Can't get defroster to work

[Cowpunk]

The knob controling the direction of my climate control is broke and I have no clue how to go about fixing it or what it even is. The temperature knob works and the intensity knob works but the direction contol knob is stuck on face. The knob turns but it will only stay on face. I'm scarred to take it to any sort of mechanic for fear that they will charge me $500 for a 5 cent part. (+ labor :-laf ) Any help would be great. I can't see out my windshield in the morning and its becoming a hazard to my health. Thanks guys!



-cowpunk

 

[nickleinonen]

defrost blend door... do a search on blend door and you will find lots of threads [had mine fixed once already. not cheap when out of warrenty]

 

[DPKetchum]

Or a issue with the control head. Need to narrow it down from control head or blend door issue.

 

[scbroder]

If the issue is with a broken defrost door inside the HVAC unit, you should be able to hear the electric actuators move after changing the knob. Try turning the key to run without starting the engine. Play with the mode (direction) knob, listening closely for the electric actuators moving. It will be best to turn the fan on low or off so you can hear better. Cycle through all position and see where the air comes out.



If the defrost door is broken you should only loose control between the floor and defrost. There would be no control on how much air comes out of either location. It should have no effect on air coming out of the panel(face). For example, if the mode knob is on face, no air should come out of the defrost or floor. If the mode knob is on defrost, air may come out of the floor only, the defrost only, or both.



Hope this helps narrow it down.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Super common failure with 03's. If it's still under warranty then let the dealer fix it, they've done hundreds of them!

As for the price of parts, you would be surprised how cheap the chassis related parts are. Not like buying for a honda.



Scotty

 

[MR.K]

build date

What is the build date on your truck with the defrost -vent problem. Mine was built Apr. of 03 . . Is this problem on all 03's... . thanks

 

[nickleinonen]

my defrost blend door broke and my 04 was manufactured in sept 03. .