[DML] Re: mode switch repair

["ksgrimsr" <knut.s.grimsrud@xxxxxxxxx>]

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "my88mph" <my88mph@xxxx> wrote:
>     I am about to repair an air leak in my mode switch located below 
> the radio.  I am looking for any help to make this easier. How much
> of the center console or dash has to be removed? 
>                                  Sincerely Dennis

You don't actually have to remove a bunch of stuff for this repair.

You first pull the knobs off the controls for the climate control 
panel and then remove the set screw that holds the climate control 
faceplate in place. Note that this is a great time to replace any 
burned out bulbs for the backlighting of the panel.

You then reach behind the center consle fromthe driver's footwell with 
your left hand/arm and grab the rubber boot attached to the back of 
the mode switch and pull the entire rubber boot off with all the hoses 
still attached. The bot is such that it only fits on the mode switch 
one way. Since you have to do this by feel, before pulling the boot 
off, feel for the indexing bump cast into the outer rim of the boot 
and take a mental note of its orientation (I think from the back it's 
oriented approximately in the 11 o'clock position but my recollection 
is a bit fuzzy).

After the boot is pulled off, you unscrew the mode switch from the 
console from the front and pull it out from the back. Reinstallation 
is the reverse process. Getting the bulbs at the bottom of the console 
back into the bezel is a bit tedious - I guide them back into their 
holders with some long needlenose pliers.

If you have gorilla hands/arms, then it might be clumsy to reach back 
behind the console from the footwell, but I have not hadany particular 
trouble doing so.

I got realy good at this procedure as a result of not using the proper 
lubricant on the mode switch diaphragm. After trying about everything 
I had in my shop and having the switch get gummy/sticky everythime, I 
finnally found that a silicone spray lubricant worked best.

Good luck.

    Knut







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