Ford

I have a 96 ford contour (4 cyl, at) that is only blowing air out of the defroster vents. both panel and floor settints have no effect. i figure that there is some sort of switch that controls where the air flows to, but have no idea what i am looking for or where to find it. it does not seem to be an electrical issue, as the heat still flows, the fuses are intact, and the blower motor will operate.

Yes, your tempature switch is vacuumed controlled... a vacuum line has come loose on the back of the control, or on an actuator under the dash. or the worst case scenario, a door flap is stuck or broken in your heater vent. i have that problem now on my 03 durango and it is in the shop right now. the whole dash has to come out and a new heater box has to go in. im looking at 6 hours of labor and $400... thats the worst case that can happen. i would take a look at the temp switch on your dash first.