So I recently got my 2011 Ford Fusion with 145k on it. I bought it in the spring when heat/ac was not needed much so I didn't notice there was hardly any air coming out of the vents in the cabin.

Problem: Basically when I turn the blower to full blast there is just a little bit of air coming out of the vents. It doesn't matter if it is the panel, the floor, or the the windshield; there is just enough air I can feel it moving, but it is not full blast like any other car I have been in. It does get hot/cold so I don't think its a problem with the AC or the heater core. (No lights on dash fyi)

Diagnosis: The cabin air filter was in the glove box. When I took the glove-box off and popped off the cover for the cabin air filter there was no filter there. So I am assuming the owner before me had this problem too. I put my hand where the cabin air filter should have been and I could feel the blower motor moving, and air moving over my hand; but I have no way to gauge whether it was weaker than normal as I have nothing to compare it to. It sounded okay and seemed like it was working just fine, but like I said I have no idea if it is "normal" strength. The wiring harness and all the connectors appeared okay from a brief visual inspection.

Thoughts: Maybe there is something blocking the air passages through the dash? Maybe the blower motor is going bad and isn't pushing hard enough? Maybe its not getting enough power? I don't know how to test any of these things.

If you have seen this before, or know how to diagnose anything I listed above your help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

You likely have a blend door either stuck, blocking the airflow or is not being moved by its actuator, either electrically or by vaccum. I have heard of rodents building nests in the airbox blocking airflow or jamming a blend door..

 

Thanks Raski,

How would I get to the blend door? Do I have to take apart much of the dash?

 

You should get a manual which will provide step by step instructions. This can be labor intensive as the heat box is located within the dash. If you cannot obtain one or you feel insecure doing this, I would seek the assistance of a good shop who deals with HVAC problems.