Check behind the heat control panel to be sure that the vacuum hoses are all securely plugged into the control switch. As a safety measure on all cars, if you lose vacuum altogether, the default position for air direction is on defrost, so you can always see out of the windshield. Jake McCahn
The water is not circulating through the heater core or you have a control problem. If the heater is putting out heat then it is probably a control problem. If no heat then - water pump out, low on coolant, or maybe the therostat is stuck open.
Thermostat stuck open, if older car possibly clogged heater core- when run at oper temp the hoses going into/out of heater core be sure one is very hot - start with thermostat $$$ cheap & easier than a heater core problem!
If the AC and heater in your 2009 Mercury are only blowing air through the defrost vents and not into the cabin vents, it may be due to a malfunctioning blend door actuator or a problem with the HVAC control system. The blend door actuator controls the flow of air to different vents, and if it’s stuck or malfunctioning, it may be directing all air to the defrost vents. Additionally, issues with the climate control module or vacuum leaks in the system could also cause this problem. A thorough inspection of the HVAC system is recommended to identify the exact cause.
Where the air blows out control are vacuum operated.A more common problem is when the air is stuck on defrost only.The cause is essentially the same, so check out the "Related Question" below for where to go next
Could this be 2 separate problems?Stuck in defrost modeNo heatSee "Related Questions" below for more about both
If you have already tried adjusting the temp controls the problem is likely a defrost control that is stuck in the "On" position. It is operated by the same timer as the ice maker. This is not a do-it-yourself repair.
It sounds like your air flow diverter is stuck on defrost. Basically it is a little door that diverts the air fom vent to defrost to feet. It could be either the heater control valve, or te temperature selecter cable is broke.
Little or no heat from heater/defrost if t-stat is stuck open. Engine overheats if t-stat is stuck closed.
The HVAC doors that control the airflow are activated by small vacuum motors. The system is designed to fail safe; this means that the system will fail in full defrost mode. So, knowing this and the fact that you have heater but no A/C or defrost you should assume the system has a failed control head (the part that you select functions with with button or lever). Or the doors are stuck due to an warped duct system (usually high heat related).
Could be a vacuum leak "defrost" is the default position of the system Check vacuum lines and motors under the dash
The heater control valve is used to shut off hot coolant from entering the core when the heater is in the off position. A heater control valve can be actuated by either a vacuum line or a cable from the vacuum heater control valve to the heater core. This hose should be warm; if not the heater control valve is stuck and needs to be replaced