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Several years ago I lifted my Heat/AC control assembly up to vacuum under there. I accidentally knocked the indicator strings off the wheels (like a dummy). I think I know how to put them on from posts I've seen. Do you all think I can do this by lifting it up far enough to get to them? If I'm going to have to take it all loose and pull it out of there then I think I'll leave it alone. I'm aware of the fiber optic lines and stuff. I just wanna see what the most simple, safe and non-destructible approach might be. Thanks.
Taking the console cover off is fairly simple and there are only three of the fiber optics lines attached to that piece. I had mine apart last year as I got into the procedure of taking the entire dash apart. That was a major project and a big mistake on my part as it was far more work that I had planned. While I had the console apart, I took the cables off of the Heat/AC assembly and took it out of the car to completely clean and repaint it. Took it apart to where I had the large plastic wheels removed which was a mistake as getting them back in without breaking them was not fun. It is easier to work on if you remove the assembly from the car and work on the bench. Then you can work on the strings without bending yourself into a pretzel. If you decide to remove it, pay attention to what you do so that you can do the reverse to reinstall it. As long as you don't completely disassemble it into pieces it isn't a terrible job.
Fill me in on what comes loose if I decide to take the unit out. Its in really good shape and doesn't need anything but the strings put back on the wheels and pulleys. I assume I will have to: 1. Pull the fiber optics off. 2. Pull the hoses off. 3. Take the cables that the wheels move off. I think these cables are referred to as "Bowden Cables"? Taking these cables loose is my primary concern. Never done it and not sure how difficult removing and putting back on is. Obviously I will tag everything individually before I remove it. I plan to draw a template of every part I mess with and tape each screw or part to each template I draw. Thanks so much for any advice, warnings, do's or don'ts. I also know I'll have to remove the shifter T handle and boot.
I looked for pictures that I was sure I took when I took mine apart, but can't find them. Make sure you use your phone and take pictures as you take it apart, so that you can figure out how it goes back together. Some of it seems so obvious until you try and fit the assembly back into the console and then it doesn't go back the way you remember. Mark the fiber optic cables before you remove them. They are a press fit into the plastic receptacle and there are only three, but if you get them back correctly the first time.
The hoses are a slip fit over the valve assembly and held on with a screw or two. Getting the cables re-oriented putting it back together was a little confusing, but they are easy to disconnect. Take your time with restringing as you do not want to force anything and break one of the strings. You don't indicate what year your car is, but the idea is the same with all of them. I have uploaded (hopefully) a diagram of the A/C vacuum system. I had the hardest time figuring out how to get the assembly to go back into its location. Never try to force it into place, stop a think about why it doesn't want to fit back in.
Last edited by robertea; Jul 23, 2024 at 03:47 PM.
Heat AC control indicator strings
