What is this screened vent/filter looking item?

[FoothillsJim]

I have a 1999 XLT Expedition 4WD, w/rear A/C. What is this screened area at the top of the hatch frame (just above the seal) at the rear of the vehicle? It kind of looks like a filter behind the black plastic grid, but the vehicle does not list any cabin filter. Original owner, stock vehicle.

 

[Hamfisted]

It's the air outlet for when you have the windows up and the front climate control set to outside air. The system pulls in outside air from the passenger side cowl area and it's allowed to escape out that exhaust vent you show in your picture. The Gen2's have that outlet vent behind the right rear tail light assembly.




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[FoothillsJim]

OK, thank-you! The paper or foam material I am seeing (behind the grid) must be to keep small critters out of the passenger compartment - or is the inlet just the entire roof fabric?!