Heater thingy sticking

Hi- I have a 96 Winstar with 160K. . . been a problem free car for me, but. . .

The hot-cold dial on my heater control SEEMS to operate fine (it feels normal when I twist it) BUT sometimes the heat doesn't respond. In otherwords I turn it to hot but the heat stays cold or I turn it to cold and the heat stays hot. I'm assuming some interal part is sticking. Probably clogged up with dog hair and all the other filth that flies around my van. Moving the knob back and forth quickly will soemtimes free whatever is stuck.. .I hear a barely audible 'clunk' and the heat comes.

Anyone have recomendations for what might be sticking and how I get to it to clean it (or replace it or oil it or whatever I need to do)?

thanks. -Nate

Reply to
Nate Greene
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Nate Greene opined .

First thing to do is check the other end of the cable to see if it tracks the knob. Have to get under the dash.

If you find it, and it tracks - then I have bad news... the blend door is loose on that shaft.

Depending on location and accessability, you MIGHT be able to use a Dremel and cut an access hole to apply a self tapping screw to the door (plastic flap) and tighten that connection.

Reply to
Backyard Mechanic

depends on what type of car you are talking about. most chevys have a motor that works the heat-defrost-ac circuit that is known to die after 5-6 years. on fords and cryslers, the controler is a vacume valve, and if it leaks it will do the same thing .also the lines tend to leak after a while, causing the same problem

Reply to
Falcoon

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