Hi all - My 2000 Dakota Sport 4L is having AC issues. Today the AC, which has been working great in the 100° days of late, seems to be working but only blowing out the defrost vents. No matter where I turn the selector, it doesn't make that 'THUD' when it changes from one setting to the next.
Please someone say this could be any easy, affordable fix.
Thanks!

 

I had this problem on my 98 sport after installing my plug wires. Turned out I knocked a tiny vacuum line loose that controls the vents. Look for a small plastic vacuum line against the firewall, driver side near the purge valve solenoid. It should run the top of the firewall and connect right under the valve solenoid.

https://i.imgur.com/xe2dC5R.jpg

In this image, it's the "T" fitting behind the solenoid, you can see the small plastic vacuum line at the bottom left behind the solenoid, make sure this line is connected. It's the one that controls the vent directions.

 

I will have a look today. I kinda had the idea it was a vacuum line somewhere.
Somewhere!
Thanks!

 

The vacuum hoses appear to be connected and okay.
Wondering what I might find behind the 3 control ***** on the dash and what fuses may have to do with this? Blower blows like a son of a gun, just doesn't seem to get the redirection "thud" from one setting to the next

 

There's only one fuse for the blower motor, speed controller goes through a resistor block.

Directionals are controlled strictly by vacuum.

 

If the control head on the dash is not receiving vacuum the system defaults to defrost.

 

I guess my next move is to pull that control cluster and check the hoses?
Or can I pull the t-joint apart under the hood and see if there's suction there?

 

Could I possibly have bumped something when I replaced the power steering pump?

 

It's possible but not likely. The "T" Connector is up by the brake booster.

If you can get to the vacuum lines at the control head, there's 7 of them on a connector and all sorts of colors, the black line is the supply.

 

I was able to pull the instrument cluster bezel and get to the control head but it looks like all wires. Is that clump in the center really vacuum lines?!
How do I pull the black line to check it without any diagnostic tools other that my eyes and ears? Can I trace where the black line goes?
Sorry