1. Check the Fuses:
* Locate the fuse box: Your Explorer likely has multiple fuse boxes—one under the hood and one inside the cabin (often under the dash). Consult your owner's manual to pinpoint the exact location and identify the fuse(s) related to the front AC fan (often labeled "blower motor" or similar).
* Inspect the fuses: Look for blown fuses (a broken filament inside). Replace any blown fuses with fuses of the *same amperage rating*. Don't use a higher amperage fuse—that's a fire hazard. If the fuse blows immediately upon replacement, you have a short circuit somewhere in the system.
2. Check the Relay:
* Locate the relay: The AC blower motor relay is usually in one of the fuse boxes. Your owner's manual will be essential here, as the relay's location varies by year and trim level. It will likely be a small square or rectangular component.
* Swap the Relay: If you have a spare relay of the same type, try swapping it with the AC blower motor relay. If the fan starts working, you've found the problem. If not, try swapping another relay into its spot. This helps eliminate if a relay is faulty.
* Test the Relay (advanced): If you have a multimeter, you can test the relay for continuity. This is a more advanced troubleshooting step; consult an online guide specific to testing relays for details.
3. Check the Blower Motor Resistor:
* Locate the Resistor: The blower motor resistor controls the fan speeds. It's a common failure point. This component is often located behind the glove box or under the dash near the blower motor. You might need to remove the glove box or parts of the dash trim to access it.
* Inspect the Resistor: Look for any obvious signs of damage, such as burnt wires or a melted plastic case. Often, resistors fail by creating an open circuit, preventing power from reaching the motor. Even a seemingly minor crack can cause a failure.
* Test the Resistor (advanced): A multimeter can check the resistor's resistance, although this requires understanding ohms and how to test it properly.
4. Check the Blower Motor Itself:
* Access the Blower Motor: This usually involves removing parts of the dash or the heater box (a more involved task).
* Inspect the Motor: Look for anything obvious like debris, burned wires, or other damage. You can try spinning the fan blades by hand—they should turn freely without much resistance.
* Test the Motor (advanced): Using a multimeter, you can check the voltage and current at the motor to verify it's receiving power and working correctly. This requires some electrical knowledge and safety precautions.
5. Wiring and Connections:
* Inspect the Wiring Harness: Carefully examine the wires leading to the blower motor, resistor, and relay for any breaks, chafing, or loose connections. Repair or replace any damaged wiring.
* Check for Corrosion: Corrosion can disrupt the electrical signal, especially in older vehicles. Clean any corroded connections with a wire brush and electrical contact cleaner.
Why the rear works and the front doesn't:
The rear AC fan often has a separate circuit, so it's not unusual for one to fail while the other is functioning. The problem is almost certainly within the front AC blower system.
Important Considerations:
* Safety First: Disconnect the battery's negative terminal before working with any electrical components to avoid electrical shock.
* Owner's Manual: Your 1997 Ford Explorer's owner's manual will be invaluable for diagrams, fuse box locations, and other specific details.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable working on your car's electrical system, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic. Improper repairs can cause further damage or even create a fire hazard.
By systematically checking these components, you should be able to pinpoint the cause of your front AC fan failure. Remember to start with the simplest checks (fuses and relays) before moving on to more involved steps.
