-- [ From: Ned Worcester * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
Thanks for doing this and passing it on. I'll probably do it next weekend.
Of course now I am considering trading it in on a nice big Ram 2500 TURBO!
If I can afford it, NOT>
Ned Worcester
'95 SLT 4x4 CC
-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------
Date: Monday, 10-Nov-97 11:33 AM
From: Frank Ball \ Internet: (frankb@cougar.sr.hp.com)
To: dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net \ Internet:
(dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net)
To: Frank Ball \ Internet: (frankb@cougar.sr.hp.com)
Subject: DML: Defroster control lobotomy
} Subject: Ventilation Control Removal - '95 CC
} From: Ned Worcester <nworcest@crossnet.org>
}
} Most modern vehicles, Dakota included, have the annoying habit of
} running the A/C compressor when the defog is on. Problem with that is
} that it builds up enough condensation on the A/C coil in the dash that
} it fogs up the windshield for the next few days. (Car makers always
} think they know exactly what we want)
It is also a pain when it is below freezing and there is frost on the
outside of the windshield and the engine is cold. Also I don't need the AC
on all the time everytime I need air going to the windshield. This has been
annoying me for some time now.
} The wiring diagram shows a switch on the defog button which parallels
} the A/C switch. I am trying to figure out how to disconnect the switch
} in the defog button, without disconnecting the A/C switch. That way
} when I want defog with A/C, I just push the A/C button.
}
} I have been able to remove the dash bezel, but cannot get the
} ventilation controls out to try to find the switch or wiring from the
} defog button. Neither the Haines or Chiltons manuals give any kind of
} help. So I'm turning to the collective guruness of DML.
}
} Anyone have any ideas?
It's been a while since this was asked, but ...
The factory service manual wiring diagram indicated that this AC switching
was done inside the "non-serviceable" heater/AC control unit in the dash.
There is no wire that can be cut outside of this unit to defeat this
"feature". The factory manual was of no help beyond this point.
Well yesterday I decided I was going to "fix" it and I did. Here's how:
Remove the two screws holding the "kneecap smasher" under the steering
column and remove it. Remove the eight torx screws holding on the dashboard
panel and remove it. Remove the two screws holding in the heater/AC control
unit and slide it out of the dash. It will be dangling by one cable, seven
wires, and a bunch of vacuum lines.
There is a tab under the wiring connector. Push the tab and unplug the
wiring. There is a tab under the colored plastic anchor for the cable. Push
the tab and remove the cable. There are two silver colored screws on top of
the heater/AC control unit that hold in the vacuum switch unit, where the
offensive AC switch is located, but removing these screws does not allow the
vacuum switch to come free. Removing the front bezel allows access only to
the light bulbs, so don't bother. The heater/AC control unit can be flipped
upsidedown once the cable and wires are removed. The vacuum switch unit can
now be opened up.
WARNING! When you open this unit up there is a very real possibility that
small parts will go flying everywhere. This is not for the faint of heart
nor the mechanically inept. Make sure all four buttons are in the out
position (press two at once). Make sure the unit is upside down and level.
Pry up the tabs holding on the bottom cover starting at the back and
carefully remove the cover.
Behind the defrost button you can now see a metal clip that slides with the
button and makes contact on either side to engage the AC when the button is
pushed. Pop out this metal clip. Put all the other little parts back in
place and snap the cover back on. The end of the spring loaded sliding
piece that goes across the unit sticks out one end under spring pressure and
must be pushed in to get the cover on. Reassemble everything else and enjoy
the results.
Frank Ball 1UR-M frankb@sr.hp.com (707) 794-4168 work
Hewlett Packard (707) 794-3038 fax (707) 538-3693 home
1212 Valley House Drive Kawi KDX200, Yamaha XT350 YZF600R Seca 750
Rohnert Park CA 94928-4999 '95 Dakota SLT Club Cab V8 5-Speed 2WD
-------- REPLY, End of original message --------
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:07:56 EDT