Climate control fan speed knob

[Gary687]

Hi guys

I've searched the forum and am struggling for info but does anyone know how to remove/inspect the fan speed knob on the climate control panel? Is it just a case of pulling it off does anyone know?

I get zero 'click click' resistance when turning it now - it still works and cycles through each fan speed but it just kind of spins round freely so it's hit and miss as to whether you get the actual fan speed you're after!!

Cheers

Gary

 

[CatmanV2]

Larry on the US forum will be able to give you an absolute answer, but also some of the guys that have done the button swap on here I'd expect to know as well

C

 

[safrane]

If its the GS or 3200 rhey pull off with a hefty tug.

 

[Gary687]

It's an '02 4200 so different looking knobs?

 

[LORENZ-GS]

Gary, u have to take the unit apart. The knobs do not pull out. In back of each of the three knobs is a spring inside a small piece of plastic. When u turn the knob u get click click cuz the spring puts alittle pressure on the to a ribbed area,,thus giving you click click or allows u to get the setting u want and keep it there. My guess is u don't have one in there, or if u did its broken or came out of the hole it sits in.

 

[DPS20K]

Don't just pull the knob off, you risk breaking the tangs that hold it in and you'll lose the little spring. Do as Lorenz says and take the unit out of the dash complete and then open it up. You can then get to the knobs really easily. It does sound like you've lost the little spring somehow. It happened to me but I found the spring inside a cheap biro was the perfect size and worked a treat.

 

[Gary687]

Gents as ever thanks for your assistance with this - most appreciated!

I think, given that it's seemingly working fine, I'll leave it until our 35 degree summer has passed before having a more detailed dig around!!!!

Cheers guys

Gary

Don't just pull the knob off, you risk breaking the tangs that hold it in and you'll lose the little spring. Do as Lorenz says and take the unit out of the dash complete and then open it up. You can then get to the knobs really easily. It does sound like you've lost the little spring somehow. It happened to me but I found the spring inside a cheap biro was the perfect size and worked a treat.

 

[Forcerouge]

Gents as ever thanks for your assistance with this - most appreciated!

I think, given that it's seemingly working fine, I'll leave it until our 35 degree summer has passed before having a more detailed dig around!!!!

Cheers guys

Gary

I know it's a super old thread, but if if can help anyone in the future:

You have to remove the console: first remove the screen by prying it out with a flat screwdriver from the sides (there are a some slots to insert the screwdriver without ruining the paint). Disconnect the wires.
Then remove the rear gear shift assembly, just two screws and disconnect the wires too.
Next step is to remove the console, which is held in place by 5 screw (4 behind the screen which you just removed and one behind the gearshift you just removed too.
Once you removed the console, put a towel on your workbench to avoid ruining the console, then remove the screws who hold the button box in place (I think there were 4 or 6 screws). The plastics are a bit brittle and ****** so be careful not to tighten too much later on.

Remove the screws who hold the button box together, but be careful, there are a few little springs and balls inside so you want to make sure they don't fall off.
Open the box and then try to figure out what has gone wrong by comparing your defective button to the others. I guess in your case the spring went out of place for some reason.

I had to go through the same process because the button was not doing anything while turning it. As it turned out, the button was broken, there is a long shaft going into an encoder and it was cracked halfway. I found a tiny metal nail, cut it's head, heated it with a lighter and then inserted it into the plastic. Did that on both sides of the broken part. Finally, removed the nail, put some epoxy in there and put the two halves of the part together. Be super careful about the orientation of the shaft, otherwise it won't work!!

It's been about two years now and it still holds fine, apparently you can't buy this button alone, you have to purchase the whole box. I don't remember the price but as you can probably guess it was insane.
This is very easy and doable by anyone, takes less than one hour including a few beer breaks.

Hope it will help someone!