How do you remove the hvac controls on the dash and then the blower switch on a 96 Dakota with a/c?!?!?

 

Carefully.

Remove the surround.

Unbolt the control from the dash, ease it partly out.

The power connector unplugs.

The vacuum fittings unplug.

There's a clip that holds the temp diverter to the control; unclip, pull up , and remove the cable.

Put the control assembly on your table.

Pull the **** off.

Use two bolts (1/4" head IIRC) and drop the switch out.

Reverse to re-assembly.

WHILE it's open, this is the perfect time to swap out the #74 light bulbs with new ones, or with LEDs.

BTW - for a 1996, in the Factory Service Manual, it's on page 24-23. I've included that page as an attachment.

RwP

 

Thanks Ralph. I was actually able to get a home of the Dakota guru Paul and got it. But since I've got you on the line. How do I get to those bulbs?

 

A Ha! Found them! Hope this is my problem

 

Heh.

For others, the easiest way !I! figured out was to ..

Pull both ***** off (they pull straight forward and push back on.)

Ease the front off of the control.

Use my nylon needle nose pliers (be gentle, you can use regular ones!) and pull the old bulbs out.

Using the same tool ease the new bulbs or LEDs back in (and if you're going LED, do this in the car so you can turn the lights on and make sure they're turned right; the active LEDs themselves are polarized, and #74s are small enough I don't think you can find some non-polarized assemblies).

Reattach the cover.

Reinstall the *****.

RwP