Air control problems...especially when cold

[KenK7]

Hi folks...need some suggestions here.

It's an '06 Corolla, and has a recurring problem: The control in the middle of the dash that regulates airflow (passenger,feet, defrost, etc.) has failed repeatedly. Sign of failure: it requires a lot of force to turn it to the defrost mode. It's been serviced probably 4-5 times for the problem, including lubing the cable, replacing and lubing the cable, and (according to the dealer) finally replacing the assembly. Now even on a slightly cool morning, it requires some effort to force it into the defrost mode. AFTER the car is warm, it turns easily. OK, so the problem is not the effort to turn it to defrost, but that the control then stops working. That is, the control turns easily but no longer regulates airflow.

We have an extended warranty which may help. Any with with similar experiences or solutions...? Suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks - Ken

[shadowtag88]

take it back to the dealer and tell them to fix it for real this time.

[KenK7]

Thanks Shadowtag88; however, the dealer seems to try. The various fixes have lasted from a couple of months to about a year. In fact, the control has become stiff when I change to "defrost", so I know it's gonna break again. Dealer services ranged from lubricating the cable to replacing parts.

I hoping to find someone who has solved this problem and can give me info to provide the dealer with a solution.

Thanks - Ken

[adrianm413]

if they replaced the cables and the assembly, it should be fixed right? ...maybe they lied? thats like saying you have an engine oil leak, and then they replace the engine, and you still have a leak. take it back to them and tell them to fix it for real!!

[shadowtag88]

Originally Posted by KenK7

Thanks Shadowtag88; however, the dealer seems to try. The various fixes have lasted from a couple of months to about a year. In fact, the control has become stiff when I change to "defrost", so I know it's gonna break again. Dealer services ranged from lubricating the cable to replacing parts.

I hoping to find someone who has solved this problem and can give me info to provide the dealer with a solution.

Thanks - Ken

seem - look: give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
provide the dealer with a solution - have them really fix it. like you said and the above poster stated, if they changed the assembly. the problem wouldn't be there.


*im not calling you a liar or implying anything against you. im just saying if the dealer replaced the assembly, you wouldn't be posting here. perhaps the technician replaced it with a used part or remaned part that was prone to breaking?
plus if you have a warranty. you shouldnt have to deal with a problem like this on your own if at all. <--I stand by this

-Fred

[KenK7]

Hi Fred...as always there is more to the story. The dealer I use has an excellent reputation and is also nearly 60 mi. away.

Now I'll clarify: this problem seems rare. I'm hoping to hear from someone who has experience with it, and how it was resolved. Don't want to get into accusations, etc., OK.

[shadowtag88]

understood. id liek to hear the solution too. my friends lancer seems to have a similar problem. but has not been looked at yet. so ill be interested in seeing where this goes. good luck.