Max A/C

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying System Air Flow - MAX A/C

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

When MAX A/C is selected:

The air inlet blend door is at full vacuum, closing off outside air and allowing only recirculated air.
The defrost blend door is at full vacuum while the footwell blend door is at no vacuum, closing both doors.
The vent/register blend door is at partial vacuum, directing airflow to the driver side, passenger side and center registers.
Temperature control is usually set for maximum cold but may be heated if selected.
Air is picked up at the recirculation opening by the blower motor. With the temperature control set for maximum cold, air flows across the A/C evaporator core, diverting past the heater core and then directed into the passenger compartment through the driver side, passenger side and center registers.
The A/C compressor is enabled when MAX A/C is selected.
The blower motor is on.