My '02 heat/AC/defrost selector seems to have quit on me. The temp works fine as does the fan, and the AC blows ice cold. Problem is, no matter where i set the selector, it wont blow on the floor or from the panel, only from the defrost ducts on the dash. Anyone had this problem before or know of a fix? (Other than the dealer).

Also, any service manuals available for the '02 yet? I noticed that Chilton's doesnt have one newer than '00

thanks in advance...

 

There is a vaccum line that controls door mode. The default setting is defrost. Check under the hood for a small diameter vaccum line on the left side of the engine that may not be hooked up. Other possiblilities include-broken HVAC control panel or vaccum lines behind dash leaking.

 

All the vacuum lines under the hood appear to be in order, so i assume the next step will be opening up the dash and checking those lines. How difficult is removing the dash/panel in the Dakota? While not an expert by any stretch, I have done some aftermarket stereo installs on previous vehicles...

 

Pull the HVAC unit and see if you have vaccum at the panel. Should be the black one I beleive.

 

I'll probably have a go at it this weekend. Does the entire dash need to come out to get the HVAC control panel out?

 

No, HVAC is real easy to pull. Just need to pull the surrounding bezel off.

 

Got behind the dash and there dont seem to be any leaking vacuum lines. I called a local dealer about the control unit and they told me that it runs $245. I've checked with several parts places online, but cant find anyone that sells the control unit. I'm pretty sure the controls are the problem (even when it was working it was a little mushy--it didnt seem to have positive stops at each setting), but I'd like to see if I can do better than $245. Anyone have any leads on a good parts place online I can check?

 

I own a 2002 1500 with a similar problem. This morning, on my way to work, I changed the vent controller for panel to max panel. Instead of blowing more air, the vents changed from the panels only to th floor. now I can't get the panels to blow air through them at all. I can still change from the defrost to the floor, but when I turn the vent control to any of the panel settings, it will stay at either the defrost or floor, whichever one it was on. Or it will go directly from the defrost to the floor and visa versa. I think the dash unit control has gone bad? Will find out this weekend, when I replace it.

Check out this website:

https://www.dodgeparts.com/oe_parts_catalog.html

They have the control for $195