul 11, 2005 · VA

1997 ford explorer developed a defect in the defroster and defogger system. *mr the problem was due to a broken plastic door in the A/C/heater plenum. This created a condition of fogging the windshield uncontrollably and impairing the drivers vision. *sc

Jun 28, 2005 · failed Jun 25, 2005 · NY

Dt: contact stated while using the defroster system the windshield cracked from the outside to the inside. Vehicle had not been to a service dealer, but was scheduled to be taken in this week. *ak

Jun 28, 2005 · failed Jun 25, 2005 · NY

Dt: contact stated while using the defroster system the windshield cracked from the outside to the inside. Vehicle had not been to a service dealer, but was scheduled to be taken in this week. *ak

May 14, 2005 · failed Aug 4, 2001 · 67,000 miles · IL

I own a 1997 ford explorer that since its been purchased the air conditioning and the heat were always giving me problems, I have since found out that its a problem with almost every ford explorer out on the roads today. This is a major concern to me due to window defrosting during the winter months, the blend door has a mind of its own and will open and close at any time. Please advise me on how I can get this looked into. I believe that ford should be responsible for this and they believe that they dont. Thank you for your time

Mar 29, 2005 · failed Oct 10, 2004 · AR

I bought the explorer last april and the A/C worked fine, but when winter got here the heater would not blow warm air. I took it to a mechanic who replaced the thermostate and looked at other things, but could not fix it. I then took it to a second mechanic who looked at it and told me that he had just fixed the same problem on another 97 ford explorer--and it was the blend door. That the door was a factor defect and would cost about $650.00 to replace it. I did not have the money to have it replaced, and it is a safety hazard when it is stuck on A/C air and you can not defrost your windshild while you are driving. It has not been fixed and restricts vision out of the windshield when fogged or iced which could cause me to have a bad wreck.

Jan 24, 2005 · failed Dec 27, 2004 · 83,986 miles · SC

Heater in vehicle became inoperative during a sleet and ice storm. Heater blend door failed causing only cold air to blow out of heater and defroster, windshield and windows fogged up and I could not see the road. Heater box and blend door replaced that cost me $700.00. 8NM

May 26, 2004 · failed Mar 10, 2002 · 107,654 miles · WA

Heater blend door on my 1997 ford explorer does not change positions. It is stuck in the position only giving me air conditioning full time. No matter where the dial on the dash is turned the heat refuses to activate. Through a quick series of odd weather occurrences I found my windshield covered in a layer of ice that could not be removed since the heat did not work on the defroster. This almost caused a near fatal head-on collision. I have no option now but to have the heater plenum replaced at a cost $1010. *nm

Mar 13, 2004 · failed Feb 5, 2004 · MN

The heat actuator "broke" and eliminated any heat to defrost my windows. *ak

Mar 7, 2004 · failed Jan 1, 1998 · 42,000 miles · KY

In searching the internet, I've found there are many people who have suffered the same problems that I have had. I have a 1997 ford explorer eddie bauer edition. The climate control system failed in 1998 and I took it to les pinkam lincoln mercury in elizabethtown, ky for repair. Without even looking at it, the technician told me that the blend air door had broken and it would costs $800 to repair it. Thinking he was lying, I took it to bill collins ford in louisville, ky. Again, the same results and repair estimate. Technicians at both places, told me it's a common problem. I eventually had les pinkam repair it. It seems that ford would design a system that wouldn't require the complete removal of the dash to repair it, much continue with a design with so many problems. Years later and the problem has happened again. In addition I came across tsb article number 98-23-20 in my searches, but couldn't find the article at your web-site. I also have had the transmission rebuilt twice and finally replaced it with one from a salvage yard. I couldn't see repairing it a third time when a ford technician and private yard couldn't fix it. Both times within 13 months after repair, the car would suddenly completely fail and tach out as if it were in neutral. I could get it to do it with a ford technician and his code sensor plugged in. This has come close to having me get rear ended on the interstate 65, especially when its in cruise control. For no reason at all the transmission would completely disengage and the engine would almost completely tack out before I could hit the brake pedals to dis-engage. To make a long story short, I've spent almost $6000 in repairs since owning this vehicle. In addition, I've had it in for many recalls. All I've ever got out of ford or the dealers is, sorry about your luck. Surely there is something your agency can do about this. My transmission problems, were pretty scary. *jb

