Heater Control Panel - What did I miss?

[superfunk]

Ok, Im pretty sure im just an idiot missing something simple. I need to get the plastic panel off that covers the heater controls and radio. I took the 4 screw out. I took the faceplate off the radio, the radio is free. I took the knob and nut off the fan switch. I've taken the ends off the slider controls. In my book, it says the face plate will just slide right out. My problem is that the faceplate seems to be connected to the slider controls still. It wont move at all with respect to them. I dont want to break this plastic piece, but I really need to get the heater working (The government says it has to work in order to safety the car so I can put plates on it, plus it gets cold outside). Am I missing something simple? or has something fused together ( I cant see how) over the years?

Also, what are common things that would cause the fan to not work. I had it blowing for a second the first time the car ran, then turned it off and it didnt start again. So I'm guessing the switch, but are there other common things that go wrong.

Thanks for any input.

[Zs-ondabrain]

couple things....

There are 4 cables on a 240Z, but you did'nt mention what car you have.

There is also a Map light that needs to be removed and unplugged

there are 4 screws on the face plate, one on each corner

there are 2 ways for the speed switch, unscrew it or just unplug it.

As for the fuse. There is a plastic fuse holder on the right side of the center console. Sometimes they over heat and loose connection. I think it's a Blue wire going into that fuse. It's jumbled up with all the other fuze box wiring inside what is normally a vinyl cover.

You may need to replace the fuse holder and also check the 2 wires above the blower motor. I think they are red and black.

That should start ya off in the right direction and after all the control cables are disconnected from there seats. they ussually like a bit of a tug. Some are held in place by wire clamps. (plastic covered metal that bends over the wires)

good luck

Dave.

[Arne]

The heater control slider assembly is attached to the rear of the panel with 4 screws. There is no way to remove the panel without removing the slider assembly.

[superfunk]

Thanks,

Sorry, its a '71 240z. So I have to unhook the slider assembly to get the faceplate off. Are there any easy ways to do this, because it sure is hard to get behind there.

[MikeW]

The super easy way is to follow each of the 4 control cables down to the vent controls they attach to. It's very easy to disconnect those cables at the far end - one screw each. You may want to label them first. At that point the whole heater control panel will come out as a single unit with the slider controls and cables still attached. You then only need to be concerned about the map light and the rotary fan switch. Years ago I did this job the hard way which is leaving the cables attached and I wish I had known there was a better way. It's very easy to crack the fragile plastic frame. Now that I have a NOS heater control panel I don't plan on even looking at it funny.

[Walter Moore]

What he said...

Every bit of it.

[superfunk]

Got er,

Thanks

[Zs-ondabrain]

The super easy way is to follow each of the 4 control cables down to the vent controls they attach to. It's very easy to disconnect those cables at the far end - one screw each. You may want to label them first. At that point the whole heater control panel will come out as a single unit with the slider controls and cables still attached.

That's exactly what I was TRYING to say. It just came out different. But at least I had a clue what I was talking about. I think?

when I said to give a tug, I was refering to the cables sliding thru all the dash stuff. Loose like tenticles. Then when you re-install the face, just guide the cables in the right direction and then pull the cable thru to help snug up the dash plate.

Or something like that.

Dave.