Stuck vent control knob

SAMBO2

MEMBER
2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

The vent control knob (the far right knob on the climate control unit) on my car will no longer turn. The issue started unexpectedly with no prior issues. I have taken the unit out and disconnected the physical cable attached to the knob that runs back into the dash, and found that the knob turns freely when disconnected.

I've heard that this could simply be a kinked cable, or a faulty vent control door but don't know how to proceed. Do you have any advice or any manuals I could reference for this? Thank you

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Chances are it is one of the things you mentioned. Here are all the directions for cables and the system. I attached all pictures related to the different procedures. For some reason, the directions are all lumped together for this vehicle.

HEATER CONTROL ASSEMBLY AND A/C SWITCH

REMOVAL SERVICE POINTS

HEATER CONTROL ASSEMBLY REMOVAL
After disconnecting the heater/cooler unit side connections of the air mix damper lever cable and air outlet changeover link cable, remove the heater control assembly.

AIR MIX DAMPER LEVER CABLE, AIR OUTLET CHANGEOVER DAMPER LINK CABLE REMOVAL
Insert a flat-tipped screwdriver into the control base clip from inner side, and then remove the cable by lifting the claw part of the clip.

INSTALLATION SERVICE POINT

HEATER CONTROL ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION
1. Follow the steps below to install the air outlet changeover damper link cable.
1. Set the air outlet changeover control knob on the heater control assembly to the defroster position.
2. Set the air outlet changeover damper link of the heater/cooler unit to the defroster position as shown in the illustration, and then connect the cable to the link pin.
3. Push the outer cable in the direction so that there is no looseness, and then secure it with the clip.

2. Follow the steps below to install the air mix damper lever cable.
1. Set the temperature control knob on the heater control assembly to the maximum hot position.
2. Set the air mix damper lever of the heater/cooler unit to the maximum hot position as shown in the illustration, and then connect the cable to the lever pin.
3. Push the outer cable in the direction so that there is no looseness, and then secure it with the clip.

3. After installation, ensure that each damper operates smoothly by operating the heater control assembly knob.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Tuesday, December 25th, 2018 AT 7:28 PM

SAMBO2

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your input. I was able to fix the issue and it was neither the cable nor the heater core. I had to spend some time removing the paneling beneath the steering wheel and removed the foot vent down there but then I had clear access to the mechanism in the pictures. One of the plastic parts of the mechanism was jammed for some reason and I was able to figure out which and simply disconnected it which allowed the knob to move freely and everything works. It was the white piece with a zigzag cutout in the middle of it, it is in the fourth picture but is covered by the words "face position". Not sure why it was jammed and refused to move but am happy with the results and saved a massive amount of money.

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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 11:34 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Welcome back.

That's great news. I can't tell you how many of these over the years I found to have "bent" cables where they attached to the unit. It seems the unit gets difficult to move which results in forcing it and bending the cable. Once bent, it is no longer strong enough and bends every time.

Regardless, great job. Take care of yourself and I wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 4:20 PM