HVAC controls not working

[Bud125]

On my 04 Rubicon my heater / A/C selector switch seems to have gone dead, it turns like it is not connected to anything or binds up and will not turn at all. So I am thinking it is bad but could this be from a vacuum leak? The fan does not come on either but I am thinking it is because selector switch is in the off position. I did do a quick look around for a disconnected vacuum hose but did not find anything. Hope to tear into it this weekend just wondering if anyone could shed some light on this before I do. On the 04 the hvac controls seem to come as a unit and is not cheap.

 

[Steel City 06]

I would think that it is the switch itself. There is still a similar amount of resistance with no vacuum applied, minus the whooshing noises, and the fan would still come on with the key in the ignition. (Think of the resistance of turning the switch when the engine has been off for a a few days.)

 

[Bud125]

Yes that was my thinking as well, I will get one on the way.

 

[Chris]

Yep, that sure sounds like the switch to me as well.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Have you removed the knob to see if it's just spinning on the shaft. Does happen and has fooled many.

 

[Daryl]

Have you removed the knob to see if it's just spinning on the shaft. Does happen and has fooled many.

This , remove the knob and inspect it. The bore is most likely cracked. Also inspect the shaft because that is where the metal sleeve usually stays when the knob cracks. The new knob comes with a new metal sleeve pressed into it.

 

[anarce]

Yep, I just came to add the same thing. My selector knob was cracked and slipped on the shaft. Cheapest place I have seen the knobs so far was Quadratec (if you order enough other stuff for free shipping) or about $8 w/ Prime shipping on Amazon. If you have to get a new unit, check to make sure that you get the right one for your year. I think the breakdown is sliders for 97-98, knobs for 99-04, and knobs with different switches on the back for 05-06 based on my research. I posted some pics in this thread which might help you:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...switch-or-hvac-panel.22043/page-2#post-670733

 

[mxz800]

Have you removed the knob to see if it's just spinning on the shaft. Does happen and has fooled many.

Two days ago I did a search on here about why my heater won't switch from blowing air at my feet. I learned that the heaters default setting is the defroster, the second thing is the knob could be spinning. I took a knob off my 2001 donor Jeep, put it on the 2004 Jeep problem solved.

Some of the money I figured I saved I spent becoming a supporting member here.

 

[Bud125]

Thanks for the replies and info, I will dig into this weekend. It's not my daily driver and this happened while on a camping trip with lots of other stuff going on.

 

[Bud125]

And so it turns out it was the knob! Thanks guys! The knob has some very small cracks in it and and the meatal piece was causing free spin and then bind. Really appreciate this forum!

 

[TJ4Jim]

And so it turns out it was the knob! Thanks guys! The knob has some very small cracks in it and and the meatal piece was causing free spin and then bind. Really appreciate this forum!

Welcome to the cracked knob club, we've all been there.

 

[K9weavdog]

My knob cracked and came off. The metal sleeve is still attached to the operating rod. Have new knobs with metal sleeve inserts. Any suggestions on removing the old metal sleeve?

 

[K9weavdog]

I would delete this post, but I can't figure out how to do so.

 

[macleanflood]

Grab it with pliers and pull it off?

-Mac

 

[K9weavdog]

Grab it with pliers and pull it off?

-Mac

I should be so lucky.... tried pulling,,,, also tried grabbing it at the back with a pick. No luck.

 

[macleanflood]

Add anything like Kroil or Break Free?

How about a file?

Dremel?

-Mac

 

[K9weavdog]

I should be so lucky.... tried pulling,,,, also tried grabbing it at the back with a pick. No luck.

 

[K9weavdog]

Not sure how I could get break free or similar into it, the way it sits in the dash. A small file might be interesting. It would take awhile, but I could make a couple of cuts and probably get it loose.... thanks for the idea.