Please help; have 97 Mazda B2300 SE model, 2 wheel drive: I got the truck November 2019. Just charged the AC and still getting hot air, I've narrowed it down to the clutch cycle switch; the problem though is that at first, after charging, the clutch would engage but then stop. It was making a low squeal while engaged; I turned off the AC and turned on the regular air and the clutch made the sound again. How is this possible if the AC isn't being run? Since then, when I start the truck, I hear what sounds like a flap closing in the ductwork like the sound you hear on older vehicles with the sliding controls. This morning in TN it was cold, so I turned on the heat, and all I have is cold air coming out. Any ideas?

 

In 1997 Ranger you have an electric Blend Door, this is controlled by the COLD-HOT ****
It controls a door on the heater core, in COLD setting this door covers heater core so no air from the fan can pass thru it, in HOT the door opens and ALL air goes thru the heater core
This door allows you to adjust how much air passes thru the heater core

Google: Ranger Blend door

there are many videos on this common failure on all Fords, not just Rangers
You can fold down glove box all the way to see/feel if this motor is working

There are 4 Vacuum operated Vent doors in the dash, thats what you may be hearing, In Defrost setting no vent doors are activated

On vehicle equipped with AC the Compressor will cycle on and off in ALL settings but OFF
AC is used to DRY the air even when heat is selected, the AC evaporator is in the engine bay part of heater box, ALL air from the fan passes thru the evaporator first, and then goes into the cab to be routed by Blend Door