Mar 1, 2004 · failed Feb 29, 2004 · 72,000 miles · NY

The blend door is broken on my heater...ever try to defrost a window when it is minus 5 with the air conditioner on..? This needs to be addressed in a recall campaign it is poorly designed and dangerous! *ak

Mar 1, 2004 · failed Feb 29, 2004 · 72,000 miles · NY

The blend door is broken on my heater...ever try to defrost a window when it is minus 5 with the air conditioner on..? This needs to be addressed in a recall campaign it is poorly designed and dangerous! *ak

Jan 28, 2004 · failed Jan 27, 2004 · 58,000 miles · TN

The rear windshield wiper motor has gone bad in my 97, 4WD, ford explorer for the second time. It has 93,000 miles, it was replaced the first time at 58,000 miles. This is due to a maunfacturers defect and should be reviewed for consideration as a national recall or covered by ford as a out of warranty repair. This is a hazard to allow it to remain unrepaired the cost should be paid by ford. *ak

Jan 11, 2004 · failed Dec 15, 2003 · 81,000 miles · IL

Heater/AC temperature control. Temperature control door is stuck in the position for heat. Have talked to dealer they say inexpensive part, labor for repair is about 7 hours to be charged for. This dealer has had other complaints and fixed some. Checked with other dealers in area, they gave same answer as to cost and complaints. I am told this is a plastic bracket on door assembly that breaks when servo moves door to control hot or cool air flow.*ak

Nov 22, 2003 · failed Nov 22, 2003 · 75,000 miles · NE

Temperature control blend door does not work properly. Stuck on cold. Unable to defrost and defog windows. *la

Oct 7, 2003 · failed Oct 7, 2003 · VA

Defroster does not defrost/defog windshield due to the heat/AC blend door being broken. Common problem for ford explorers. Ford is remiss in not recalling the vehicle to fix this hazardous condition. *jb

Jul 21, 2003 · failed Jul 14, 2003 · NJ

Consumer stated that while driving and without warning rear window shattered. Dealer notified. *ak

May 14, 2003 · failed Mar 9, 2003 · NY

Invalid design of plenum door leads to part failure resulting in inability to control temperature setting. Condition causes inability to control inside air temperature and possibly failure of defrost/defogging system (safety issue). Cost to repair is prohibitive ($500 to $1000) due to the need to remove the dashboard and the replacement of the entire air channel (because plenum door itself cannot be purchased/installed alone). *nlm

May 6, 2003 · failed Jan 1, 2002 · NC

My explorer only produces warm air for heat and defogging when the temperature outside is too hot to want or need warm air. The dealership service center says it is the blend door & actuator assembly that has failed. I say it defective by design and should be repaired at their expense, they disagree. Not being able to properly defogg a windshield is a serious safety issue. *nlm

May 5, 2003 · failed Mar 25, 2003 · 115,000 miles · WA

Ford explorer heater plenum/actuator stopped working this past winter. Climate control is stuck on cold and defrost does not work in cold weather. During a road trip to a nearby city early this spring I was barley able to see out the windshield because of the ice and fog on my windshield. I believe this is a known mechanical defect by ford and dealers. This is a very dangerous problem. In contacting several seattle-area dealers, all refused to fix as a safety problem, said no recall had been issued, said I was out of warranty, this is absurd for a problem they caused with faulty design and parts that causes serious visibility problems in many older explorers. *jb

Apr 30, 2003 · failed Feb 5, 2003 · 46,000 miles · OH

1997 ford explorer equipped with an electronic automatic temperature control system. The plastic air blend door in the heater plenum has broken, preventing the system from regulating the temperature.

