2000 Ranger 2wd - no AC also air blowing from defrost vents only!

[Leever2000]

turned on AC for the first time this year and noticed air does not blow from the face vents and only really blows from the defrost vents and not cool. Also notice the clutch on the AC compressor really never engages (looks like it tries to engage but just slips). In past I would hear a very distinct click when clutch engages. Whats up need some help/guidance? Thanks

 

[Dirtman]

Blowing only from the defrost vents usually means there is a vacuum leak to the vent controls. The different vent doors are moved by vacuum and defrost is the default setting when there is no vacuum. As for the compressor, it could be short cycling because pressure is low, need gauges to determine that.

 

[Leever2000]

The vacuum leak makes sense, I recently replaced the alternator (a month ago) and the black ball where two vacuum lines attach I believe were damaged?
Assuming they are vacuum lines what size are they and is there a schematic for the vacuum lines so I can confirm the destination to and from the black ball? BTW these vacuum line are very fragile.

 

[Dirtman]

The black ball is the vacuum reservoir, it stores vacuum so the controls still work even when the engines vacuum is low (under heavy load). There should only be one line from the intake manifold to the ball, then one line out of the ball that goes into the cab of the truck. Under the dash in the cab the lines split off into several directions. So really no need for a schematic, just replace the ball if its damaged. Need to know the engine to find the proper vacuum diagram but like I said its simple for the HVAC system (at least inside the engine bay).

 

[Leever2000]

The vacuum reservoir is fine but don't know which one represents the vacuum reservoir (see pic below) Looks like I have 2 lines coming out of the vacuum reservoir, one line goes to the cab the other line was broke. Assume that one is the one to go to the intake but do not see any place to plug in to. Also found another line coming from the cab but not connected to anything. The vacuum line issue appears to be part of the problem. Also notice when AC turned on the clutch on the AC compressor tries to engage but slips.
I plan to replace both of the vacuum lines going to and from the vacuum reservoir, what size are these lines? Are they 3/32" ?

https://www.ranger-forums.com/sohc-2-3l-2-5l-lima-engines-135/99-ranger-gray-vacuum-line-pass-side-140760/

 

[davepro88]

I recently purchased a 2002 Ford Ranger 2.3 and had the exact same problem. I replaced all the vacuum hoses and to and from the vacuum reservoir and still no fix. I took my vacuum tester and found that the L connector from the intake manifold was bad, but I cannot find the replacement part. Here is a picture of the problem. Does anyone know what this is called and where I can get it? Thanks

Blowing only from the defrost vents usually means there is a vacuum leak to the vent controls. The different vent doors are moved by vacuum and defrost is the default setting when there is no vacuum. As for the compressor, it could be short cycling because pressure is low, need gauges to determine that.