Heater/AC control problems
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Mechanicsburg, PA USA
Heater/AC control problems
I just fixed my fuse problem so I now have different speeds of air flow and I can adjust the temperature of the air but I have no control over where the air blows out. Is there a special control that works this or is it the air/heater control panel that makes the air flow change from vent to heat to defrost etc. I assume it is vacuum controlled but I'd like to get some ideas where I may need to look. Any ideas?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Heater/AC control problems (Brad's 81)
Yep, it's the same control that works the heat / vent / AC. Your are correct that the system is vacuum operated, and moving the selector switch opens a vacuum port to a door in your heater control box. Many times a vacuum hose comes off, or has a break in it, and sometimes there is a leak in the selector switch itself. Sometimes helps to apply a good grade of grease(I like to use silicone / synthetic grease) to the switch area, and doing so may stop some leaks there.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Heater/AC control problems (Brad's 81)
You are lucky it is not the other dial.(temperture control dial on the right).I had to replace that cable with the heater core and that was a nightmare to get too....Gotta rip the dash out essentially to get to it
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,161
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
Re: Heater/AC control problems (john's '81 mouse)
Also, check the rear of the radio area. If you put an aftermarket radio in, they are deeper than stock. Sometimes they pinch a vaccum hose which won't let the switch move the airflow. :D
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas, USA
Re: Heater/AC control problems (Brad's 81)
AFTER you've checked all of the vacuum hoses and you still can't control the air flow, pull the plastic switch out from behind the heater/AC control panel.
It can be reached from the console side panel, a little tricky, but possible.
There's a circular rubber piece about the size of a half-dollar with grooves and a couple of pinholes that you won't believe is worthy of controling the entire air flow control system, but it does. Take it and the couple of pieces it assembles with and clean it all with warm, soapy water, blow dry it and lube it with a synthetic grease. Get it back together and all will work OK.
It can be reached from the console side panel, a little tricky, but possible.
There's a circular rubber piece about the size of a half-dollar with grooves and a couple of pinholes that you won't believe is worthy of controling the entire air flow control system, but it does. Take it and the couple of pieces it assembles with and clean it all with warm, soapy water, blow dry it and lube it with a synthetic grease. Get it back together and all will work OK.