Apr 10, 2003 · failed Apr 6, 2003 · 50,250 miles · PA

My heater temperature control became inoperative. The blend door inside the plenum chamber is broken and no longer moves (on full heat). The new plenum chamber now contains a nylon door in stead of plastic. This looks like ford knows there is a problem with the old style doors but will not give any assistance on repairs. The cost of repair is steep! I was quoted $108.00 for the plenum chamber and $598.00 to install it. From what I have learned the problem is not isolated to me, in fact the dealer I phoned had just sold a replacement plenum the previous day and was waiting for one to arrive to fill there stock. When a dealer stocks a part there usually is a large demand for it! *nlm

Mar 6, 2003 · failed Feb 25, 2003 · 73,228 miles · OH

Consumer noticed when turning dials on heater unit from hot or cold the unit only blew hot air. The technician stated the heater blend door needed to be replaced.*jb *tt

Dec 26, 2002 · failed Dec 5, 2002 · GA

The lend door is broken...ford knows that they put faulty blend doors in and will not replace them! How do I defrost my winshield with A/C???? Is a frosted winshield not a hazard???? This happens every day!

Dec 6, 2002 · failed Nov 25, 2002 · AL

With heater failure frost builds up on the windshield causing serious driving hazard. Dt

Dec 2, 2002 · failed Nov 21, 2002 · 77,000 miles · CT

The A/C and heat was unable to come out of the blend air door. The dealer was notified. Ford found that they installed the wrong blend air door acuator during the manufacturing process. Ts scc

Dec 1, 2002 · failed Oct 25, 2002 · PA

From what I have read this is a common problem that ford should have to fix via recall. This failure could be quite dangerous during winter conditions. It is apparent that ford knows of this and has made changes in the way this door is constructed. Dt

Nov 29, 2002 · failed Nov 15, 2001 · AR

Driver's side electric window motor is going out. The motor seems to have trouble rolling the window up and down, and speeds up and slows down when operating. Dt

Oct 1, 2002 · failed Sep 20, 2002 · CA

I have discovered many ford explorer owners have this failure--due to a manufacturing defect. When defroster does not work can result in serious accident. Mr

Sep 28, 2002 · failed Sep 2, 2002 · PA

The failure of the heater blend door causes uncontrolled windshield fogging and icing. Visibility is often reduced to zero. Mr

Sep 28, 2002 · failed Sep 2, 2002 · PA

The failure of the heater blend door causes uncontrolled windshield fogging and icing. Visibility is often reduced to zero. Mr

Sep 25, 2002 · failed Sep 25, 2002 · NE

The temperature control failed to regulate temperature I researched and found the blend door to be broken leaving me without the ability to defrost the winshield or regulate heat /cool this is a safety issue since I live in a climate that has snow /ice and cold as well as hot temperatures. This is a known problem and is dangerous and requires a nearly $1000.00 fix to replace the blend door it was explained to me they had to remove the dash etc. This appears to be a ford design issue and a known safety issue. Nlm

Sep 3, 2002 · failed Aug 1, 2002 · WA

Heater runs at full heat no mater what temperature selected. *ak

Sep 2, 2002 · failed Aug 29, 2002 · NC

This heater has the potential to be a serious safety issue. The defroster will not work properly because only hot air will exit the vents, which leads to a foggy windshield. This problem appears to be very well documented and ford has a tsb for it, 99-8-8 and 97-24-25.*ak

Aug 27, 2002 · failed Aug 27, 2002 · FL

Defogger/defroster will not operate as blend door is stuck on air conditioner. *ak

Jun 18, 2002 · failed Nov 1, 2001 · AZ

The temperature control does not control the temperature of the A/C-heater that results in a failure to defog/defrost the windshield.

Jun 18, 2002 · failed Apr 12, 2002 · KY

I feel that ford should address the issue of the air blend door / hvac system at a safety level due to the fact this these problems could result in hazardous driving conditions.