Hi, I have a 1997 Ford Taurus. Yesterday, when I turned on the A/C, it didn't turn on. No blower, maybe some cold air? nothing. Then, after turning the dial several times, it DID turn on. Now, as of today, nada, zilch. No A/C and no heat. No blower either. What is broken, do you think? Do I need a new fan? How expensive is this going to be to get fixed?

Thanks,

Maeve32

Can you tell if when you switch on the A/C does the compressor click on? Do the doors inside the dash move when you select between defrost and vent and floor, etc? You may have just a seizing blower motor... Let us know the answer to these questions.

Good luck!

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Thanks for responding, CaptainRich! No, it doesn't sound like the compressor is kicking on. There is no sound at all. I also can't hear the doors moving either, but I will check for it again this morning. I'll keep you posted on the diagnosis!

Maeve32

Safety is paramount. There are many moving parts on an engine that aren't apparent while the engine is running. The first visual inspections should be done with the engine off.

There are several fuses that protect the system. Some are in the dash (I/P) fuse block and some are under the hood. Some failed fuses can be found simply by looking at them or pulling them out and looking at the fuse element. If those are found and appear to look OK, the problem may be a stuck relay. Let me know where you are in this.

I checked out to see if the fans were working like you suggested, and when I turn the switch for the A/C/Heat to "vent," I hear a 3-second, very soft, whoosh. I take it that's the vent. Does that mean it could still be the compressor?

Maeve32

Yes, it's still possible. The compressor has a different control (electrical- through A/C pressure switches and relays: protected by fuses). Did you look at the fuses? And do they look OK (not obviously burnt)? I'm still not clear if the blower inside is working?

Try running the car till the engine is warm and run the A/C. With the hood up, cycle the A/C on and off slowly and listen for a noticeable clicking (and a slight engine surge when the compressor comes on) If tha's OK, but no air is flowing out the A/C outlet on the dash, you probably have a bad/seized blower motor (you did check the fuses?)

My wife once owned a 96' ford taurus, I had the same problem, it's the blower relay, it's located in a fuse box under the hood near the front, right above the radiator. I'm sure if you stop in to your local autozone they can show you right where it is, I think it was around 10 bucks, but that's been a few years ago. That car had a lot of trouble with relays and fuses.

Now, there you go! First hand experience! And one of the lowest price repairs, too.

And I was just getting maeve32 to think like an auto tech :rolleyes: : finding out what is working very often leads to what isn't. :cool:

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