A/C & blower motor problem....HELP, I'm burning up!

[BlownSkillet]

Here's the problem. If I turn the blower motor switch from 0 to 1, 2 or 3, the a/c compressor kicks in but I have no blower. If I put the switch to 4, I have the blower but the A/C light goes out, the compressor disengages and I have no A/C. Obviously, this isn't going to cut it in a black wagon in 95 degree, 90% humidity weather.

So far, I've tried a different interior blower switch with no help and all fuses are good. Someone please give me somewhere to look!

[Sponsor]

[BornAgainFordOwner]

Check the blower motor resistor. It provides various resistances to regulate the blower speed. It's next to the blower motor near the bottom of the bottom of the same housing that contains the blower motor. They usually have wire resistors that are inside of the housing so that they can be cooled by the air flow, so you have to remove the subassembly to visually check them.

[BlownSkillet]

O.K., I'm trying to follow you here but I keep getting confused. First off, is the blower motor contained in the black, oval shaped housing just behind the glove box? If so, are you saying I have to remove the blower motor from this housing to check this resister? Also, if/when I find this resister, how would I check it? I am pretty handy with an ohm/volt meter but I need to know what readings I need to look for.

[BlownSkillet]

GOT IT! That was the problem. Luckily for me, I have another Focus and after looking through my Haynes manual, I removed the resister and replaced it with the one from my other Focus. Problem solved...well, almost. All I need to do is go get a new resister. The resister is easily accessable just by simply lowering the glove box all the way down by presing in on both sides. The Haynes manual was wrong on one account; YES, it is only held in with one screw and it is outside the blower motor box, easily seen as soon as you drop the glove box BUT, the manual states that it is located to the RIGHT of the motor. It is located on the left side of the motor.

Great! I feel much better....still HOT though! Thanks for your help.

[FucusUnderground]

Are you sure you weren't just going at it from the opposite direction than listed? I have noticed a few instances in the manual where they tackle the job from the interior, but describe a given part's location as seen when in front of the vehicle looking at the engine.

[CKA]

If u have a warranty, they replace it 4 free, it happened 2 me. Check it out and then take it in.

[BlownSkillet]

FucusUnderground, you have to get to this part from the interior; it's under the dash so there's no mistake there.

CKA, no warranty here; my Focus Wagon has 182,000 miles on the clock! Guess I really can't complain.....

[vanace]

highest milage I have seen on a focus yet.. sounds good! Do you have the spi engine?

[BlownSkillet]

I have the Zetec in mine.

[guest]

Just had same problem.Same fix.They said its very common.The resister pack cost $8.00.Heres the kicker.Its very proboble that the only part bad on the resister pack is a $1.00 heat fuse thats located on the bottom of the asssembly.Imagine something as stupid as that knocking out your AC.Then imagine a helpless woman on a fixed income taking it to a garage and getting racked for $300.00. Feel the cool air again.Its wonderful!