Defrost Control

[VirtualJJ]

Another issue that has come up on my safety inspection is that the slider control for the interior environment controls will not slide all the way into defrost. It feels like there is some sort of obstruction.

Is this a common problem? Is there an easy way to pop off the panel and take a look at it?

[ccautos]

Normally the cable `kinks` and does not allow full selection. You can straighten the cable but it is only a temporary fix. Replacing the cable is the best option to cure it.

[VirtualJJ]

I have the panel off, and it does look like the cable will not push it's way back into it's sleeve.

Is there a more likely place that the cable will tend to kink, or will I have to perform a full dash disassembly?

This is terrible timing for us, as we want to go camping for the first time in our new van next weekend, but it won't pass inspection without the defrost working. :(

I've tried a few searches on Dashboard Disassembly for an L300 but no luck so far... Is there a somewhat simple and over explained guide to taking the console apart? I'm willing to give it a try, but only with proper info..

[Mr. Flibble]

I have the panel off, and it does look like the cable will not push it's way back into it's sleeve.

Is there a more likely place that the cable will tend to kink, or will I have to perform a full dash disassembly?

This is terrible timing for us, as we want to go camping for the first time in our new van next weekend, but it won't pass inspection without the defrost working. :(

I've tried a few searches on Dashboard Disassembly for an L300 but no luck so far... Is there a somewhat simple and over explained guide to taking the console apart? I'm willing to give it a try, but only with proper info..

You can try following the cable to where the actuator that the cable moves is. Move the actual part that the cable controls (not the cable itself) back and forth a number of times. I actually had mine get stuck in my 4Runner, and tried to move the cable so much I kinked the cable.

I replaced the cable, and it still would not move - so I had to move the actual flange on the airbox by hand a number of times to loosen it up. You may also wish to lubricate the moving part if it is stiff.

[VirtualJJ]

The cable disappeared into the dark abyss of the dash workings, or I would have done exactly that... I'll figure out how to take it apart sooner or later....

*begin obscure Red Dwarf reference for the sole benefit of Mr Flibble*
I was also considering flying on a magic carpet to visit the king of the potato people, but I'm currently stuck in quarantine W.O.O.
*end obscure Red Dwarf reference*

Also I think it is awesome that your van is named Starbug!

[Firesong]

The boss is away and my offer still stands.
This means I have a garage here to work in if need be for a
little on friday.

Firesong

[ccautos]

The cable can normally be unclipped and straightened without removing the entire dashboard. It is dark and you are going to loose one or maybe two knuckles, but with a little patience and maybe two or three really bad swear words it will come out.

[VirtualJJ]

I can get to the console end of the cable, and perhaps unclip it, but I'm assuming it is the actuator/airbox end of it that may be the trouble.

Does anyone know what side of the dash I might find the valve/actuator that routes the air to the defrost vents?

I'm hoping it is maybe behind the glovebox or something simple...