Help with '96 Bronco?

[Lucky]

5.8
E. Bauer edition

Heat is out and no defrost. "Floor" currently blowing lukewarm air, other settings (including A/C) blowing cool/cold.
Coolant to fill line, so based on what I see online it's likely the heater core or blend door- hopefully not thermostat.

Maybe there's a Ford/Bronco person with the tools and experience to fix this quick?

Same thing happened to an Explorer I had, but I was definitely overcharged at the shop I used to go to. Looking to avoid that.

Thanks.

[Irving]

blackford76 can more than likely help you. Have you done anything related to the coolant system lately that could have caused you to get an air bubble in the line?

[Lucky]

Not that I know of. Truck is new to me as of about 3 weeks ago and my brother spent an hour checking everything before ok'ing the purchase. Planning to call previous owner tomorrow for his input, as he took really good care of it. I'll contact blackford76, appreciate it.

[BPTactical]

Being an E Bauer it has AC yes?
The entire heat/ac system is vacuum controlled so I would get a vacuum diagram and check all connections and that all the hoses are in their correct assignments.

[Great-Kazoo]

Being an E Bauer it has AC yes?
The entire heat/ac system is vacuum controlled so I would get a vacuum diagram and check all connections and that all the hoses are in their correct assignments.

Vacuum issue OR air in system.

[2XS]

I agree on vacuum leak or a disconnected hose vacuum hose. Sounds like maybe the heater core is plugged or a bad thermostat ! Is the truck getting up to operating temperature ? Do have an infrared thermometer to check heater hoses and radiator hoses ?

[Walker2970]

Could be the blender. a diverter in the blending box that will make it warmer / cooler as the controls are set and should be vacuum controlled or could be stuck

[ray1970]

I'll guess the blend air door is stuck in the cold position. Most likely due to a vacuum issue. Probably something disconnected or broken or burnt through somewhere in the engine compartment. Shouldn't be too hard to find.

[mb504]

If you would like to see what the lines look on thermal, let me know. I work in Englewood and could take a look at them. That at least could tell you if the core is plugged or not.

[COcz]

Blend door or motor is a super common issue with this vintage Fords. One of my explorers is stuck on full heat, but ac still cools so I never fixed it. I pulled a friend's door motor and replaced it cause it was stuck on cold in the wintertime. I would almost guarantee it is one of the two.

[COcz]

This thread seems to have everything anyone needs to know about bronco heating and cooling.
http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/21-noobie-bronco-tech-questions-flame-free-zone/201462-vents-dead.html

[SideShow Bob]

As the others have said, or you have pens, pencils or other items that were put on the dash and worked their way down the defrost vents.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Shit....is '96 "vintage" now?

If you lost all vacuum, the function control should default to "defrost" only. Either way, the stuff coming out the floor vents should be warm as long as your engine is reaching operating temperature. If it ain't warm out the floor vents, you have two different problems happening at the same time, I figure.


I know.....everyone's 2 cents and all. :)

[Lucky]

...(snip)...

I know.....everyone's 2 cents and all. :)

Whoa, so much information! Thanks everyone, for your input.

[Lucky]

A/C? Yes. Will check hoses.
Previous says it was flushed one year ago but not driven since summer.
No thermometer.
Blender/ door stuck, maybe.
COcz: my Explorer, too. The actuator went. Helpful reading, thanks.
Otterbatcat: floor vents slightly warm, consistently.

Three hours into driving yesterday all temp settings kicked in, worked one hour, went out again (except floor) for 45 min then worked again remainder of trip. On, off, on again without me touching anything, so maybe not actuator or stuck door. (?)

mb504: PM inbound. Makes sense to start there, as I'd rather know if core is actually plugged before removing glove box. Might as well figure it out before it goes out again or winter turns quick.
SideShowBob: I hope not!
We'll see.

[PugnacAutMortem]

It's definitely not worth your time to even attempt to fix trust me. I can take it off of your hands. [Beer]

I am of no help unfortunately, but props to you for keeping one of those beasts on the road. All those old Broncos are rusting to pieces and it's a shame because they are freaking awesome rides.

[SideShow Bob]

SideShowBob: I hope not!
We'll see.

Had two Ford trucks at work do this, both times it was pens down the defrost vents. Supervisor was pissed.

[COcz]

Intermittent problems are so much harder to trace. As soon as you start troubleshooting it stops. The idea that caught my eye from that link was spraying some carb cleaner/propane/whatever around each vacuum line and listen or feel for a change in how the engine runs. Might be difficult for some of those lines though.

[Lucky]

PugnacAutMortem: Haha, thanks for the offer! We had a few Broncos growing up, and this being my dream car I plan to keep it running smoothly as long as possible. They are awesome, for sure.
COcz: I'll likely join a Bronco forum soon- hadn't thought of that, but what a great resource.
Thank you, mb504, for your time and tools! He determined it was definitely a major radiator leak. Mechanic seconded that and I'm getting it replaced on Monday.

The back window got stuck "down" for a good 24 hours, but with input from mb504 and YouTube I was able to take apart the tailgate and fix it this afternoon.

[mb504]

Lucky, Great meeting you. Once you get that radiator fixed, you should be in good shape. Good to hear the back window didn't need any major parts to get it back up!

[blackford76]

Just saw this, sorry I wasn't quicker on the reply. If you can bring it to my place I'll have it fixed while you wait. I have the parts, just take a little time.

[Lucky]

Just saw this...

No problem, thanks for sending your number. Part already ordered but I'll call you with my next issue for sure. I appreciate the help!