heat/def control

[jeepnut7]

The heater/defrost controls on my 79 chero have never worked. The off switch will work but when I push the others they wont stay engaged. It feels like something is preventing them from going in all the way. Is there a fix for this or is it just shot? Thanks

[bignblue]

I think I still have the control cluster on a spare instrument panel...let me check tomorrow and I'll get back to you if you need it.

[Ralph]

The "mode lever," which controls allows you to adjust the temperature, is essentially a bicycle cable that opens and closes a flap. This flap allows air to come in after it has passed over the heater core, and it's not uncommon for leaves, sticks, even rodent nests to block the flap from moving.

The fix for this is to remove the heater blower assembly (four bolts for the assembly, plus one for the ground wire, plus disconnect the hot wire) and stick a vacuum cleaner nozzle in there to clean all the junk out.

The heater/defrost controls are assisted by a black, softball-sized vacuum canister located in the middle of the firewall. Make sure there is in fact a vacuum line hooked up to it.

[bignblue]

Ralph, it sounds like the pushbuttons aren't 'clicking' into the stop detents on the control rod--since they're soft metal, the detents are prolly just worn down.

[jeepnut7]

Bignblue did you say you might have another control panel? If not is the panel easy to get to to see if the notches are worn or if it's just trash in there?