Crummy defrost

[Rattlenbang]

I've noticed from the beginning that the defrost in my van is the pits. It doesn't help that it hardly gets beyond 1/4 heat, but when I turn it to defrost and stick my hand up by the dash, I can barely feel anything. The fan is going like stink, but although I can hear things flapping and moving when I slide the control over to defrost, most of the air seems to always want to come out the dash front vents. It hardly seems to change when I slide the control over. Is this typical, or am I looking at a broken control cable or hose fallen off inside the dash?

[Growlerbearnz]

Yeah, there's something wrong there. When I select defrost (vent control all the way to the right) *all* the air comes out the defrost vents.

There's only one vent control cable that runs from the control to the heater box, and it terminates down by the driver's left foot. If the cable outer sheath comes adrift at either end you'll get a reduced action- check the end that's down near the floor first, as the heater controls are a pain to remove.

[philmeup1]

My van had poor heat as well. I had my mechanic change out the thermostat and its wicked now. I even have to turn it down sometimes as it gets too hot:)

That could be part of your problem if the heat is shite..

Here's to spring if it ever comes

[bionic]

When defrost is opened there should be enough air directed out the vent to blow your hair back on high no problem. Sounds like a duct linkage/ blockage issue.... Pita to fix:(. I hope for your sake its not dash removal time

[Rattlenbang]

Boy, you guys know how to spoil a good beer. Screw it, I'm buying a dash fan, just like they have in big buses.

[TardisDeli]

My heater and fan will dry long hair in minutes, setting on face comes out all 4 front vents. almost burns my face while driving. On defrost setting the front window air will blow way up to the roof (put hand on rear veiw mirror and feel the heat), also has air out the tiny side window vents. taking the dash apart is actually quite easy, just need to know where a few tricky screws are hidden, someone posted a full step by step picture years ago. You might only need to take off the stereo housing area (4 screws I think, but the first one is hidden on lower right side) and reach up, never needed to check mine.
Christine.

[Rattlenbang]

The cable has come off or is broken at the dash end. I'll have to pull that section off to see what's up. On a related note, hardly any heat comes through the heater, either. Do the heater control valves go on these things?

[Rattlenbang]

The cable is busted at the dash end all right. Fortunately, you only have to remove the trim from around the control to access it; it just snaps in place. The big question now is where to find one?

[bionic]

Cc auto on vancouver island will likely have it. Glen seems to have everything these days...

[Rattlenbang]

Well, I learned awhile ago on motorcycles that it's pretty easy to replace broken cables rather than replacing the whole shebang, especially in a case like this where said cables would likely be hard to source. So I pulled out that broken cable, cut the fittings off, drilled the old wire out, and soldered them to a new length of cable. I now have full control of air, and yes it works a hell of a lot better. I suspect it had been broken a long time judging by all the crap that blew out the front when I selected defrost.