Date:         Sun, 8 Sep 2002 15:29:49 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      [FIX] Front Heater Switch - Caution
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I just replaced the front blower switch on my 88 GL. The motor would run
only on the "HI" position and you could hear it trying in the other two,
but it just would not run. I wasn't sure certain  it was the switch, but
I figured it was the cheapest way. I could have tried the rear heater
switch in its place first but didn't think abou it until I had already
ordered the switch from Camelback.

1) I  simply to pulled the switch knob out. The knob is made with a stem
and it just sticks down into the switch. Easy to pull out.

2) Knob removal - CAUTION!! I pulled on the lever knobs but they would
not come loose initially. I rolled up the van windows and parked in the
sun for a while. The interior got hot, and the slide knobs softened.
Then I wiggled them left and right until they came loose. They are
tight. CAUTION. READ THE LAST LINE - ITEM 8 Befoe proceeding with this
process!!!!!

3) I pryed with a screwdriver around the edge of the slide panel and the
panel popped loose. It is held in place by two pegs, one in the bottom
left, one in the top right.

Caution. There is a small light attached to the panel with wires. Don't
pull to hard or you could tear something loose.

4) With the panel hanging by the wires, I inserted a common screwdrive
into the right edge of the switch and got under a little flat metal
spring, depressed it and pulled out the switch.

5) On the back of the switch was a female plug. I used a screwdriver to
carefully work the plug off the tines of the switch.

6) The new switch was inserted into the female plug and the assembly
pushed back in place in the dash.

7) The heater controls panel was reinstalled.

8) CAUTION - At this point the knobs were to be re-installed. I
installed three and then I noticed on the very top one a tiny bit of
lighter color on the ends of the slide controls. Very close inspection
with a manifying glass revealed that the light spots were where
SOMETHING HAD BEEN BROKEN OFF.

Was I UPSET!! Those light spots were where tiny little tangs had been
which holds those knobs securely in place. There are also tangs on the
bottom of the levers as well. But the top ones on my van I had broken
off inadvertently, and now my knobs don't want to stay on. So be careful
with you knobs. If you ned to remove them use a hair dryer to warm them
up. I evidently had not gotten them warm enough.

Question to the List. Anyone have any ideas how to get those knobs to
stay put, now that I  have broken off the tangs?

TIA.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver