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Jimmy9190
Dodge Dakota
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12/11/2008
21:21:30
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 Subject: How hard to pull HVAC housing?
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Message:
I have a 2001 Dakota with 98,000 miles. The heater in it has a problem where it also blows out the defroster vents and the dash vents even when I have it set to blow in the foot area. The AC leaks some air out the defroster when the AC is set to blow from the dash vents which causes a spot of condensation to form on the front windshield in humid weather. That happens a lot here in Florida.
I know there are actuators and blend doors inside the HVAC housing and I can replace the parts and fix it. My question is how hard is it really to pull the dash and the HVAC housing? Can I just get the dash out of the way and open the HVAC box without evacuating the AC and draining the coolant? I would think it would be better to have the HVAC box in the truck so I can see what needs replacing and to check it out after I fix it. I have no one to help me do it, and have heard it takes 2 people to move the dash out of the truck. The big question is is there an actuator on the OUTSIDE of the HVAC box that I can replace without pulling the dash and HVAC box? I know our Dakota's have 4 actuators total. 2 outside and 2 inside the HVAC housing. When I set it all the way for full defrost there is no leaking air from any of the other vents in the dash or the floor so that makes me think the blend doors might all be sealing OK.
Is it better just to let the Dodge dealer do it or is it really a job I can do alone in my driveway? I appreciate any help here.
Jimmy
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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12/11/2008
22:12:49
| RE: How hard to pull HVAC housing?
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Message:
I just pulled the dash out of my 02 QC to install some rocker switches for some aux lighting.
It's very easy to remove the dash, I did it myself.
There's a few screws around the instrument cluster. I think 2 on the top of the cluster and 2 on the bottom. There are many clips holding it on. You'll need to tilt the steering wheel. You'll also need to disconnect the heater controls from the back of the dash.
Everything you need to know to remove the dash is in the haynes manual. I recommend you pick one up.
I bought a set of nylon dash removal tools from harbor freight (4 piece set was around $4). You can use a screw driver. the only issue with a screw driver is it can leave scratches. I think the haynes manual says to put tape on the screw driver.
- Dan M
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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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12/12/2008
09:34:13
|  RE: How hard to pull HVAC housing?
IP: Logged
Message:
Jimmy9190, before you start ripping your dash
apart, make double sure you have no error codes
on the systems computer, ie: Check Engine Light.
Is everything else working ok? Reason I'm warning
you of this is because I had the very same
problem with my 02, error codes, things didn't
work, heater controls not working and it ended
up to be a wire broke off the ign. switch.
What a pain in the A$$!
Good luck..
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